What are others saying about Owatonna?

 On a recent visit to this southern Minnesota city an hour south of Minneapolis along Interstate 35, I discovered a visually-appealing, pedestrian-friendly business district along revamped North Cedar Avenue. I haven’t walked through downtown Owatonna in awhile, not since a major streetscape project was completed in the fall of 2022. And I must say, the results are simply stunning. 

When the hustle and bustle of everyday life starts to feel overwhelming, a charming escape can be just what the doctor orders.

Enter Owatonna, Minnesota.

A small town with a big heart, Owatonna offers a delightful mix of activities, history, and natural beauty that makes it perfect for a family day trip.

Ready to discover what makes this quaint town so special?

Newcomers love Owatonna because the city makes it easy for them to plant roots, make friends and find that perfect job. 

 SIGNS, WHETHER HANDWRITTEN on a piece of paper or professionally made to mark a business, fascinate me. They reveal much about the heartbeat and history of a community.   

It’s easy to spot Owatonna Degner Regional Airport when passing by on Interstate 35: the display at its entrance has become a distinctive landmark. Three T-38 jet aircraft, arranged in a starburst formation and painted in US Air Force Thunderbird colors, have been welcoming visitors to the airport since 2006.

 With a population of less than 30,000 residents and an affordable median home price of $289,900, Owatonna’s charming downtown is one of the many reasons people relocate to this town. 

Owatonna is another town with a unique history. There is a fascinating legend about Owatonna and the healing waters you can find there. 

 Minnesota has so much going for it that a 2023 study named it the "best state for millennials" in the United States. Owtaonna, MN is named one of these communities.

 The city's historic downtown architecture is beautifully preserved and occupied today by boutiques, restaurants and a variety of businesses.

The Village of Yesteryear facilities allow travelers to learn about bygone eras of Minnesota, featuring an authentic early 1900s school, railroad station, general store, and much more. 

Starting from its incorporation in the 1860s, Owatonna developed an urban center whose architecture remains visible and beautiful today.  

Owatonna is a town in Steele County first settled in 1854. This town stands tall when it comes to the history of Minnesota.

The town's National Farmer's Bank, built in 1908, is a prime example of the Prairie School of American architecture, with stained glass and elements of nouveau Baroque and Art Deco styles.  

 Owatonna, Minnesota, is an exemplary town for retirement for seniors–affordable, surrounded by nature, and with a laid-back vibe.  

 Owatonna’s 26,400 residents get to play and shop in a 75-building Commercial Historic District. All of the properties were built between 1871 and the 1950s.