In 1969, the City of Owatonna received $8,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to acquire land for a neighborhood park in southwest Owatonna. The City, in 1971, purchased 7.4 acres from Leslie and Mary Spitzack for the “southwest” park. In 1971, the City was informed it was a beneficiary of the Mr. Minot J. Brown estate. The City received in excess of $30,000 from Mr. Brown’s estate, which it used to develop the park.

The park features a large playground area with modern equipment for children to climb, swing, and slide on. There are also plenty of open green spaces for picnics, sports games, or simply lounging in the sun. Minot Brown Park is also equipped with basketball courts, tennis courts, and a baseball field, providing opportunities for organized sports and recreational activities.

Owatonna Public Skatepark is a popular recreational facility located in Owatonna, MN, USA. This skatepark offers a variety of features and amenities for skateboarders, BMX riders, and rollerbladers of all skill levels to enjoy. The park boasts an expansive concrete course with ramps, bowls, rails, and ledges, providing opportunities for riders to practice and perfect their tricks.

The Bike/Skate Park is a Tier I park, open during normal Park hours. This park is free to use by all patrons. Helmets are required to be used at the Park, and other safety equipment such as elbow and knee pads are strongly recommended.

The City accepted this park, 15.7 acres in size, as a memorial from Dr. Guel and Margaret Morehouse on March 15, 1913, on the condition that the acreage would remain as a park forever. The City spent $2,500 to upgrade the park. The Warsinski Chalet, which serves as a warming house in the winter, and picnic shelter, and a meeting facility the rest of the year, was built in 1964. Morehouse Park boasts four lighted hockey rinks and has long been the site of outdoor ice skating in the city.

In the summer, with its lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and picturesque picnic areas, Morehouse Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park's winding paths, which are lined with beautiful trees and colorful flowers. The park also features a variety of recreational amenities, including playgrounds, pickleball courts, and a fishing pond. Whether you're looking to relax, recreate, or reconnect with nature, this park has something to offer everyone. So pack a picnic, lace up your walking shoes, and head over to Morehouse Park for a day of outdoor fun and relaxation.

Enjoy a peaceful, paved 4-mile trail along the Straight River in Owatonna, perfect for walking, biking, or running. Open year-round with river views, four bridge crossings, rest spots, and accessible features. Dogs welcome on leash! It continues the Muckle Trail corridor north along the Straight River, connecting to the 26th Street Trail near Cashman Park. (Entry point on 26th Street)

The Owatonna Aces are a Minnesota amateur baseball team that competes in the Twin Rivers League. Home games are played at Dartts Park. Team updates, information, and game schedules are posted on its Twitter account @Aces_Baseball.

Home Games:

• May 30th vs Austin Blue Jays (7:30 pm)

• June 4th vs Wanamingo Jacks (7:30 pm)

• June 8th vs Plainview Bucks (2:00 pm)

• June 20th vs Rochester Roadrunners (7:30 pm)

• June 27th vs Pine Island Pioneers (7:30 pm)

• July 9th vs Waseca Braves (7:30 pm)

• July 11th vs Stewartville-Racine Sharks (7:30 pm)

• July 18th vs Dodge County Diamondbacks (7:30 pm)

• July 20th vs Austin Greyhounds (2:00 pm)

Check out the vibrant diversity mural near The Blast on Hoffman Drive NW and West Rose Street! Designed by artist Steve DeLaitsch and painted with help from Girl Scouts Troop #4795, this project—led by the Owatonna Human Rights Commission—adds a bold, inclusive touch to the walking trail. The mural’s design promotes and reflects Owatonna’s cultural diversity.

The Moonlighters Exchange Club of Owatonna proudly completed Phase 1 of the Owatonna Veterans Memorial, located at the northwest corner of 18th St. and Austin Rd. This powerful tribute honors veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces—including the newest, the U.S. Space Force. Stop by to honor all of the brave men and women who have served our nation!

Developed as a tourist park in the 1920s, Mineral Springs Park is the site of this statue. Legend has it Chief Wabena heard of the curing waters called minnewaucan. His daughter, Princess Owatonna, was very frail so he moved his tribe to the site of the natural springs on the banks of Maple Creek. Princess Owatonna drank from the springs daily and recovered her health. Her kindly spirit hovers near the bubbling waters and beckons weary travelers to pause in the beautiful valley and drink the magic waters.

In 1996, the City of Owatonna acquired a jet from the U.S. Air Force as a monument for the airport. A year later, R.W. “Buzz” Kaplan proposed a signature display featuring three jets in formation to honor U.S. fighter pilots. The city secured two more jets from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and engineers spent months designing a display strong enough to withstand high winds.

Whether you're into biking, hiking, trail running, or scenic walks, Kaplan’s Woods and Parkway has something for everyone! There are 7 miles of well-marked trails ranging from easy to intermediate, and a beautiful, wooded landscape near Lake Kohlmier. Enjoy swimming, fishing, playgrounds, and trails ideal for mountain bikes, fat tire bikes, and runners.

Lake Kohlmier beach is open for aquatic and trail equipment rentals from Thursday through Sunday! Lifejackets, available in adult, child, and infant sizes, are included and required with all aquatic rentals. The beach is open daily, and ropes are placed to indicate swim areas. There are no lifeguards on duty - individuals will swim according to beach rules and at their own risk.

Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Mineral Springs Park, Owatonna’s most well-known park. Home to the 9-hole River Rock Disc Golf Course, this scenic park also features trails, picnic grounds, a playground, and horseshoe pits. The disc golf course is free for anyone to use (you need to supply your own disc; however, you can check them out at the Parks and Recreation office).

Take a self-guided tour of the Orphanage Museum on the former grounds of Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children. The primary museum is located in the central hall of the City Administration Building. Visitors can learn about the history of the school and the children, walk through a restored boys' cottage, and see photos and artifacts that tell the stories of the children who lived this history.

Discover the National Farmer’s Bank, built from 1906-1908. The most famous of all Louis Sullivan’s banks, it is considered “a jewel box of the prairie,” featuring gold leaf arches, stained glass windows, and nouveau baroque art designs. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and was commemorated on a United States postage stamp in 1981.