RICH IN HISTORY

800-423-6466 (Chamber) | 208 Walnut Ave S Designed by Jacobson & Jacobson, the original municipal power plant was built in 1855 as a steam power plant. Additions to the building have kept the original style of brick with arched windows. The power plant was damaged in 2010 when the Straight River flooded. The 12 feet of water in the building’s basement rendered the generators inoperable. The Owatonna Public Utilities sought to repurpose the building to invest in the preservation and history of the building as it now functions as the headquarters of OPU. Schedule a tour of the building to see the history that remains. Artifacts from the building’s earlier days are integrated throughout the space and the original floor and equipment are incorporated in a way that recalls the historic structure. Guided group tours.

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800-423-6466 (Chamber) | 101 N Cedar Ave The National Farmers Bank is one of the 25 National Historic Landmarks in Minnesota and added to the “11 Can’t Miss Stops On A Tour Of America’s Hidden Architecture Gems” because of its premiere example of Prairie School Architecture. The bank was designed in the early 1900s by Louis Sullivan who was known as the “father of the skyscraper” and Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor. Being the first and most famous of Sullivan’s “jewel box” banks, it features gold leaf arches, stained glass windows, 2-ton electroliers, and murals depicting farm life in Steele County. Now an operating Wells Fargo, the bank is located across from Central Park in Historic Downtown. Self-guided and guided group tours.

Steele County History Center & Village of Yesteryear

507-451-1420 | 1700 Austin Road SCHSMN.org Experience what life was like in Steele County during the late 19th century at the Village of Yesteryear. The 19-structure village includes an 1868 mansion, historic schoolhouse, general store, log cabins and blacksmith shop. Stop in next door to the Steele County History Center to view rotating exhibits about the history of the region. In July, experience the Extravaganza - an afternoon of music, food, and historic demonstrations in the village. Self-guided and guided group tours.

Historic Downtown

800-423-6466 (Chamber) Take a stroll through time walking on the streets of Historic Downtown Owatonna, a Nationally Registered Historic District. The buildings reflect three significant periods: the last quarter of the nineteenth century, first three decades of the twentieth century, and the period from 19301950s. The historic district contains a total of 75 contributing buildings and one contributing park. Use the Historic Walking Tour Brochure as a guide while you explore the unique architecture of downtown. Self-guided and guided group tours.

Orphanage Museum

507-774-7369 | 540 West Hills Circle orphanagemuseum.com More than 10,000 orphaned, abandoned or abused children were sent to Owatonna between 1886 and 1945 to live at the Minnesota State Public School for dependent and neglected children. The historic campus is now called the West Hills Campus and is home to the Owatonna Arts Center, Little Theatre of Owatonna, City offices and the only known Orphanage Museum in the nation. The museum was founded by a former “State-Schooler” to remember the stories and glimpse into the lives of the children who have called “State School” their home. Explore the Museum, historic Cottage 11, the Children’s Cemetery and take an audio tour. Whether you schedule a guided group tour or choose a self-guided visit, you will find unforgettable history awaiting you. Self-guided and guided group tours.