RECREATION & FAMILY FUN

Take a look at the Owatonna Park Finder map app at Owatonna.gov to find the ideal spot for nearly any outdoor activity!

Conquer the Trails

Runners and cyclists will stay occupied for days on Owatonna’s 17+ multiuse miles of trails. They are also ideal for those who wish to stroll through scenic woodlands in search of wildlife. Kaplan’s Woods Parkway connects Morehouse Park Trail to Kaplan’s Woods where there are 225 acres for hiking and jogging and six miles of mountain bike trails. Connections between the 26th Street Trail, North Straight River Parkway, Lange Woods, Ihlenfeld/Wildung, Buxton and Muckle trails wind along the Straight River through several beautiful city parks.

Experience the Water

See the heart of Owatonna from the seat of a kayak on the Straight River. This section of the designated State Water Trail is perfect for an early summer paddle. Pick up a trail guide at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. Rent a canoe at Rice Lake State Park for an afternoon of exercise and relaxation. Spend the afternoon boating, fishing off the pier, lounging on the beach or paddling around Lake Kohlmier or Lake Chase. Rent a paddleboard, kayak or hydro bike at Lake Kohlmier. Cool off on a hot summer day at River Springs Water Park featuring two water slides, lazy river, lily pad walk, activity pool, zero depth entry or climbing wall. Bring a picnic lunch or pick up a snack at the concession stand.

So Many Ways to R&R

Enjoy a round of disc golf with friends at the River Rock Disc Golf Course in Mineral Springs Park. Check out Morehouse Park, Manthey Park or Sid Kinyon Courts at Lincoln School for a friendly game of pickleball, bocce ball, ping pong or bean bags. The whole family can have fun playing mini-golf at Water’s Edge Miniature Golf Course.

Inclusive Playgrounds

Lake Kohlmeir Beach and Manthey Park provide playgrounds that are accessible to all.

Life’s a Picnic

Grab a blanket and enjoy a picnic next to the Morehouse Bridge while watching the Straight River meander along.

Go Fish

If you’re looking to catch something, look no further than Steele County! Panfish, bass, even walleyes can be found in Lake Kohlmier, Lake Chase and Beaver Lake. Or, take on the challenge of fishing on the Straight River!

Hit the course

For the passionate or amateur golfer, Owatonna has two 18-hole courses. Brooktree Golf Course, a reasonablypriced, 18-hole championship par71 public course is nestled along the banks of Maple Creek near the entrance of picturesque Mineral Springs Park. The natural beauty of the course, its surroundings and a welcoming patio with a fire pit truly make it a great destination to play, relax and enjoy! Check out the Owatonna Country Club, an 18-hole private course with a “call for playing privileges” guest policy. For a 9-hole public par 3 course, play a round at the Havana Hills Golf Course.

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Owatonna has you covered when it comes to your outfitting needs. Pick up all your outdoor adventure gear at Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitter and Straight River Sports & Fitness.

Scan to watch video of biking

For the camper

Roast your marshmallows under the stars and enjoy the great outdoors! Nestled along the Straight River is Riverview Campground, a Good Sam Park, which includes a heated swimming pool and a miniature golf course. Hope Oak Knoll Campground, also a Good Sam Park, is a quiet and shady place to camp. Relax with a game of horseshoes and Hope Oak Knolls game room. Enjoy seasonal camping under the tall hardwoods at Rice Lake State Park.

Bird Watching

The county offers excellent opportunities for bird watching with sightings of more than 200 species recorded. For information on bird watching, contact the MnDNR Area Wildlife Office at 507-455-5841.

507-455-1465 | Ultra Outlet Mall theradzoo.com Come out and experience the RAD Zoo, home to a diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians. The RAD Zoo features more than 150 kinds of snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodilians and amphibians as well as some beautiful birds and fish. On weekend afternoons, watch the snake and crocodilian feedings. Pet a snake, tortoise or a small alligator or even hold one for a family photo for a small fee.

Cool off

Relax on the lazy river or join the kids on the climbing wall at the River Springs Water Park. Spend a sunny day building a sandcastle or cooling off in the swimming area at Lake Kohlmier.

Enrichment

Spend the day walking through the wildflowers with the kids at Rice Lake State Park. Take the kids to an outdoor lifestyle class at Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitter. While you’re there, check out the local fish aquarium and native and exotic animal display. Get hands-on learning at the Village of Yesteryear and discover rich history at the Orphanage Museum.

For The Movie Lover

Take in a movie and lounge in the heated recliners at Northwoods Cinema 10. Go to the movies on a Tuesday for just $5 (all day). Catch an outdoor movie during the summer months in Central Park downtown. Stop in for a beverage or a meal at the Brooktree Golf Course Clubhouse. The natural beauty of the course, its scenic surroundings and the welcoming patio with fire pit makes it a great destination to relax with friends.

Outdoor Fun for All

The inclusive playground and Miracle Field at Manthey Park have been thoughtfully designed to provide a safe place for children of all abilities to play together. In this welcoming environment, exclusion barriers are removed providing a “sensory rich” experience accessible to all kids as well as kids at heart! Bring on the family competition with a game of bowling, some arcade games or laser tag at Spare Time Entertainment. Run around the playground at Fairgrounds Park, a local favorite.

Archery

Aim for a bullseye at the Archery Range at 711 North Elm Avenue. The ten shooting lanes at different distances and handicap accessible lanes are yet another way to challenge yourself and enjoy Owatonna’s outdoor amenities!

Tail Wagging Fun

Four-legged friends can socialize with others, off-leash, at the Dog Park at Lake Chase, 1915 State Avenue NW.