EMBRACE THE COLD

Skate on the River

Experience a favorite tradition by skating on the Straight River which was featured in Explore Minnesota’s “Great Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks.” Bring along your hockey stick and puck for a game of hockey on the Morehouse rinks. Rent skates at the Chalet, 350 School Street, and meet up with friends in the large warming house. There are skate helpers available for beginners and food concessions. Enjoy bonfires Saturdays at 5:30 pm, bring s’mores or hotdogs.

Ski and Snowshoe

Winding trails flanked by woodlands and waterways beckon cross-country skiers and snowshoers looking for a winter wonderland adventure on the groomed trails from Morehouse Park to Kaplan’s Woods and Rice Lake State Park. Rent cross-country skis at the Morehouse Chalet or snowshoes at Rice Lake State Park.

Sledding

The West Hills Complex off State Avenue offers excellent hills for sledding, so grab your friends and family, bundle up and head out for hours of fun.

Hok Skis

Take to the trails with a new twist to an old tradition. Hok Skiing, first introduced in Central Asia, brings the best of both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to the winter playground of Southern Minnesota. Head out to Kaplan’s Woods or the Straight River to climb hills with ease and slide down with grace in groomed and ungroomed conditions. Put on your favorite winter boots and head down to Straight River Sports & Fitness and rent Hok Skis for the whole family!

Fat Biking

Why wait until the ground thaws to bike? Check out the seven miles of snowy mountain bike trails at Kaplan’s Woods. Contact Straight River Sports & Fitness for fat bike rentals and local guides.

Winter Events

Owatonna’s winter season warms hearts with fun events like Christmas in the Village, Lighted Holiday Parade and a Candlelight Event at Rice Lake State Park. Owatonna’s Winter Festival Bold & Cold is a chance to spend a winter weekend out with events, a snow sculpture competition, cardboard sled races, rock on ice skating to music and other fun activities.