History Comes Alive in Owatonna!
From Itineraries Midwest Fall/Winter Issue 2010
This sample itinerary is ideal July 9 & 10, 2011 in Owatonna, MN!
Day One
10 – 11:00 am
Make your way to Owatonna in time to shop the Farmers’ Market in Central Park. Vendors line the ‘town square’ displaying beautiful hand-made items, homemade foods & fresh produce.
11 – 12:30 pm
Cross the street and discover historic downtown in the National Farmer’s Bank, designed by world-renowned architect Louis Sullivan. The bank building is famous for its Prairie School architecture. Take a closer look at the historic downtown churches, homes, and schools with a self-guided walking tour. Pick-up your guide book at the Bank.
12 – 2:30 pm
Relax and enjoy the historic buildings, coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants downtown. For treats of the chocolate sort, stop by Costa’s Café & Chocolate Shop featuring delicious hand-made/hand-dipped candies. Discover a variety of perfect lunch spots to choose from downtown.
2:30 – 5:00 pm
Tour the State School Orphanage Museum and learn the story of Minnesota’s orphans. Between 1886-1945, over 10,000 orphans passed through this State School Orphanage, the only one in the country. Take a guided tour, watch videos and hear stories as told by those who lived at the orphanage.
5 – 8:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of cowboy fare and entertainment during the Chuckwagon Supper at the Village of Yesteryear, the kickoff to their annual historic Extravaganza!
8:00 pm
Relax and enjoy the rest of the evening with pie and coffee at Owatonna’s Family Restaurant or maybe a specialty martini at Torey’s restaurant instead. Hospitality and a good night sleep await you back at your hotel.
Day Two
9 – 11:00 am
Rise and shine and discover Owatonna’s Parks and Trails for a brisk walk through Kaplan’s Wood’s or enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Kohlmeier.
11 – 5:00 pm
Music, food, historic demonstrations, blacksmithing, soap making, handwork demonstrations, horse-drawn rides, an antique tractor show and more at the Steele County Historical Society Village of Yesteryear Extravaganza. The Old West Society of Minnesota will be on hand to entertain you and take you back to the “old west”. All Village buildings are open to enjoy. FREE admission, donations are appreciated.
For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group please contact your tour operator or the Owatonna Tourism Department 800-423-6466 or go to www.visitowatonna.org.
