Hotels in Owatonna

Beneath the prairie sky stands the National Farmers' Bank, a Louis Sullivan masterpiece that looks more cathedral than financial institution. The RAD Zoo offers close encounters with scaly residents, where staff introduce visitors to surprisingly personable reptiles. History buffs shouldn't miss the State Orphanage Museum, a poignant glimpse into childhood's past. During August, the Steele County Free Fair transforms the fairgrounds into a celebration of rural life that locals plan their summers around. Rice Lake State Park provides a peaceful counterpoint with trails through native grasslands. The Owatonna Arts Center showcases regional talent in a building that itself feels like an exhibit. Even the public library merits a visit – its architecture tells stories before you've opened a book.