Owatonna, Minnesota, boasts a rich array of parks and outdoor activities that cater to all interests. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful nature walk, an adventurous bike ride, or a family-friendly outing, Owatonna’s parks provide the perfect setting.
Kaplan’s Woods Parkway & Lake Kohlmier
One of the city’s most popular recreation areas, Kaplan’s Woods Parkway offers 225 acres for hiking, biking, jogging, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing. Within this scenic parkway, Lake Kohlmier features a beach facility for swimming, canoeing, and docks for fishing. The parkway contains over 6 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and nearly two miles of hard-surfaced, handicapped-accessible trails. This recreation area was featured as one of 10 fall hikes by Explore Minnesota’s Hike Campaign in 2018. Restrooms and facilities are located at Morehouse Park. Maps are available along the trail. For avid mountain bikers, the new mountain bike trail system will leave you breathless. Outdoor equipment rentals for all seasons are available at Straight River Sports & Fitness.
Mineral Springs Park
Mineral Springs Park, the most well-known of Owatonna’s parks, offers a variety of amenities including a disc golf course, paved and grass/wood chip trails, picnic grounds, playground, and restrooms. The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Pavilion reservations can be made online.
Morehouse Park
Morehouse Park is a favorite among locals for its pickleball courts, a beloved Owatonna pastime. The park also features in-line and ice skating rinks, making it a year-round destination for outdoor fun. The scenic Morehouse Bridge offers a romantic spot for picnics while watching the Straight River flow by.
Rice Lake State Park
Located 7 miles east of Owatonna, Rice Lake State Park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy photographing spring wildflowers, picnicking, and bird watching. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and snowmobiling on the trails. For a more secluded camping experience, paddle across the lake and camp in a canoe campsite (camping available April-October).
Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor activity that uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to hide and seek out small containers other geocachers have hidden. Once found, the containers, called “geocaches” or “caches,” reveal a number of tiny treasures that you or your kids can take as a souvenir as long as you bring a trinket to trade for it, along with a small writing log for geocachers to sign. Geocaching units are available to check out for individual/family use at the Park and Recreation Office.
With its diverse parks and recreational opportunities, Owatonna invites residents and visitors alike to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.