Parks

Enjoy a round of disc golf with friends at Mineral Springs Park or embrace a beloved Owatonna tradition by playing pickleball at the Morehouse Park Courts. For a romantic escape, spread out a blanket by the Morehouse Bridge and take in the serene view of the Straight River. Want to spend a peaceful afternoon on the water? Rent a canoe at Rice Lake State Park and drift across the lake with your special someone.

CITY PARKS
Park & Recreation Office: 540 West Hills Circle | Phone: 507-444-4321
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

Parks across the city not only maintain the charming small-town feel with prairie grass, trees, and wildflowers within city limits, but also provide a range of recreational amenities. Enjoy volleyball, basketball, tennis, and horseshoe courts, along with ball diamonds, in-line and ice skating rinks, and dynamic playgrounds. Visitors can take part in activities such as fishing, geocaching, disc golf, skating, skiing, and more! City parks also serve as ideal locations for family reunions. For trail descriptions, click here.

GEOCACHING

Park & Recreation Office: 540 West Hills Circle | Phone: 507-444-4321
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

Geocaching is an exciting outdoor adventure where participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to locate hidden containers placed by fellow geocachers. These containers, known as “geocaches” or “caches,” often contain small treasures that you or your children can take as souvenirs—just be sure to leave a trinket in exchange. Each cache also includes a logbook for visitors to sign. Geocaching units are available for individuals and families to check out at the Park and Recreation Office, making it easy to embark on this year-round activity.

Owatonna Park Passport
(Available September 6th – October 7th)
Park & Recreation Office: 540 West Hills Circle | Phone: 507-444-4321
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

The Park Passport program, launched by Owatonna Parks and Recreation, is designed to encourage healthy living. It invites individuals and families to explore the city’s parks and trails while staying active by walking designated routes. This four-week program is completely FREE, with full access to all parks at no cost! Download your Passport here.

LEO RUDOLPH NATURE RESERVE

Location: 57 Acres | Young Drive, Jeffrey Drive or Lemond Road
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

During the 1987 state legislative session, the City acquired this tract of land from the State of Minnesota for just $1.00. With guidance from the Department of Natural Resources and the Soil Conservation Service, city staff developed plans to restore the area to its natural prairie state. The reserve now features a two-acre pond and a diverse collection of prairie grasses and wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy a hiking and cross-country ski trail, along with a designated picnic site.

RICE LAKE STATE PARK

Location: 8485 Rose Street | Phone: 507-455-5871
www.dnr.state.mn.us
Operations: Open year-round

Rice Lake was once a vital resource for American Indians, who gathered wild rice from its waters. Today, its shallow depths and marshy edges provide an essential stop for migrating waterfowl. As a significant wetland in the region, it draws visitors eager to photograph spring wildflowers, enjoy picnics, and observe birds in their natural habitat. During winter, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, or snowmobiling. Those seeking a more secluded camping experience can paddle across the lake to a canoe-access campsite, available from April to October. Situated 7 miles east of Owatonna, the park welcomes guests year-round for day-use activities.

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