Warning - if you don't like snow you may be offended by my photos - but this year we have plenty of it. I want to show off my community. We've been fortunate to raise our family, make lasting friendships, grow a business, and have fun all while living in Owatonna, Minnesota. Owatonna is a community of 24,000 about 50 miles south on I-35 from the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. We are also 45 minutes west of the famed Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Here are a few of the photos I have taken around town recently -

This photo was taken at Dartt's park. One of our walking trails goes right through the park. There are ball diamonds, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, basketball hoops, and playground equipment for everyone's enjoyment.



This is the fountain in Central Park. In the summer kids will dip their toes and grown-ups will toss coins for good luck.

This is a photo of the Central Park band shell. It was recreated to have the same look as the original bandshell. It's a great place to enjoy summer concerts and other community activities.

This imposing building is our city administration building. It also houses the Owatonna Arts Center. This building used to serve as a State School (Orphanage). Children whose families could no longer care for them would be brought in by train from all over Minnesota. There is an orphnage museum on site that provides a wonderful sense of history for the community.


This photo shows off the exterior grounds of the Owatonna Arts Center. It's a wonderful facility that offers a great venue for gatherings and parties. We hosted our Christmas party here for the agents from all three of our offices. In addition they offer classes and showcase art and local talents from area artists.


This view shows the entrance to the trails of Kaplan's Woods. I've spent a lot of time hiking through woods this year. There are plenty of hills, creeks, wildlife for every nature enthusiast to enjoy. Get off the couch and have fun in the winter!

This photo shows off the Lake Kohlmeyer fishing pier. The geese have found the open water and are ready for spring. People fish off the pier most of the year. I always love riding my bike on the trailsnearby in the summer and I get to watch the love of fishing being shared between grandparents, parents, and kids. Families love it. Ther's also a swimming beach and playground. You can even rent canoes and paddle boats here. We had a summer fun day and ran an obstacle course here once with our agents.

As you can see we have a variety of wonderful attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the year - hey don't forget we also have Cabela's about 2 miles north on I-35. Stop in and visit - anytime!

This is one of my favorite winter views. This bridge was newly installed and serves as a footbridge which connects one of many walking/biking trails through the Owatonna parks.

We're so fortunate to have so many enjoyable places to use year round. There are several skating ponds near this bridge, and the cross country ski trail is just to the south of the bridge. This winter I rented snow shoes at the park chalet, and snow shoed with a friend through the beautiful wooded park.

It's amazing what you can see in the woods this time of year without all the leaves on the trees. It's beautiful.