Owatonna
Owatonna is one of the best road trips from Minnesota. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 14.62 square miles; 14.53 square miles is land and 0.09 square miles is water. The oldest part of the city is on a low-lying area on the eastern bank of the Straight River, extending towards the south from Maple Creek. The city has grown in all directions and now lies on both sides of the river, as well as above the ridge north of Maple Creek.
Conveniently located about one hour from Minneapolis, the settlement of Owatonna is a gateway into the past and a fascinatingly preserved example of its small-town beginnings. It's an excellent day trip for those interested in seeing how people of generations past might have lived. A seasonal favorite with families and travelers alike is the Village of Yesteryear attraction, open between May and September and exhibiting 15 buildings ranging from the city hall to a general store. Step back in time as you wander from building to building, or, if you want to experience a more modern attraction, drop by the Reptile Amphibian Discovery Zoo to learn about the fascinating animals.
Location: Steele County, Minnesota, United States
Website: https://owatonna.org/
Distance from Minnesota: 223 miles
Travel time: 3 hours 40 minutes
TripAdvisor Review: 3483 reviews