Owatonna, County seat in Steele County, Minnesota, United States.
Owatonna is a city in Steele County, Minnesota, situated along the Straight River valley. The downtown business district sits at the center surrounded by residential blocks that spread outward toward the surrounding farmland.
The settlement was founded in 1853 near the Straight River and formally incorporated as a town in 1858, with its name derived from the Dakota word Wakpá Owóthaŋa. The riverside location made it a natural hub for early transportation and commerce in the surrounding farming region.
The Steele County Free Fair happens each August at the county fairgrounds, featuring farm animals, local produce, live performances, and handmade goods from residents. Visitors walk through exhibition halls and outdoor spaces where the community gathers to celebrate rural traditions and showcase their work.
The city sits along Interstate 35 and U.S. Highways 14 and 218, making it easy to reach by car from surrounding areas. Those flying in can use the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, which handles regional air service for visitors and residents.
The National Farmers Bank building showcases Prairie School architecture, a regional style that combines organic shapes with geometric patterns. Designed by Louis Sullivan, it stands as one of the finest examples of this architectural movement from that era.
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