HEART OF STEELE
This is my first winter in Owatonna, and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department has me wishing I was more of an outdoorsy kind of person.
Boards are set up for two ice skating rinks, including a new one at Buecksler Park, Smith Avenue and 18th Street SE. This is more of a backyard set-up, with no attendants and no lights around the 70-by-160-foot rink. The park surrounding it is 4.3 acres of wooded land named for the family who donated it to the city.
Skating at Morehouse Park is a different experience. The “full service” rink includes a warming house, concessions, and skate rentals.
To me, the coolest part of that area is the river that you really can skate away on–so long as the ice conditions are safe.
If snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are more your style, the city cut new trails this year through Hamman and Naas Parks. Start by parking at the Daikin soccer fields, 1101 Rice Lake St. E., where you’ll find the trail entrance.
Trails at Morehouse Park, which will take you to Lake Kohlmeier and through Kaplan Woods, and trails at Brooktree Golf Course on Cherry Street, are also suitable for fat-tire biking.
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast at heart, call Owatonna Parks and Recreation at 507-444-4321, to learn more. You’ll also find the latest updates on rink and trail conditions by following Owatonna Parks and Recreation on Facebook.