Recreation and Area Attractions

 In the sunny days of summer and fall, expect to see the Gainey Conference Center guests spending their leisure time playing outdoor volleyball, bocce ball, tennis or using the golf range located on the grounds. Picnics can be arranged around any activity and golf reservations are available at the Owatonna Country Club, Brooktree or the new Scottish links course of Hidden Creek.

As the clouds move in, spirits remain high while guests partake in one of our indoor activities. Medallion hunts are one of the favorite extracurricular events of regular guests. It goes without saying that the rain won't put a damper on anyone's fun since an indoor putting course can be played throughout the center. Board games, bumper pool, darts and ping pong also are available, and a fitness room is open to all guests.

Every season makes excellent use of the hiking trails, which give our guests a chance to see the woods, river, horses and other beautiful scenery unique to the Gainey Conference Center.

Fall at the Gainey Center is unequaled, with hayrides and bonfires. Winter puts the cross country ski and snowshoe trails to good use.

No matter how unpredictable the Minnesota weather can be, there remains a 100 percent chance for an enjoyable time at the Gainey Conference Center.

Click here for a .pdf map of trails and recreation sites on the Gainey grounds. (Note: This is a large file.)

Other Recreational Activities

• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Horseshoes
• Cybex weight equipment
• Snowshoes
• Bocce/croquet
• Nature trails for jogging/hiking
• Board Games
• Ping Pong
• Darts
• Biking
• Golf Driving range
• NordicTrack exercise equipment
• Cross-country skiing (equipment rental fee)
• Canoes

Area Attractions

Bowling - Southpark Lanes & Lounge

Cabela's - The world's foremost outfitter of fishing, hunting and outdoors gear

Golf - Brooktree Golf Course, Havanna Hills Golf Course (par-3), Hidden Creek Golf Course

Historic Downtown Retail District - Antiques, crafts and specialty shops as well as salons, shoe & clothing boutiques

Historic Walking Tour - 22 Buildings of Architectural Distinction in the downtown area or stroll by 30 magnificent homes with the Historic Homes Walking Tour

Medford Outlet Mall - Shop great stores like GAP, Nike, Liz Claiborne, Eddie Bauer and many more at outlet prices

Owatonna Arts Center - Beautiful Romanesque-style building built in 1886

State Orphanage Museum - Learn the story of Minnesota's orphans through historic photos, artifacts and personal stories

Village of Yesteryear - Setting of structures where you can experience what life was like in Owatonna and Steele County at the turn of the 20th Century

Wells Fargo Bank - The Louis Sullivan-designed bank is an architectural masterpiece that is enjoyed by art and architecture lovers from all over the world