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. 

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, darts and a fitness room are available 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.

Gainey Recreational Activities

• Birding with Native Listing from the Minnesota Audubon
• Board Games
• Cybex Fitness Room
• Cross Country Skiing
• Darts
• Golf Driving Range (on-site)
• Gold at Area Courses (fee)
• Hiking/Biking Trails
• Horseshoes
• Labyrinth
• Snowshoeing
• Tennis
• Tours of the Gainey Home
• Tours of Frank Gehry's Winton Guest House
• Volleyball  

Area Attractions

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

Golf - Owatonna Country Club

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. 
(*Note: This is a large file.  Courtesy of the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce and Tourism)

The Little Theatre of Owatonna - Dedicated to providing quality theatre to the Owatonna community and the surrounding areas.

Medford Outlet Center - Shop great stores like GAP, Nike, Old Navy, Eddie Bauer and many more at outlet prices.

Owatonna Arts Center - Beautiful Romanesque-style building built in 1886, named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo - One of the Midwest's largest reptile displays, family fun adventure.

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

Steele County Historical Society's 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. 

Steele County Historical Society's History Center - New in 2012, the History Center features rotating exhibits, displays, and educational programming releative to Steele County and Minnesota history.

Louis Sullivan's National Farmers' Bank - The Louis Sullivan-designed bank is an architectural masterpiece that is enjoyed by art and architecture lovers from all over the world.

For more information regarding local Owatonna attractions, please visit the Owatonna Tourism Department.