About Steele County, MN

We are so fortunate to have a State Park about 7 miles from our backyard. Yesterday a friend and I biked about 26 miles out and about in our rural landscape. On our journey we rode to Rice Lake State Park which is a wonderful spot to visit for a weekend or a day. There are 42 camping sites at the park, with 3 of them accessible only by canoe.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources State Park website - American Indians harvested wild rice from this lake where today, the shallow waters and marshy edges of Rice Lake attract many waterfowl during migrations. Rice Lake is a major wetland in the area. Visitors enjoy camping under the tall hardwoods, photographing spring wildflowers, picnicking, and birdwatching. For a more secluded camping experience, paddle across the lake and camp in a canoe campsite. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on the trails.

I loved riding through the dense growth of trees down the trail to the lake. We stopped for awhile and refreshed our legs, and we thoroughly enjoyed the abundant beauty of the natural setting around us. The plentiful birds were reminding us of their presence and we appreciated all that Rice Lake visually had to offer.

I'd strongly encourage a trip to Rice Lake State Park - just 7 miles east of Owatonna. Stay for an afternoon picnic or a few nights. You'll be able to canoe, hike, take in the wildlife, and enjoy the peace and quiet that come from spending time outdoors.

You can make reservations on-line - it's so easy. I can smell the campfire already.

Owatonna, MN Real Estate Market Update

We currently have 211 homes on the market in Owatonna, MN. The average list price for those homes is $192,346 and they have been on the market for an average length of 151 days. Year to date 99 homes have sold and those have an average sale price of $157,849 and have taken an average of 142 days to sell. The average list to sold price ratio is 97.4% which includes any concessions built into the price (like buyer's closing costs). Houses on average are seeing a 5% drop in their original list price to the final list price before they sell. There are currently 125 homes pending sale - meaning that sellers and buyers have agreed upon contracts and contingencies have been removed.

We've seen an increase in buyer activity and I've recently seen competing offers on several properties (just like the old days).

Interest rates are down from this time last year. We have a terrific selection of homes. Employment remains steady and the economic outlook for Owatonna and our region looks very positive. We're so fortunate to have a variety of employers who cross into diverse industries.

Summer is around the corner and we're seeing the trees and allergies in full bloom. Now we just need a little more warm weather - I'm sure it's on its way. It's great to be able to enjoy four distinct seasons, with plenty to do year round.

She's back! I'm referring to the statue of Princess Owatonna that graces our Mineral Springs Park. She is displayed throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons, but apparently she goes somewhere warmer during the winter (lucky girl).

The legend of Princess Owatonna is quite special and I always enjoy sharing the story with newcomers to our community. Legend has it that Chief Wabena heard of the healing power of the waters called minnewaucan. His daughter, Princess Owatonna, was sickly so he moved his tribe to the site of the natural springs on the banks of Maple Creek. Princess Owatonna drank from the springs daily and regained her health. Her kindly spirit hovers near the bubbling waters and beckons weary travelers to pause in the beautiful valley and drink of the magic waters.

Although this makes a colorful campfire story, the name most likely originated from the major river running through Steele County, now named the Straight River. For hundreds of years before the arrival of the first white settlers, Native Americans camped on the banks of the river they called "Ouitunya", which means straight.

So, either way, we take our city's name from the Native Americans who first settled in our rich agricultural community.

Mineral Springs Park is a favorite for families, wedding parties and prom goers to use the lush wooded backdrop alongside the river to take those special photos. There's also a picnic area, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, walking paths, and an adjacent disc golf park to ensure fun for all ages.

Owatonna - it's a great place to live, work and play.

Current real estate listing inventory - 196 active listings in Owatonna as of today. The active listing count has dropped again this week. We haven't been this low in the Active listing count since the end of December 2006. This has been a great couple of weeks for real estate. We have about 20 more listings to go before we reach what has traditionally been a balanced market in Owatonna. That number has usually been in the 170-180 active listing range.

The number of pending listings has climbed again to 50 homes. This is one of the best pending counts we have had in quite a while.

You can tell Spring is here. All the activities of Spring are a great reminder that even if the weather doesn't act like it, it's here!

This weekend (5/2 through 5/4) will once again see dozens of softball teams from all over the upper Midwest compete and play in Corky's 29th Annual Earlybird Tournament. All of the proceeds raised by the tournament will be used to benefit the Owatonna Park and Rec scholarship fund.

During the tournament, there will be entertainment in the form of Harvey and Joe's DJ services at the cement tent by the ball diamonds on 5/2.

Centro Campesino will host a Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Central Park on May 3rd. The event features a three mile run, food, dance and fun.

If you're tastes run more toward fashion, there's something for you, too. On May 3rd the Steele County Historical Societyis pleased to present a "Hats Off to Mom" fashion show which will be held at St. Joseph's Church.

Also on May 3rd you can catch the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Banner on display at the Owatonna Public Library.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate for the opening day of the Farmer's Market on Saturday, May 3rd. It's a great place to buy fresh produce and flowers - all grown on local farms. I rarely get a chance to go, because of Saturday morning open houses - I guess I'll just have to get up earlier.

Sunday May 4th marks the day for the SeniorPlace fundraiser pancake breakfast at the Owatonna Eagles Club.

After filling up on pancakes you can stop in at the Fours Seasons Centre for the Blessing of the Bikes - an annual event designed to bless bikers and keep them safe as they travel the roads.

The Four Seasons Centre will be a busy place on May 7th as they are the site for the 5th annual Steele County Senior and Caregiver Expo. There will be vendors and information available for people who work with and provide services to seniors and caregivers.

On May 8th, there will be a seminar that addresses "Recruiting and Retaining Employees in the 21st Century" which will be held at the Holiday Inn near Cabela's.

May 8th wraps up this full week with an informational session at Senior Place provided by Regional Law Services.

Stay tuned to see what else is going on around Owatonna.