FILL A DOWNTOWN WITH LUSH greenery and flowers in over-sized planters, add water features, and places to sit, mingle and converse, and you have what I consider an inviting space. That would be downtown Owatonna.
On a recent visit to this southern Minnesota city an hour south of Minneapolis along Interstate 35, I discovered a visually-appealing, pedestrian-friendly business district along revamped North Cedar Avenue. I haven’t walked through downtown Owatonna in awhile, not since a major streetscape project was completed in the fall of 2022. And I must say, the results are simply stunning.
As I walked block after block through this National Register Historic District, I focused not so much on the buildings as on the beauty. Trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, all have been incorporated into the streetscape. Within limestone edged planters. In mammoth free-standing planters. In hanging baskets.
The results present a harmonious connection with nature, a garden-like appearance, a feeling of serenity, of wanting to linger. And that’s exactly what business owners and others hope. Stick around. Connect. Shop. Spend money. Enjoy.
Downtown Owatonna offers a good mix of service-oriented businesses, retail shops from shoe store to boutiques to bookshop and more, along with places to dine, drink and even stay overnight. A new Courtyard by Marriott anchors a downtown corner, complete with outdoor sidewalk-side seating and a fire pit.
Everywhere, I spotted these welcoming spaces. Some are squeezed between buildings—in narrow areas I assume were once alleyways. Planters lush with ferns and flowers soften the hardscapes of brick and cement. Cozy bistro tables with seating for two to larger round tables with spots for four encourage outdoor dining and conversation. Overhead party lights crisscross some areas, adding to the evening ambiance. Only the addition of outdoor public art would up the charm. Maybe that’s coming.
There’s more, much more. Rectangular limestone planters flush with trees, perennial flowers, shrubs and grasses create a living buffer between street and storefront that feels protective, naturally calming.
Unobtrusive small scale water features scatter throughout the downtown. Benches beckon. There’s a neighborly vibe here, of connectedness.
I even spotted a skinny high-top table, minus chairs, cemented into the sidewalk, ideal for standing and chatting while nibbling or sipping. Outside a wine bar, two wooden barrels hold space.
All of this, everything, speaks to me: “Welcome, we’re happy you’re here. Wander. Engage. Relax.” Owatonna got it right in this redo of their downtown. I appreciate when people take precedence over motor vehicles. (There’s still plenty of parking available.)
I like the feeling I get in this downtown, along North Cedar Avenue. One of friendliness. One of deliberate attention to details. One of offering spaces that connect, that build community. One of feeling embraced in a carefully-curated nature-oriented environment.
This downtown feels like a place where I could listen to acoustic music, peruse a pop-up mini art show or listen to a local poet read poetry in a revamped alleyway. Mostly, though, downtown Owatonna feels pedestrian-friendly in a way that most downtowns do not. And that, to me, holds infinite appeal.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Wonderful! Love to see small towns efforts to main their downtown charms
Thank you for appreciating the work done in Owatonna and other towns to preserve and create downtown charm.
My family and I loved the streetscaping and welcoming vibe when we visited Owatonna this summer. It retains the history but feels updated. I enjoyed your pictures; you saw some features we missed,
You’re absolutely correct that the history has been retained with the streetscape updates. I’m happy to take you back to your hometown today. I have more photos to share. Eventually.
Well said, Audrey. As a long time Owatonna resident who watched the transformation of North Cedar Ave. from dull and slightly depression to welcoming, pedestrian-friendly, and inviting, I agree 100%. Now all we need is to fill up the empty store fronts with a complementary variety of shops. Even with a beautiful downtown setting, it’s still hard for small businesses to survive their first five years. But the area is going in the right direction.
You’re spot on with your comment, Chris. I hope Owatonna continues to grow and thrive. Your downtown is beyond inviting. I absolutely love the updates.
it looks so welcoming and inviting, and the town has done of wonderful job of making this impression. a win for all and good for them. I hope it brings people to their town and it helps them continue to thrive.
I hope the same for Owatonna.
Our towns were half Faribault, half Owatonna, Morristown and some Northfield. I sent this to my Owatonna cousins, will warm their heart from the East and West coasts now. Tending must take a committee and a “crew”, but nature has helped this year. Didn’t come together in a year. SO happy for them intelligent folks! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing this with your cousins.
it’s amazing what a clean space and some landscaping can do for curb appeal. What a charming area to walk through
It’s absolutely charming.
What lovely spaces and yes – very welcoming and inviting.
Owatonna has done a great job with its downtown redo.