Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum — Attraction in Owatonna

The tour, which I organized for a small school group, was well done and sensitive to our age group. The tour guide could have exploited or politicized either the positives or negatives, but did not. She stated facts and shared the personal accounts from those who had lived there.

I was somewhat surprised by how small the museum room section was. There are documents, photos and items preserved and protected behind glass. I only mention this because a person who only sees this slice is missing the rest of the pie which has been prepared for them.

There are historical audio markers scattered around outside which are easily heard with a push of a button. Despite having a map of their location, I was a bit confused at their location a couple times. It is worth pushing through and finding them. There is not a trail system between them. Some are in the middle of grass, but worth standing in the wind to hear. Very worth it.

Our tour included cottage 11, a well preserved cottage which was housed by children and their matron. Inside cottage 11 was a video which was recently discovered in someone's attic depicting all the children during a particular time. Wow! To think if that was not found there would be nothing.to view...no other choice of footage.

There is also a gift shop inside cottage 11 where a few books or articles can be purchased. Remember, although most of us aren't necessarily interested in a t- shirt or mug with the state school on it, many elderly people return who consider this place their childhood home.

Also, the grounds and buildings are used for other purposes, such as, offices. It is a bit distracting from the solemn and historical "feel" BUT I'm sure that is what makes this museum and grounds affordable and so very well maintained.

Thanks to all who have invested in this great Minnesota spot and to those who have shared...

Small but educational, I have walked through the museum 2 times now. Both times I count understand why it is so small and so un noticed. There are various items from that time period, that were used at the orphanage. Dolls, beds, rocking chair, tricycle, lots of different toys and clothes. There is information to read as you walk through. It just seems to have gotten put in a smaller area of the building. I think it should have the recognition and the full story told. Not the "short" one. Its now located in the basement of the parks & rec and the city permit building. All those buildings are being used for various things. From preschool to building permits. I just think someone could take the items that they have now. Turn into a bigger more informational type museum. Actually display the items with its history? More details on the schools story. What can be found out about it. It made me sad to go there an see that it was so small. I'm hopeful someday it will be displayed in a more...

Very sad at times, but they have put it together with some uplifting stories of the children that spent time there. They have done a great job of honoring the children and the cemetery brought us to tears. So much has been put into making those graves that were only marked with numbers back to having names. I thought my 16 year old daughter would think it was boring and she was so touched by the stories we have been talking about it since our visit this afternoon. Everyone that has put this together and honored the children has done a wonderful job. My 18 year old son was working today, but wants to visit it when he gets the chance.

The art center is beautiful too. Highly recommend you visit and donate what you can. Self guided tours are free. Set aside some time, because it’s extensive and very well documented on the daily life of the children that went...