Trails

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Trail Rules

Owatonna’s multi-use trail system is designed to provide a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Please follow rules and share the trail.

Stay as near to the right side of the trail as you can.
Move over for those who are faster.
Travel in a consistent and predictable manner.
Pass on the left only after looking ahead and back.
Announce yourself by giving a signal to let others know you are passing.
Yield when entering or crossing trails or roadways.
When traveling with others, only use half the trail.
No racing or using excessive speed.
Do not approach dogs, or approach others with your dog.
Pets must be on a leash.
Clean up after your pets.
Leave no trace and throw your trash.
Maintain physical & social distancing.

Buxton Trail

The Buxton Trail begins at North Street, traveling adjacent to Maple Creek and winding its way through Dartts Park, Brooktree Golf Course and Mineral Springs Park, before reaching its conclusion on the city’s eastern edge. The Buxton Trail, dedicated in 1998 recognizes the contributions and success of three generations of Buxtons, men who devoted their lives and careers to building a substantial national business organization. In doing so, they had a significant impact on the community where they were born, raised and spent their lives. The Buxton Trail serves as reminder of that positive impact.

Cashman Crossing

The Cashman Crossing of the Straight River was completed in 1997, providing easy access from the popular Kaplan’s Woods Parkway to Walter H. Gainey Park and Prairie Park. Thanks to the generous gift of $235,000 from the estate of Mrs. Walter H. Gainey, formerly Patricia Cashman, this 200-foot-long by 12-foot-wide bridge connects Kaplan’s Woods Parkway with Lemond Road. The donation also funded construction of a handicapped-accessible playground, restroom and shelter, with seating for 80, in Gainey Park.

Mrs. Gainey was born and raised in Owatonna and it was her wish to enhance the community while honoring her husband and parents. Her gifts are dedicated to the memory of her husband, Walter H. Gainey, and to her parents, Michael Richard and Mary Quinn Cashman, in recognition of their leadership and contributions to the early growth of Owatonna. Thanks to Mrs. Gainey’s generosity, the Cashman Crossing is now yours to enjoy.

Kaplan’s Woods Parkway

Kaplan’s Woods Parkway offers a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities including cycling, inline skating, swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing and nature walks. This 225-acre park was dedicated in 1987. Formerly Kaplan’s Woods State Park, the area was acquired by the City in 1963. As a result of the generosity of the Owatonna Foundation as well as contributions from the U.S. Department of Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund and the State of Minnesota, this natural area is preserved for you.

Muckle Trail

The Muckle Trail was named in 1998 in honor of Stan Muckle, a successful Owatonna business owner who generously bequeathed $600,000 to the Owatonna Foundation for acquisition and development of parks. The Muckle Trail runs along the Straight River in the heart of Owatonna, connecting Morehouse Park to the Buxton Trail. In 1992, the Bridge Street underpass and horseshoe shaped turn was gift from Mr. Muckle in memory of his wife, Doretta. His generosity made possible the safe passage of trail-users via a handicapped-accessible walkway from the sidewalk at Bridge Street to the underpass area. It also provided for a beautiful display of annuals and perennials. In 1996, the City of Owatonna developed another 0.79 miles of trail from Walnut Avenue to North Street, completing the Muckle Trail.

North Straight River Parkway

The North Straight River Parkway starts at either 26^th Street or North Street and is 2.3 miles long. The parkway is a beautiful trail meandering along the Straight River and through the woods. The North Straight River Parkway was funded by the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant and the Minnesota DNR Local Trail Connections Grant and was paved in 2017. The parkway includes the Lange Woods, Wildung and Ihlenfled Trails, all of which are named after land donors. The parkway connects the 26^th Street and Muckle trails.