Foundry Hill Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Foundry Hill Park is a popular tourist destination located in Owatonna, Minnesota.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
There are several reasons why people visit this park, including its rich history, beautiful scenery, and fun recreational activities.
One of the main points of interest in the park is the Foundry Hill Museum, which showcases the town’s history and culture. Visitors can see exhibits on the early settlers of Owatonna, the city’s founding, and the development of the railroad. Another popular attraction is the park’s historic bandshell, which hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
The park is also known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, scenic paths, and a picturesque lake. Visitors can go fishing, boating, and swimming in the lake, or take a hike along one of the park’s many trails. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy.
Interesting facts about Foundry Hill Park include its connection to the city’s early iron industry. The park is named after the former site of the Owatonna Foundry, which produced a variety of iron products in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the park’s historic buildings and structures date back to this time period.
The best time of year to visit Foundry Hill Park depends on personal preference. Summer is a popular time to visit due to the warm weather and outdoor activities, while fall offers beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter activities such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular in the colder months.
Overall, Foundry Hill Park is a great destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and families looking for a fun day out. With its rich history, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder this park is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Minnesota Valley Rec Area
|
||
Minnesota Valley State Park -Horse Camp
|
||
Minnesota Valley State Park -Quarry
|
Jordan Baseball Park
Riesgraf Lion's Park
Holzer Park
Minnesota Wildlife Refuge
Chatfield Park