Mineral springs in Minnesota drew many to the small city of Owatonna at the end of the 19th century – all thanks to a legend about a Native American “princess” that is, quite likely, untrue. The site is now the city’s Mineral Springs Park.
The city of Owatonna purports to be named for a Native “princess,” the daughter of Chief Wabena, who came to the area after hearing about the healing properties of a spring.
City of Owatonna The spring is said to have been called “Minnewaucan,” or “healing waters,” in the Dakota language - a name ascribed to several other springs in southern Minnesota.
Owatonna is said to have been cured of an illness after drinking from the waters of the spring, which emerges from the bank of what is now Maple Creek at Mineral Springs Park.
Leah Lambert/Google Most likely, however, the name “Owatonna” probably refers to the Dakota name for the main river in the area - “Ouitunya” - which was in use for hundreds of years before colonizers arrived.
Capitalizing on (if not having invented) this legend, profiteers turned the area into a resort in the late 19th century, attracting visitors from across the region.
R LP/Google Water from the spring was declared similar to that of the “Vichy Spring” in France, and the Owatonna Mineral Springs Company bottled it and sold it across the country.
The commercial ventures lasted for about a quarter of a century before folding.
Cierra Maras/Google Today, some of the infrastructure is still in evidence.
The city started buying up land along the creek in 1877 and has added several parcels since.
Adam Salfer/Google In the 1970s, a local donor had a man-made waterfall built in the park.
Today, the park is home to a playground, disc golf course, and hiking trails.
Ryan Felton/Google
There is also a large monument containing an 1854 essay attributed to Chief Seattle that recognizes the land’s native heritage.
RJ Whyte/Google
Despite the dubious nature of the legend surrounding the park and its namesake spring, today it is a beautiful place to visit and for reflection as you hike, sit and gaze upon Maple Creek, or enjoy a cool sip of water from the spring.
City of Owatonna
The spring is said to have been called “Minnewaucan,” or “healing waters,” in the Dakota language - a name ascribed to several other springs in southern Minnesota.
Leah Lambert/Google
Most likely, however, the name “Owatonna” probably refers to the Dakota name for the main river in the area - “Ouitunya” - which was in use for hundreds of years before colonizers arrived.
R LP/Google
Water from the spring was declared similar to that of the “Vichy Spring” in France, and the Owatonna Mineral Springs Company bottled it and sold it across the country.
Cierra Maras/Google
Today, some of the infrastructure is still in evidence.
Adam Salfer/Google
In the 1970s, a local donor had a man-made waterfall built in the park.
Ryan Felton/Google
RJ Whyte/Google
If you visit the park with critter-loving children, you may also want to stop by the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo in nearby Medford.
Have you visited Mineral Springs Park? Are there any other former tourist destinations in Minnesota that are worth a visit today?
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Address: Mineral Springs Park, 1025 Mineral Springs Pkwy NE, Owatonna, MN 55060, USA
