🌤 Weather at Kaplan’s Woods Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–68 °F | 58–82 °F | 25–73 °F | 5–28 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Owatonna, 2 mi away, elevation 1,140 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Owatonna City Park — 225-acre city park with woods, trails and the 35-acre Lake Kohlmier, a former state park run by the City of Owatonna since 1963
Kaplan’s Woods Park is a 225-acre city park in Owatonna, run by the City of Owatonna Parks and Recreation Department. It is not part of Minnesota’s state park system. The city acquired 154 acres in 1963, when the Minnesota Legislature transferred Kaplan Woods State Park to it; the Owatonna Foundation donated 65 of the remaining acres. The park, which the city also calls Kaplan’s Woods Parkway, was dedicated on September 12, 1987, and includes the 35-acre Lake Kohlmier, more than 6 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails and nearly 2 miles of paved, accessible trail (City of Owatonna, as of October 2026).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1205 SW 18th Street, Owatonna, Steele County, MN |
| Size | 225 acres, including the 35-acre Lake Kohlmier |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Hours | Daily 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM (City of Owatonna, as of October 2026) |
| Trails | More than 6 miles of hiking and ski trails, nearly 2 miles paved and accessible |
| Managed by | City of Owatonna Parks and Recreation |
| Former Name | Kaplan Woods State Park |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaplan’s Woods still a state park?
No. Kaplan Woods State Park was transferred to the City of Owatonna in 1963. The state park pass is not needed; entry is free.
Can I reserve the pavilion?
Yes, through the City of Owatonna. The city lists an all-day rental from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for $80 plus tax and a $50 deposit, both due when you reserve (as of October 2026).
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Rice Lake State Park (a short drive away) and Sakatah Lake State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🌳 Visit Kaplan’s Woods Park
Hours, facilities and pavilion reservations from the City of Owatonna.
About Kaplan’s Woods Park
Minnesota set the woods aside as Kaplan Woods State Park and handed them to Owatonna in 1963. The city later enlarged the park with land from the Owatonna Foundation, which also gave $300,000 toward its development, a gift from the late Reuben A. Kaplan, founder of Owatonna Tool Company. Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund money and state grants paid for further work, including fishing piers, and in 1998 the foundation funded a wider main trail with security lighting.
Things to Do
The city lists a beach and swimming, a boat ramp, fishing on Lake Kohlmier, grass, wood-chip and paved trails, cross-country skiing, picnic grounds and tables, a playground, sand volleyball, a shelter and restrooms.
Insider Tips
Accessible trail: Nearly 2 miles of the trail network are paved and accessible. Maps: Trail maps are available at the Owatonna Park and Recreation office. Groups: Reserve the pavilion early for summer weekends.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Beach, swimming and fishing on Lake Kohlmier. Fall: Walks through the woods. Winter: Cross-country skiing on the park’s trails.
Wildlife & Nature
Kaplan’s Woods Park combines woodland with the 35-acre Lake Kohlmier, a stretch of forest and open water within the city of Owatonna.
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Owatonna — services, restaurants and lodging nearby. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and Sakatah Lake State Park — within about an hour’s drive.
Park Map
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