Things to do during winter break

Winter break is a week long for OHS students. It comes just in the nick of time to give a break from those first semester classes. If a vacation to a sunny paradise is not on one’s agenda, do not fret! There are tons of fun activities in Owatonna and the surrounding area to take part in during break.

1- Go out to eat with friends

Lots of friends who may have been away at college or are just super busy when school is up and running are available to spend time with during break! A great way to relax and catch up is by going out to eat. Some of the most popular local restaurants include:

Wagner’s Lunch

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Muzuki Fusion specializes in Japanese and Thai Cuisine
Source: Google Images

Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Serves: Burgers, fries, typical American food

Location: Downtown Owatonna

Contact: 1-507-451-0931

Mizuki Fusion

Hours: 11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m.

Serves: Japanese cuisine

Location: Downtown Owatonna

Contact: 1-507-214-3131

** Mizuki also offers a “call ahead” feature, try calling ahead and going in to pick up a meal for on the go!

El Tequila

Hours: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Serves: Mexican cuisine

Location: Cedar Ave, Owatonna

Contact: 1-507-444-9490

2- Skating at Morehouse Park

Morehouse park is a great place to spend some time outdoors during break. Morehouse consists of two hockey rinks and the frozen-over river for skating. Skates can be rented for $5 and concessions are always being sold. Family bonfire night takes place every Friday at 5:30 p.m. Weather permitting, the rink will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. each day of break.   For availability check:   City of Owatonna Webpage

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Kiwanis Lights in Mankato
Source: Google Images

3- Kiwanis Holiday Lights

With special events such as live reindeer, horse-drawn wagon rides and visits from Santa alongside beautiful lights, this event is a must-see for the holidays. Located in Mankato, MN, the Kiwanis Holiday lights will be open now through December 31. The festivities of these lights begin each day at 5 p.m. and end at about 9 p.m. To see the lights, a person can walk, drive or take a bus in a large group. Admission is free, but donations and/or non-perishable food item donations are highly encouraged!

 

4- Sledding

Bring out the sleds and relive some of those favorite childhood memories! Sledding is always a blast, and it is completely free. Go out with family or friends, find a big hill, and sled away! Some of the popular Owatonna sledding sites are at the Owatonna Country Club and West Hills. Be sure to bundle up before going out!

5- Snow Tubing or Skiing

If sledding does not satisfy the thrill factor, give tubing or skiing a go! Snow tubing is essentially sledding, but more intense. It involves lying or sitting on a large inner tube and flying down a hill. Skiing is a whole other ball game. Skiing involves standing on two large skis and balancing while racing down a hill. Both can be done at Buck Hill in Burnsville, MN. This ski resort also features the Black Diamond restaurant with lots of delicious variety. Be sure to bundle up before heading to the mountain top! Another ski resort that offers both is located in Mankato, MN called Mount Kato. This resort offers all the same qualities as Buck Hill. Prices may differ.

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Buck Hill located in Burnsville has day passes
Source: Google Images

 

Tubing

Two Hour Day Session (until 4 p.m.)- $18

Two Hour Evening Session (after 4 p.m.)- $15

Late Night Special (One hour before close)- $10

Tubing hours can be seenhere

Skiing and Snowboarding

If one is renting all ski or snowboard equipment, the rental total will be $29. Individual ski or snowboard gear price and hours can be seen here

All Day Skiing and snowboarding- Friday Late Night Special (9 p.m. to close)- $16 for children and $32 for adults.