I want to come here so bad! I've read the book "A Boy from C-11" and I'm so interested in this place. My great grandfather lived here until he escaped In the 30s. Apparently I've been here before, but I have no memory of going. I hope I'll go soon.

This is a great place to bring children. Historically educational. This is one of Minnesota historic places that most Minnesotans are unaware of. Please visit with your children.

An amazing piece of history just off I-35, especially recommend for locals but for anyone traveling the interstate with an hour or two of spare time I absolutely suggest checking this place out. Admission is free but the City of Owatonna requests you donate if your able too.

Just great to have this history, it's not all good but it is our Minnesota history. Sad and sometimes brutal, yet there were success story's. The cemetery is a dreadful reminder.The buildings are beautiful and some times very creepy.

A very interesting historic site. Sad story behind the need for the structure. You can do a self guided tour with stops that share pre-recorded messages about the different locations. The recordings are done by a previous resident. Unbelieveable! Bring a toy and leave it at the graveyard. 😭

A very unique museum that preserves such poignant history. Exhibits are thoughtfully put together and cared for.

Very interesting museum. Another road trip with my brother.

Wow!!! Loved the History here, We spent over 2 hours visiting the Children's Cemetery, The cottages and the Museum. It was so educational and I wish I could remember the woman that was working at Cottage 11 she was so vivid and detailed very well about the Past of this place, she really made me get a real feeling of what life was like back then especially for Henry. We will definitely be back. Thanks 😊☺️

Alot of good history and can tour at your own pace

Great historical place, small but his for a quick view of the past

Interesting place for a day trip

Very informative tour.. buildings are kept in immaculate condition. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to tour more of the buildings or the kitchen that was used to feed over 500 children. However it was a great experience.

Well, I work in the building. I "visit" every day. The building and grounds are worth the visit.

Very sad, but great stories of these children overcoming and doing great with thier lives

Very interesting

Very interesting place, will recommend to family and friends.

Never knew about this gem before this year. Great place to take your kids.

The tour, which I organized for a small school group, was well done and sensitive to our age group. The tour guide could have exploited or politicized either the positives or negatives, but did not. She stated facts and shared the personal accounts from those who had lived there. I was somewhat surprised by how small the museum room section was. There are documents, photos and items preserved and protected behind glass. I only mention this because a person who only sees this slice is missing the rest of the pie which has been prepared for them. There are historical audio markers scattered around outside which are easily heard with a push of a button. Despite having a map of their location, I was a bit confused at their location a couple times. It is worth pushing through and finding them. There is not a trail system between them. Some are in the middle of grass, but worth standing in the wind to hear. Very worth it. Our tour included cottage 11, a well preserved cottage which was housed by children and their matron. Inside cottage 11 was a video which was recently discovered in someone's attic depicting all the children during a particular time. Wow! To think if that was not found there would be nothing.to view...no other choice of footage. There is also a gift shop inside cottage 11 where a few books or articles can be purchased. Remember, although most of us aren't necessarily interested in a t- shirt or mug with the state school on it, many elderly people return who consider this place their childhood home. Also, the grounds and buildings are used for other purposes, such as, offices. It is a bit distracting from the solemn and historical "feel" BUT I'm sure that is what makes this museum and grounds affordable and so very well maintained. Thanks to all who have invested in this great Minnesota spot and to those who have shared their stories.

The museum is underwhelming. It's good, I guess. Someone put a lot of work into it. If you have a connection to the place, it is probably way more interesting. The cemetery is where it's at. Don't miss it if you go to the school grounds. The museum gives you an idea of how the kids lived, but the cemetery really drives home the fact that this place was brutal. There is something surreal about standing with 200 gravestones, knowing that only one of them made it to adulthood.

We were near town and looking for ways to beat the heat. We discovered this museum and stopped by with our kids. It was fascinating and a great learning experience for us all! The gentleman working there was also very friendly and helpful, it was fun listening to him.

Small but educational, I have walked through the museum 2 times now. Both times I count understand why it is so small and so un noticed. There are various items from that time period, that were used at the orphanage. Dolls, beds, rocking chair, tricycle, lots of different toys and clothes. There is information to read as you walk through. It just seems to have gotten put in a smaller area of the building. I think it should have the recognition and the full story told. Not the "short" one. Its now located in the basement of the parks & rec and the city permit building. All those buildings are being used for various things. From preschool to building permits. I just think someone could take the items that they have now. Turn into a bigger more informational type museum. Actually display the items with its history? More details on the schools story. What can be found out about it. It made me sad to go there an see that it was so small. I'm hopeful someday it will be displayed in a more broad manner.

Powerful and moving. Highlight was the cottage 11 tour. The tour guide was amazing and very knowledgeable. The narrator at the stops (Harvey) gave incredible insight. I felt like I knew him by the end.

Very interesting, self guided on weekdays.

This place is a must visit if you’re in the area. The only state school museum is the country and it tells a fascinating story. It is well preserved, the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the presentation is top notch.

This is an amazing collection that tells the story of the state orphanage from 1896 to 1945, with well selected artifacts and layout of exhibits. Some of the exhibits paint a dreadful time for orphans living here or even worse for those sent out as virtual slaves to work on local farms. Others show a ray of sunshine in letters from grown-up orphans who seemed to have been happy enough. I had to remind myself that all of this must be weighed by the era - I kept judging the past by my 2023 standards and had to catch myself. This is a must-see place, but do not expect to be cheered up. Seriously serious!

Very interesting videos and tour of one of the dormitories set up as a museum to see what it was like for the children. Great place to visit!

Trees shade 🌞 beautiful

Its a nicely maintained green area, holding lots of history, public tours, and monuments to its history.

Amazing but really sad and a lot of history

Very knowledgeable staff, self lead tour

Beautiful grounds and very Fascinating.

My grandpa grew up here. It’s a part of my personal history and part of Minnesota’s history. It’s well presented and very interesting.

Very interesting

Interesting and sad.

Love history

Great piece of history

A very well done museum of orphan lives in the early 20th century. Don't miss cottage 11.

went in to reserve a mineral springs park for next year. Service was great as usual.

This place is so hunted that I all most poop my pants I accidentally went in a different cottage that ur not supposed to go in and I saw blood in a old dress and on the floor

Goood

This place is brimming with history and nostalgia. I found it to be facinating.

Very very interesting, lots to read and so much history, you will enjoy it, some fine restaurants in the area also.

Amazing local history!

Beautiful grounds, sad history.

Lots of books and things too do

Check it out! Lots of great history and some horrible things all people should learn, about the past.

Cool buildings and a great history lesson

Sad, well - documented, and interesting. Wish the map were better at explaining what's still around and what's been renovated, but ultimately a really cool experience.

Some sad stories here. It was informative and interesting. The very small display

Amazing very informative

We learned a lot by visiting and we wanted to learn more about the children who stayed there after visiting. They have great resources (book, movie). Worth a visit if you are in the area.