Otsego residents take pride in their town and work together to make it a great place to live. Everyone knows their neighbors, and there's a strong sense of camaraderie. Whether you're out for a walk, grabbing a cup of coffee, or picking up some groceries, you're likely to run into friends and chat for a bit. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and people are quick to lend a hand.
Otsego's history is closely tied to that of the Native Americans who lived in the area for centuries before European settlers arrived. “Otsego” is a Mohawk word for “meeting place.” The first settlers came from mostly New England states. Those were fur traders, loggers, and growers in the mid-19th century. At first, the township was established in 1858. And the city of Otsego was incorporated in 1990. Today it is home to a variety of businesses and attractions that reflect its small-town atmosphere. If you're looking for a friendly, close-knit community, Otsego is the place for you.
Speaking of community, join the city for its Otsego Prairie Festival. It is an annual celebration held at Prarie Park in September. Previous years were a huge success and entertained visitors with live music, communal pancake breakfasts, a petting zoo, bouncy houses, car shows, a long line of local food and beverage vendors, and a big firework show at the end.
Besides Prarie Park, more than a dozen other parks dot the city. Each plays its part in providing good quality recreation and places for wholesome time with friends and family for the local community and visitors. Some of the amenities include playgrounds, ball fields and courts, various types of trails, picnic areas and shelters with grills, edible gardens, access to the Mississippi River, prairie grass, and nature viewing.
Olliver Kelly Farm is one of the important historical sites to see while you're in the area. The Farm was founded around the 1860s and is still active today. It is open to the public for tours, features a petting zoo, and a variety of hands-on experiences for visitors. The farm hosts special events throughout the year. For example, the Farm to Table Picnic. Guests are invited to taste dishes cooked entirely from the produce, meat, and fruits sourced from the farm. There are also costumed tours around the site that create a unique atmosphere of the period and transfer you back to the 19th century. It is an educational and memorable experience for the entire family.
The Best Time to Visit Otsego, MN
Even though Otsego is an excellent destination throughout the year with four distinct seasons that bring their own activities and events to the city, wintertime should definitely be highlighted, as there are plenty of opportunities to experience winter around the region.
Several winter resorts are placed within forty minutes to one hour from the city. You will drive through Minneapolis to get to most of them, which may become another great stop in your adventure.
Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area is located in the Hyland Lake Park Preserve and provides beautiful downhill skiing and snowboarding places. They also offer lessons for newcomers.
Buck Hill has an extensive history. The first ski runs date back to the 1930s. Today the area is dubbed as the “Legendary Capitol of American Ski Racing.” They hold diverse programs for children and have a team of trustworthy coaches, some of whom are inducted into the US National Ski Hall of Fame.
Wild Mountain and Taylors Falls Recreation is situated on the picturesque St. Croix Valley next to the historic Taylors Falls river town. It is an excellent place to pick up a winter sport. They offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing on their 26 trails. Even though Wild Mountain is a prime destination for family winter activities, it is popular during other seasons, too. During warmer months, they offer boating, canoeing, picnicking, dinner cruises, RV parks, and tent campgrounds for the most adventurous.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Otsego, MN:
Otsego, MN: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Otsego, MN. Browse these charts to determine the least expensive time to book a room in Otsego for your upcoming travels.
Top-rated Hotel Options in Otsego, MN
The region offers numerous destinations for a luxurious escape. Plan a neat, cozy trip for two at one of the nearby resorts, or get a convenient business-class room for your working stay. Your rest and abundance of attractions around the area will be complete with features like on-site spas, restaurants, and premier leisure opportunities. Just browse our curated selection of properties around Otsego, MN, and begin your wonderful journey.
Cheap Hotels in Otsego, MN
3 Star Average Prices: $145.53
There are a number of low-budget hotel options in the area. Whether you're looking for a basic room or something a little more high-profile, there's a place for you. Most budget-friendly hostels, motels, and inns offer comfortable rooms and a variety of amenities like indoor pools and jacuzzis, along with essential features like free parking and wifi. Your comfort won't be compromised by choosing to save some money on your stay; we will help you find the best affordable room in the area with our up-to-date list of properties.
