Boys' Cottage 11

After your self-guided tour of the Museum, you are invited to tour Cottage 11, a restored boys' cottage. Check the schedule below for hours of operation.

Take the opportunity to walk through an original cottage from the State School era to learn the stories of the boys who lived there. Highlights include original terrazzo flooring, bathroom fixtures, and woodwork, and a Gift Shop. Constructed in 1923, Cottage 11 was designed by State Architect Clarence Johnston, who also designed Glensheen Mansion. It housed 30-35 boys from ages 6-13.

The restoration process included removing walls, sanding floors, scraping paint, adding new furnaces and air-conditioning units, construction projects, painting, finishing floors, finding artifacts, and installing audio systems. There's even a glimpse into the underground tunnel system.

Cottage 11 Hours
Tuesday-Sunday
May 1-Labor Day: 1pm-4pm
Labor Day-December 31: 1pm-3pm
Closed January-February
March 15-April 30: 1pm-3pm
Tours also available by appointment at 507-774-7369
Schedule a group tour

The Museum is closed on major holidays and the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Suggested C-11 donation: $2.00 per person

1923-1945: Named Cottage 11 - known as "New Cottage" for Minnesota State Public School
1945-1970: Named Cottage 11 - Owatonna State School for children with developmental disabilities
1973-2004: Named Henderson Hall after last superintendent; City of Owatonna
2005-Present: Property Renamed Cottage 11 (or C11); Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum

Donate to C-11
Special donation opportunities are available for Cottage 11 through the Apple Giving Tree. Learn more here

Become a C-11 Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering at Cottage 11, we would love to hear from you! Please email museum@ci.owatonna.mn.us or call 507-774-7369 for more information.