Ducks, moose and more will be new to Great Outdoors Center
Jim Killen and his wife, Karen, donated a number of ducks to be displayed at the Great Outdoors Center. Jim was a renowned wildlife artists and great conservationist. Staff photo by Jonny Clubb
After lots of hard work this summer, the Great Outdoors Centers will have an updated interior and plenty of new things to see at the Steele County Free Fair this year.
One of the new exhibits in the building will feature the late Jim Killen of Owatonna and a number of ducks donated by Jim and his wife, Karen. The exhibit will include over a dozen ducks accompanied by identifying plaques, a Minnesota state flag, and a photo of Jim.
A wonderful artist, avid outdoorsmen and committed conservationist, Jim Killen died in January. During his life, he was recognized nationally and internationally for his wildlife artwork. He was also a strong supporter of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The Great Outdoors Center will also have a new fish tank this year. The 300-gallon tank will hold a variety of pan fish including bluegill, sun fish, and crappie. Meanwhile, the pond will host a collection of walleye, bullhead, largemouth bass, perch, and northern.
One of the fish tanks on the side wall of the Great Outdoors Center was updated to make it easier for little kids to see what’s inside.
“We want to make it kid friendly,” said Kevin Dillemuth, superintendent of the Great Outdoors Center. “We’re having some displays for kids to look at, so they don’t have to have mom or dad or big brother or big sister lift them up.”
Another kid-oriented display is a wood duck house that will have one clear side and include bedding and some eggs so that kids can see what the inside would look like.
Mounts of a moose and bear will also be new to the Great Outdoors Center this year. The mounts were donated by Owatonna resident Dave Melby.
Other updates to the Great Outdoors Center include new lighting and shiplap on some of the walls. Dillemuth said that some parts of the building had remained the same for 50 years, so the changes will bring a fresh look to what has become a fair staple.
Along with all the updates and new displays, the Great Outdoors Center will also host a number of shows throughout fair week. The shows will be held at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day of the fair. Presentations are set to be done by the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program, the National Eagle Center, and the Raptor Center.
During fair week, the Great Outdoors Center will be open on Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
