Owanka, Minnesota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Owanka, Minnesota
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 Owanka, Minnesota
Location in Minnesota
Owanka, Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Murray |
| Township | Murray |
| Elevation | 1,503 ft (458 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 507 |
| GNIS feature ID | 654866 |
Owanka is a small, unincorporated community located in Murray Township, within Murray County, Minnesota, United States. It is part of a larger area known as The Lakes, which is a special type of area defined for census purposes.
Contents
Understanding Owanka's Location
Owanka is found in the state of Minnesota. Minnesota is in the upper Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its many lakes and forests.
What is Murray County?
Owanka is specifically located in Murray County. A county is a local government area. It helps organize services for people living there. Murray County is in the southwestern part of Minnesota.
What is a Township?
Within Murray County, Owanka is part of Murray Township. A township is an even smaller local government area. Townships often cover rural areas. They help manage things like local roads and property records.
The Lakes Census Area
Owanka is also within "The Lakes." This is a census-designated place. It means the U.S. Census Bureau has defined this area for gathering population data. It is not an official city or town.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
Owanka is an "unincorporated community." This means it does not have its own local government. It is different from a city or town. Cities and towns have their own mayors and city councils.
How Unincorporated Communities Work
Instead of having its own government, Owanka is governed by the county and township. This means that services like police, fire, and road maintenance are managed by Murray County and Murray Township. Residents pay taxes to these larger government bodies.
Life in an Unincorporated Area
Life in an unincorporated community can be very peaceful. These areas often have fewer people. They might have more open spaces and natural areas. People living here often rely on nearby towns for shops and services.
Geography and Environment
Owanka is located in a region with specific geographic features. The elevation of Owanka is about 1,503 feet (458 meters) above sea level. This means it is fairly high up compared to sea level.
Climate of Minnesota
Minnesota has a continental climate. This means it has very cold winters with lots of snow. Summers are usually warm and humid. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and beautiful scenery.
Natural Surroundings
The area around Owanka, like much of Murray County, likely features a mix of farmlands and natural landscapes. This includes prairies, wetlands, and some wooded areas. These environments are home to various plants and animals.
How Communities Are Named
The name "Owanka" might have a special meaning. Many places in Minnesota have names from Native American languages. These names often describe the land or local features.
Historical Naming Practices
Sometimes, communities are named after early settlers. Other times, they are named after important landmarks. Railroads also played a big role in naming small towns.
