Vote for Minnesota’s Coolest Water Tower Before Oct. 17

Driving in from the south for a job interview years ago, I was confused to see a towering corn-shaped water tower rising above the landscape of Minnesota's Med-City. I later learned that it was built in 1931 as a tribute to one of the two main vegetables processed at the Reid, Murdoch & Co. food cannery.

I’ve lived in Rochester for nearly two decades, and I can’t imagine our skyline without the iconic Ear of Corn water tower. In 2021, it captured national attention by winning the People’s Choice Award in the Tank of the Year contest.

Now, three Southeast Minnesota towns are up for the title in the same nationwide competition, which celebrates the country’s most creative and beloved water towers.

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Three Southeast MN Towns Up For Tank of the Year

From now until Oct. 17th, the public can vote for their favorite tank. After that, a panel of water tower enthusiasts will select 11 additional finalists to join the People's Choice pick in the running for the official Tank of the Year title.

Goodhue, incorporated in 1889, is a small town of about 1,200 residents and proud home of the Wildcats. The Goodhue Wildcats football team claimed Class A State Championships in 2003 and 2007, while the girls’ basketball team brought home titles in 2016, 2017, and most recently, 2024.

The town’s water tower celebrates that pride. One side is labeled “Goodhue,” and the other proudly reads “Home of the Wildcats.”

The second water tower in our area that's up for Tank of the Year is in Lewiston.

Lewiston, incorporated in 1873, has a population of about 1,600 and a tank with a patriotic theme. The town's name is displayed on one side while the other features the American flag.

The third Southeast Minnesota town that is up for Tank of the Year is the biggest of the three. Owatonna has a population of  26,420 and is home to the largest county fair in Minnesota.

The Water Towers in 15 different Minnesota communities are in the running this year. See them all and vote for your favorite at tankoftheyear.com.