Olmsted County celebrates the Ear of Corn Water Tower

The Ear of Corn Water Tower near Graham Park has become an Olmsted County landmark and tourist attraction for those traveling to Rochester, Minnesota. In 1931, the water tower was constructed as a nod to one of the two main vegetables processed at the Seneca Foods canning facility. Although the facility was demolished to make way for future redevelopment, the Ear of Corn Water Tower was left for community members and guests to enjoy for years to come.

In late May 2021, work began to repaint and revitalize the water tower. The more than 3-month project was celebrated on Saturday, September 25, 2021 with an event at Graham Park commemorating the water tower’s past, present, and future.

With the water tower as a backdrop, Olmsted County leaders and community members gathered on the crisp, fall morning to share stories about what the unique water tower meant to them. Those in attendance were also treated to refreshments, prizes, and a posse of corn-loving Olmsted County employees.

The Ear of Corn Water Tower is adjacent to Graham Park and ideas for the park’s nearly 60 acres are being discussed. Olmsted County has a master plan for Graham Park to transform it into a self-sustaining regional destination, showcasing the Graham Arenas, a new multi-use exhibition center, a Farmers Market pavilion, and improvements to existing greenspace.

More information on the future of Graham Park can be found on Olmsted County’s website.