Location: Rochester
Top Things to do in Rochester
10 Things to Do in Rochester That You Shouldn't Miss
Rochester is a city founded in 1854 in the U.S. State of Minnesota and is the county seat of Olmsted County located on the Zumbro River's south fork in Southeast Minnesota. It is Minnesota's third-largest city and the largest city located outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2015, the Rochester metropolitan area has a population of 215,884. According to the 2010 United States Census the city has a population of 106,769. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the 2016 population was 114,011. It is the home of the Mayo Clinic and formerly, one of IBM's largest facilities. The city has long been rated as one of the best places to live in the United States by multiple publications such as Money and is one of the most educated cities in the world.
Restaurants in Rochester
1. Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By Brad T - Rapid City, South Dakota, United States
This is a great trbute to our fellow service members and to America. Good history buff info on site. Level walking areas for access for everyone, always seems to be clean all around this park area and there are 2 wonderful playgrounds in same vicinity that our kids love to go to everytime they join us here for medical stuff. Its worth your attention.
2. The Plummer Building - Mayo Clinic Historical Suite
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By theschihls
Wow, they don't build gems like this anymore! Even the water fountain was fancy! The lobby is gorgeous but be sure to take the ornate elevator up to the third floor to see the Mayo brother's offices and vast collection of historical items including a slide collection and lots of medical instruments.
3. Quarry Hill Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Enjoy the beauty and habitat of southeastern Minnesota by hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing the meadows, flood plain and upland forests on the 5 miles of trails covering 320 acres. Park land features a former working quarry, the Rochester State Hospital Cemetary, and a 3 acre pond. The Nature Center offers interactive displays and exhibits of the area's wildlife and natural beauty including a 1,700 gallon native-fish aquarium. Public programs on Sunday's at 1:30 pm include cave tours, live animal programs and bird banding. Cross-country ski, snow shoe, and geocache rentals available.
Reviewed By JCJake - Minnesota
I keep thinking there must be an entrance fee, but no, I just go on in and wonder when someone is going to stop me! A nice parking area, visitor center with staff and nice trails. We've gone at different times of the year but snowshoed most recently. Very nice and lots of options to keep you busy for a while with some flat but lots of up and downs, too.
The one thing that always kind of baffles me is that the first large sign you see when you walk in from the parking lot doesn't have a map on it. This last time I was left scratching my head as to where it was ok to snowshoe vs. ski. Come to find out there is a different large sign kind of behind the visitor center with a map on it, but I still don't think it was super clear on where it was ok to snowshoe. I think if you used the visitor center to put on your snowshoes or skiis (they rent stuff - or maybe that's free too - I don't know!) then you'd walk out the back door where this sign exists. The visitor center has a very nice room with bathrooms and plenty of space for putting on snowshoes.
We did see that some of the flatter trails had been groomed for skate skiing (at least no tracks were set for classical). We just stayed off of those and there were plenty of places to snowshoe.
Another bonus? It was a windy day with a fairly cold windchill. Being in and out of the hills kept us mostly protected and we were quite comfortable.
Wish I lived just a bit closer - I'd be there much more often.
4. Plummer House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By abensteinjp - abensteinjp
The Plummer House is an old building (1920's ??) that was the home of Dr. Henry Plummer, who designed the modern medical record and the Mayo building that is named after him. Old, interesting architecture. However, the inside of the building is basically empty - In my opinion, only mildly interesting.
5. Mayowood Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By MinnesotaHawkeye - Minnesota
Visited Mayowood Mansion during the Christmas vacation. It is a Christmas tradition sponsored by the Olmsted County Historical Center. The rooms in the mansion are decorated as the Mayo family would have in the days they lived there raising their family. Enjoyed the narrative provided by the guides, the antique decorations were beautiful. Loved the opportunity to purchase some similar ornaments in the gift shop after the tour.
6. Douglas Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By monica a - Rochester, Minnesota
The Douglas Trail is built on an old train track. It is mostly flat. It will take you from Rochester to Pine Island. Along the way you will see a few parks, a golf course, farms and if you are lucky, you will see cows too. There are port-a-potties at the Valleyhigh Drive trial head in Rochester and also in Douglas. It is always an adventure on the Douglas Trail.
7. Assisi Heights
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By elsier33 - thunder bay ontario
My daughter and husband went to visit. They were told to come back another day, which they did. For somewhere that advertises all are welcomed, my 13 year old noted it didn't feel very welcoming. Way to go! ,
8. Salem Glen Vineyard and Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Maureen J - Poplar Grove, Illinois
Went to this winery while visiting my daughter in Minnesota. It was out in the country outside of Rochester. A nice little dog walked us to the door! They had seating outside on a deck. We sat inside at a table overlooking the vineyard. We did the wine tasting. The server brought it to our table and explained each wine and its history. She was very knowledgeable. We also had a very good fruit and cheese tray. The prices were average. The wine was good and we each took a bottle home. I would recommend it.
9. Mayo Civic Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Dale T - Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
We were there for a conference in the civic center portion of the building. The new suites that have been added are very nice so it'll expand their ability to draw small conventions. First class suites.
10. Silver Lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By tammil717 - Rochester, Minnesota
Always an amazing place to stop for a stroll around the park, feed the geese or just relax. Wear comfortable and older tennis shoes as all these birds leave behind a lot of waste. The restrooms need a update and good cleaning.
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