Rochester lies on the south fork of the Zumbro River and is Minnesota's third-largest city. The centerpiece of Rochester's economy is the Mayo Clinic, which annually draws more than two million visitors. Popular attractions include the Quarry Hill Nature Center, Rochester Art Center, Mayowood Mansion, Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and the History Center of Olmsted County.
1. The Plummer Building
The Plummer Building, opened in 1928, is now an iconic symbol of the Mayo Clinic and National Historic Landmark. The building is named after Henry S. Plummer, M.D., who designed it and created systems and procedures still in use at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Plummer wished for the facility to be efficient as well as pleasing to the eye.
The building's historic third floor has the offices of Dr. Charlie and Dr. Will Mayo. While patient care is handled in the Gondo and Mayo buildings, among others, the Plummer Building houses academic, administrative, and support functions.
Plummer Building, Rochester, MN, Phone: 507-284-2585
2. Plummer House of the Arts
Dr. Mayo asked Dr. Plummer to join the Mayo Clinic staff in 1901 - a remarkable relationship that lasted 35 years. Dr. Plummer is credited with several innovative ideas generated during his tenure, including his invention of the pneumatic tube. In 1924, the Plummer house consisted of 65 acres.
Eleven acres remain and are maintained by the Rochester Park and Recreation Department, which uses it as a tourist attraction and for receptions, weddings, meetings, and classes. Guests renting the home are entitled to use the grounds, such as formal gardens, bird trail, quarry, and water tower.
1091 Plummer Ln SW, Rochester, MN 55902, Phone: 507-328-2525
3. Quarry Hill Nature Center
Quarry Hill Nature Center offers visitors a place to observe many live animals, birds, and fish, plus a taxidermy collection. It's home to 35 species of live animals native to Minnesota, plus exotic species, a huge aquarium with seven varieties of fish, and two raptors. Keen eyesight, highly sensitive hearing, speed, silent flight, and crushing talons distinguish these birds.
For at least 20 years, the Nature Center's indoor hive has offered visitors a close up view of the internal goings-on of a honeybee colony. The Bird Study Room features Minnesota-native birds - either mounted or living just outside the windows. The Nature Center is free and open all but four days of the year.
701 Silver Creek Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906, Phone: 507-328-3950
4. Rochester Art Cente
The Rochester Art Center is a non-collecting institution that focuses on presenting temporary exhibitions that feature established international, national, and local artists, plus up-and-coming artists whose work represents a variety of media. One of its programs is the Emerging Artist Series, which develops, commissions, and produces new work by Minnesota's emerging artists. The program has worked directly with 50+ artists. Artists in this program are nurtured, supported, and challenged to take risks.
40 Civic Center Dr. SE, Rochester, MN, Phone: 507-282-8629
5. Mayowood Mansion
Co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Charles H. Mayo, built Mayowood in 1911. The estate contains gardens and the doctor's decorative arts collection. More than 40 rooms are furnished in antiques of English, German, French, Spanish, and American heritage. The Mayo family, in 1965, donated the home and ten acres to the Olmsted County Historical Society.
Two years later, Mayowood Mansion was declared a Minnesota Historic Site by a legislative act, and in 1970 the mansion and landscape were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In July 2013, the Mayowood Mansion building and grounds title was transferred to the Mayo Clinic, as voted on and agreed to by the membership of the Olmsted County Historical Society. Tours are offered for visitors' enjoyment.
3720 Mayowood Road SW, Rochester, MN 55902
6. Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
This memorial honors American veterans across generations. The Wall of Remembrance pays tribute to more than 3,000 women and men from southeast Minnesota who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Comprised of about 6,000 pavers, The Walk of Remembrance honors United States veterans and allies for their service.
The Trees of Remembrance features 50 "sponsored" trees that represent each state. This memorial, conceived in 1995, was built without tax dollars and is open every day at no charge to visitors until 10 PM. The memorial is near the downtown area. Free parking is available at its entrance. Things to Do in Minnesota
300 7th Street SW
7. Bluffscape Amish Tours
What can visitors expect on a Bluffscape Amish Tour? During a three-hour guided tour, visitors will sojourn at Amish farms and shops and get a glimpse of Minnesota's Amish community. There is travel to the Amish farms between Preston, Lanesboro, Harmony, and Canton. Listen to the fascinating history of the Amish from knowledgeable guides.
Select Amish crafts, quilts, baskets, hardwood furniture, leather goods, canned and baked items, candles, soaps, candy, and fresh garden produce while enjoying cashew crunch that visitors may purchase along their journey. Guests will also learn all about Lenora Church, a non-Amish stop, established in 1856.
102 Beacon St E, Lanesboro, MN 55949, Phone: 507-467-3070
8. History Center of Olmsted County
The vision of the History Center of Olmsted County is to encourage the exploration of history. In 1926, it was established by Burton Eaton to collect, preserve and interpret the history of Olmsted County. The center now serves the southeastern Minnesota region and Olmsted County with programs, events, exhibits, archives, and a research center.
It is the owner and operator of five historic properties and buildings; two of these are on the National Registry of Historic Places. The organization is assisted by the Olmsted County Genealogy Society and maintains a partnership with the Mechanical History Round Table, among others.
1195 West Circle Drive SW - Rochester, MN 55902, Phone: 507-282-9447
9. Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden
Charles Gagnon became a professional sculptor in 1960, dedicating his life to producing beautiful sculptures that were designed to uplift the spirits and create an atmosphere of peace and serenity. When you visit the museum today you will be taken on a guided tour of the artist’s home, where you will learn about his life as an artist. Your guide will be his wife – the best person to tell his fascinating story. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday by appointment. The outdoor sculpture garden is only open from May through October. Exhibitions are held twice a year and various Music in the Garden events are hosted in summer.
Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden, 2500 4th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902, 507 282 5202
10. The Machine Shed
Located in Downtown Broadway, the Machine Shed is a popular meeting place for arcade gaming enthusiasts. Especially for those who love vintage video games. At the Machine Shed you don’t need to worry about coins or tokens – a single $10 fee gives you access to all the games, all day long. The adjacent Gaming Bazaar buys and trades vintage video games that you will recall from your youth; they also repair faulty gaming consoles and have enough games to keep everyone playing for hours on end. They also offer weekly rentals and host parties of all kinds, offering great food, great gaming and a party room.
The Machine Shed, 11 2nd Street NE, Rochester, MN 55906, 507 258 6501
11. Silver Lake Park
Southeastern Minnesota boasts a lovely, freshwater reservoir called Silver Lake on the South Fork of the Zumbro River, located approximately one mile north of downtown Rochester. Most of this body of water is surrounded by public park. The Rochester Rowing Club calls Silver Lake home. Visitors may engage in biking, jogging, rollerblading, observing the Giant Canada geese, or just enjoying a leisurely walk around the lake.
Guests may picnic and visit the Children's Adventure Playground, which is handicapped accessible, or take a swim in the outdoor pool. A tier-one skate park is also there. For anglers, common species include black crappie, Bluegill, and white sucker.
700 W Silver Lake Drive NE, Rochester, MN, Phone: 507-281-6160
12. Amish Tours of Harmony
Visitors are encouraged to travel through the countryside to observe Amish farmers in their fields with horses and horse-drawn equipment and buggies tied to hitching posts. Guests are particularly drawn to these scenes of Amish life.
Get comfortable with an experienced tour guide who will ride along with you in your car to provide insights into the array of Amish shops, farms, and stops. Or, you can choose to ride in a van, listening to a guide discuss Amish heritage. Large group tours are also available, and these include making meals. Expect to stop at Amish shops and farms where you can make purchases.
94 2nd St NW, Harmony, MN 55939, Phone: 507-886-2303 | 1-800-752-6474
13. Rochester Civic Theatre
This non-profit group is committed to educating and enriching the lives of young adults and adults in southeastern Minnesota and Rochester through the presentation and production of music, dance, and live theater.
It is southeastern Minnesota's leading presenter and producer of community and professional theater, dance, and live music. Established in 1951, the Rochester Civic Theatre is now a multidisciplinary award-winning organization. Its performances feature international, national, and local artists. In addition, the group's education department offers advanced training, classes, and performance opportunities for actors of any age.
30 Civic Center Dr SE Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904, Phone: 507-282-8481
14. Heritage House Victorian Museum
Just two blocks from downtown Rochester is the Heritage House Victorian Museum. The home was built for Eliza and Timothy Whiting in 1875. In 1883, the home was spared when it survived a tornado. One hundred years later, it came under threat - again.
At that time, the home was empty and about to be demolished, save for Louise Hill, a citizen of Rochester who happened to be passionate about rescuing old houses. It was relocated in 1972 to Central Park. It has been decorated with Victorian antiques and restored. Trained docents lead tours from June through August. The home is air-conditioned.
225 First Street NW Rochester, MN, Phone: 507-286-9208
15. Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center
The mission of the Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center is to educate people about the environment - specifically: water, energy, and wetlands. It seeks to encourage sustainable living through organizational and personal change and career choices.
The core program at Cascade Meadow provides resources to increase energy and water "literacy" among southeastern Minnesota's citizens. The facility's physical features, exhibits, and educational programming help citizens focus on the science of energy and water. The center also helps visitors think about the ways that people interact and use these resources and how changes in behavior and technology can lead to these resources' sustainable use.
2900 19th Street Northwest in Rochester, MN, Phone: 507-252-8133
16. Rochester Trolley & Tour Company
The company was founded in 2006 to provide private and public sightseeing tours, plus coach and trolley charters for any size group. Its signature tours feature a Scenic Mississippi River Valley Tour, an Old Amish Country Tour, a Rochester City Tour, and a Twin Cities Tour.
Others include the Haunted Rochester Trolley Tour, Great River Road Wine Trail Trolleys Tours, Rochester City & Mayo Historical Trolley Tour, and the Jolly Trolley Holiday Lights Tours. The Mayo Clinic and the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau named Rochester Trolley & Tour Company in 2014 its Certified Tourism Ambassador "Business of the Year."
972 14th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902, Phone: 507-421-0573
17. Children's Dance Theatre
This theatrical dance production company was founded as an independent incorporated non-profit dance theatre in 1987 to create dance performances. Its dancers boast a variety of experiences and training and are chosen for productions after going through auditions.
Auditions are open to dancers who are at least five years of age through college-aged dancers; all must be enrolled in weekly classes. CDT explores the art of dance and seeks to provide its dancers with an inviting and stimulating learning environment by working with different choreographers. During the year, CDT also offers educational and outreach performance opportunities.
PO Box 6655, Rochester, MN 55903
18. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Eagle Bluff is a private, non-profit residential environmental learning center, committed to providing experiences that empower people to care for each other and the earth. It accomplishes its mission through several educational programs for adults and children.
The educational programs are designed to increase environmental and academic literacy, promote positive outdoor experiences, create an appreciation for the natural world, teach skills such as problem solving and teamwork, and foster stewardship, respect, and community. Programs include K-12 Experiential Classes, a live raptor/STARLAB presentation, adult team building, and the professional naturalist fellowship. It offers facility rental and lodging packages.
28097 Goodview Drive, Lanesboro, MN, Phone: 507-467-2437
19. Maple Valley Golf & Country Club
Maple Valley Golf and Country Club has been named one of the "Places to Play" in Minnesota by Golf Digest. It has been chosen as one of their "Hidden Gems" by Minnesota Golfer, and Golf Minnesota has called it one of the state's "Hidden Gems."
The course has been cited as southeastern Minnesota's most stunning public golf course. On three sides, it is surrounded by the Root River and limestone bluffs, features that beautify the course and makes it naturally difficult. Maple Valley Golf and Country Club seeks to provide an affordable experience without sacrificing quality, making it among the best in southeastern Minnesota.
8600 Maple Valley Road SE, Rochester, MN 55904, Phone: 507-285-9100
20. Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale
RSOC offers a concert season of new and traditional classical music performed in chamber and symphony formats by 70 professional musicians. Guest artists occasionally join RSOC performances, and some performances feature the RSOC's volunteer chorale with over 60 members.
RSOC also serves the community through its community outreach and youth and adult education programs. Coda offers local musicians and the RSO the opportunity to play in small rock, jazz, Americana, plus other ensembles. Offered at no charge, these concerts are held on the Riverside Building's restored patio. RSOC performs at Lourdes High School, John Marshall High School, and the Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall.
1530 Greenview Dr., Suite 120, Rochester, MN, Phone: 507-286-8742
21. Bowlocity Entertainment Center
Bowlocity Entertainment Center is your go-to place for hours of fun and entertainment for the whole family. The bowling area has 24 state-of-the-art lanes which provide ideal bowling for all levels of expertise. If you are not into bowling you and your friends can try the multi-level laser tag arena or head to the 45-game arcade to play your favorite redemption games. Special combination packages are available. When you have worked up an appetite you can visit the Sports Bar for light meals and drinks. The venue also hosts bowling birthday parties, laser tag parties, arcade parties or combination birthday parties to keep your children busy for hours.
Bowlocity, 2810 North Broadway, Rochester, MN 55906, 507 288 2601
22. Apache Mall
Apache Mall features 87 stores under several categories: department stores; electronics and entertainment, fashion, food, health and beauty, home and housewares, shoes, specialty, and sports and fitness. Visitors to the mall can enjoy a great cup of coffee or an afternoon snack, or even a relaxing meal with friends or family with the mall's range of dining options.
There are full-service restaurants, quick service restaurants, and options for snacks and drinks. And there's always something a little bit different to do at the mall, from in-store classes and demonstrations to a variety of activities. Services and amenities - including free Wi-Fi and a nursing lounge - are available.
US Hwy. 52 and US Hwy. 14 E, Rochester, MN, Phone: 507-288-8056
23. Calvary Episcopal Church
The Calvary Episcopal Church is Rochester's oldest church building, and it is among the state's oldest Episcopal parishes. The centerpiece of this sacred site is an original chapel made of brick in 1862. The Olmsted County Historical Society deemed the church a historic site in 1966.
Throughout the years, artists, craftsmen, and architects, plus parishioners, have enhanced the beauty and peaceful nature of the building. Calvary Episcopal Church is blessed with stained-glass windows dating from the early twentieth century; these four were made in New York's Tiffany Studio. Its stone baptismal font dates from 1871 with the walnut altar base created in 1880. There is a spiritual oasis garden, as well.
111 Third Avenue SW, Rochester, MN, Phone: 507-282-9429
24. Chester's Kitchen and Bar
Chester’s Kitchen and Bar is conveniently located on University Square where they offer excellently rated fine American cuisine in a modern and inviting atmosphere. The menu starts off with a good assortment of appetizers and salads, before moving on to a really wide selection of entrees to suit all tastes. One of their specialties is their farm-raised, anti-biotic-free rotisserie chicken, served with mash and asparagus. Other perennial favorites include their 28-day aged fillet and rib-eye steaks and a beautiful parmesan-crusted walleye. Chester’s also has an interesting cocktail menu, a special children’s menu and some decadent desserts to round off your meal.
Chester’s Kitchen and Bar, 111 S. Broadway, #108 University Square, Rochester, MN 55904, 507 424 1211
25. UNRAVELED Escape Rooms
If you think you have what it takes to wriggle out of difficult situations, book an escape room at UNRAVELED in Rochester and put yourself to the test. UNRAVELED Escape Rooms offers escapees three carefully designed rooms from which to make their escape. Each of the three rooms is suitable for groups of between 4 and 10 team members. Groups will need to work together as a team to solve a series of puzzles, quizzes and codes to enable you to escape the room within your allotted 60 minutes. Choose from CSI Rochester, Spirits of the Asylum or Escape from Alcatraz.
UNRAVELED Escape Rooms, 300 11th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN 55901, 507 4000 FUN
The top attractions to visit in Rochester, Minnesota near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. The Plummer Building
- 2. Plummer House of the Arts
- 3. Quarry Hill Nature Center
- 4. Rochester Art Cente
- 5. Mayowood Mansion
- 6. Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
- 7. Bluffscape Amish Tours
- 8. History Center of Olmsted County
- 9. Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden
- 10. The Machine Shed
- 11. Silver Lake Park
- 12. Amish Tours of Harmony
- 13. Rochester Civic Theatre
- 14. Heritage House Victorian Museum
- 15. Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center
- 16. Rochester Trolley & Tour Company
- 17. Children's Dance Theatre
- 18. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
- 19. Maple Valley Golf & Country Club
- 20. Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale
- 21. Bowlocity Entertainment Center
- 22. Apache Mall
- 23. Calvary Episcopal Church
- 24. Chester's Kitchen and Bar
- 25. UNRAVELED Escape Rooms
Attraction Spotlight: Quarry Hill Nature Center
The Quarry Hill Nature Center is located in Rochester, Minnesota, and is a museum dedicated to opening the eyes and minds of the general public to the discovery of natural science. The Quarry Hill Nature Center has summer and winter hours.
In 1965 the Quarry Hill Park was purchased from the Rochester State Hospital farm by the City of Rochester. Seven years later, the Quarry Hill Nature Center was built by labor, funds, and materials that were donated by residents of the Rochester community. One year later, in 1973, the Quarry Hill Nature Center officially opened under the direction of the Rochester Public School District and the Rochester Park Department.
In the early 1990s, the Quarry Hill Nature Center underwent renovations that tripled the main floor area and provided an overall larger space for to make it easy for visiting schools and the general public to explore the Quarry Hill Nature Center at the same time. Later in the 1990s, the Quarry Hill Nature Center underwent a few more renovations that created an array of rooms, including classrooms and an observation room, which enhanced the educational quality of every visitor’s experience.
The Quarry Hill Nature Center is home to a variety of attractions that explore the significance of natural science knowledge and exploration.
Exploration Hall enables visitors to explore the bulk of the Quarry Hill Nature Center’s collection. The objects and displays in the Exploration Hall are some of the most highlighted and popular features in the Quarry Hill Nature Center. Visitors can enjoy reading and observing the exhibits in the Exploration Hall, as well as participating in the variety of hands-on activities.
Live Animals explores the 35 species of live animals that the Quarry Hill Nature Center is home to. While majority of the animals in this attraction are native to Minnesota, there are a few of exotic animals on display. Visitors can learn about the similarities and differences between all of the animals, as well as general information about each animal.
Raptors showcases a variety of information about birds that range from nocturnal owls to everyday flyers.
Indoor Observation Honeybee Hive is an exhibition that has been featured for over 20 years at the Quarry Hill Nature Center. The unique and interesting part about the Indoor Observation Honeybee hive is that visitors can examine different aspects of the hive throughout the year.
Bird Study allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the most popular Minnesota-native birds.
Education is extremely important to the Quarry Hill Nature Center. This is showcased through the Quarry Hill Nature Center’s wide variety of educational opportunities for people of all ages. Some of the educational opportunities that the Quarry Hill Nature Center offers includes; classes, special events, interactive activities, specialized tours, and a summer camp.
The Quarry Hill Nature Center offers educational classes for young children and adults. The classes offered for young children are designed to promote learning and exploration in children. Participants use hands-on learning techniques to learn about the outdoors and ecosystems. These classes are the perfect way to introduce children into the significance and importance of natural science, and learning in general.
Another popular program at the Quarry Hill Nature Center is the array of special interactive activities that are available throughout the year. Visitors have the chance to participate in a variety of activities that show learning about natural science is a fun and engaging activity. Most of the special activities that the Quarry Hill Nature Center offers corresponds with the designated season or holiday that is closest. For example, one of the most popular activities the Quarry Hill Nature Center hosts is the Winterfest Event.
The Winterfest Event is an all-day event that gets the Rochester community in the winter and holiday spirit. Seasonal music is played throughout the day as participants explore inside the Quarry Hill Nature Center and play in the winter games outside. After participating in fun and interactive winter games outside, such as snow bowling, visitors can head inside and enjoy hot cocoa and candy canes while sitting near a roaring fire.
Back to: Best Things to do in Minnesota
701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906, Phone: 507-328-3950
