Looking for world-class healthcare, Midwestern charm, and a thriving downtown? Head to Rochester, Minnesota! Best known as the home of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester also offers scenic trails, art-filled streets, great dining, and a welcoming community. Whether you're visiting for treatment, business, or fun, this city combines innovation with small-town warmth.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Rochester is from May to September when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor festivals, patio dining, and nature walks. Winter brings snow and cold but also cozy cafés, indoor attractions, and seasonal charm.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Rochester is located along U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Highway 52, about 1.5 hours southeast of Minneapolis.
- By Plane: Rochester International Airport (RST) offers regional flights and connections to major hubs. Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is about 80 minutes away.
- By Bus: Jefferson Lines and shuttle services connect Rochester with Minneapolis, the Mayo Clinic, and surrounding areas.
Where I like to stay
- Kahler Grand Hotel – Historic hotel with direct access to Mayo Clinic, featuring elegant décor and skyway connections.
- Hotel Indigo Rochester – Modern, artsy hotel in downtown with a rooftop restaurant and walkability to dining and shopping.
- Even Hotel Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area – Wellness-focused hotel with fitness amenities, healthy dining, and proximity to the clinic.
Top Attractions
1. Admire Historic Architecture and Medical Heritage at 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. Explore Gardens and Artistic Events at the 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.
Plummer House of the Arts, 1091 Plummer Ln SW, Rochester, MN 55902, Phone: 507-328-2525
If you are traveling with kids:
3. Hike Trails and Meet Wildlife at 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. Engage with Contemporary Creativity at the Rochester Art Center
The Rochester Art Cente 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. Step Into Gilded-Age Elegance at the 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. Honor Heroes and Reflect at Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
The Soldiers Field Veterans 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.
300 7th Street SW
7. Take a Guided Journey into Simpler Times with 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
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
8. Uncover Regional Stories at the 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. View Sculptures at the 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 Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden 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. Browse Vintage Treasures at The Machine Shed Antique Store
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
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Mayo Clinic Campus – World-renowned medical center with beautiful architecture, public art, and educational exhibits.
- Peace Plaza – Vibrant public square in downtown featuring events, art installations, and seasonal displays.
- Silver Lake Park – Rent a paddleboat, bike along the lakeside trail, or enjoy a relaxing picnic downtown.
Where I Like to Eat
- Forager Brewery – Local favorite for craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and a community atmosphere.
- Terza Ristorante – Upscale Italian dining with fresh pasta, great wine, and rooftop views in the heart of the city.
- Newt’s – Classic burger joint known for generous portions and local flavor, with several locations around town.
My favorite local events:
- Thursdays Downtown (Summer) – Weekly summer street festival with live music, food vendors, shopping, and family fun.
- Rochesterfest (June) – Week-long celebration with parades, concerts, food trucks, and community events.
- SocialICE (February) – Unique winter event featuring ice bars, themed drinks, sculptures, and live DJs in Peace Plaza.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Rochester, Minnesota:
- Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo (25 min) – A great family outing with hiking trails and native Minnesota wildlife.
- Douglas State Trail (10–15 min) – Scenic biking and walking trail stretching from Rochester to Pine Island.
- Byron (20 min) – Quiet town with parks, small shops, and access to the Zumbro River for kayaking or fishing.
- Plainview (30 min) – Quaint small town with historic charm and a great stop on a scenic country drive.
- Chester Woods Park (20–25 min) – Enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife in this quiet county park east of town.
Plan Your Trip