Quick Summary:

  • Q: Where is Rochester located?
  • A: Rochester lies on the south fork of the Zumbro River and is Minnesota's third-largest city.
  • Q: What is the centerpiece of Rochester's economy?
  • A: The centerpiece of Rochester's economy is the Mayo Clinic, which annually draws more than two million visitors.
  • Q: What are some popular attractions in Rochester?
  • A: Popular attractions include the Quarry Hill Nature Center, Rochester Art Center, Mayowood Mansion, and the History Center of Olmsted County.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The Plummer Building ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Plummer Building | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Courtesy of rruntsch - Fotolia.com

2. Plummer House of the Arts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Plummer House of the Arts | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Courtesy of Phils Photography - Fotolia.com

3. Quarry Hill Nature Center

Category: Activities
Quarry Hill Nature Center | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Quarry Hill Nature Center

4. Rochester Art Cente

Category: Museums & Culture
Rochester Art Cente | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Rochester Art Center

5. Mayowood Mansion

Category: Museums & Culture
Mayowood Mansion | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Mayowood Mansion

6. Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial

Category: Attractions
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Courtesy of Alfred - Fotolia.com

7. Bluffscape Amish Tours

Tours
Bluffscape Amish Tours | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Bluffscape Amish Tours

8. History Center of Olmsted County

Category: Attractions
History Center of Olmsted County | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© History Center of Olmsted County

9. Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden

Category: Activities
Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden

10. The Machine Shed

The Machine Shed | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Giuseppe Cammino/stock.adobe.com

11. Silver Lake Park

Category: Activities
Silver Lake Park | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Courtesy of flownaksala - Fotolia.com

12. Amish Tours of Harmony

Tours
Amish Tours of Harmony | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Amish Tours of Harmony

13. Rochester Civic Theatre

Category: Entertainment
Rochester Civic Theatre | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Rochester Civic Theatre

14. Heritage House Victorian Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Heritage House Victorian Museum | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Heritage House Victorian Museum

15. Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center

Category: Kids & Family
Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center

16. Rochester Trolley & Tour Company

Tours
Rochester Trolley & Tour Company | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Rochester Trolley & Tour Company

17. Children's Dance Theatre

Category: Kids & Family
Children's Dance Theatre | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Children's Dance Theatre

18. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

Category: Attractions
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

19. Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale

Category: Entertainment
Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale

20. Bowlocity Entertainment Center

Category: Entertainment
Bowlocity Entertainment Center | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Bowlocity Entertainment Center

21. Apache Mall

Apache Mall | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Apache Mall

22. Chester's Kitchen and Bar

Category: Food & Drink
Chester's Kitchen and Bar | Exploring Art, Culture in History in Rochester, Minnesota
© Chester’s Kitchen and Bar

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