Are you looking for the answer to what to do in Rochester, MN? Then, you have come to the right place. You might know about this place due to the very famous Mayo Clinic. But Rochester, MN is also home to various shopping centers, museums, zoos, waterfalls, and more.
If you are visiting the city for the first time, you can rest assured because there are countless things to do in Rochester, MN. Along with being a metropolitan city, the area also includes the nearby rural areas. Therefore, you can experience the city’s nightlife and the peaceful environment of the villages. Here are some of the things that I like to do when I’m in town.
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Things To Do In Rochester, MN
Tour The Mayo Clinic
Usually, the reason travelers come to Rochester is to visit the Mayo Clinic. This includes the patients or families of those patients. For them, the Clinic provides free tours to make them understand the foundation of the city. You can choose to self-guide or join a group with a volunteer guide. Typically, the tour lasts one hour. For me, the highlight of the tour was the Nurses’ Atrium in the Gonda building. The Atrium features 11 magnificent chandeliers carved by the famous glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Mayowood Estate
Along the tour, one must visit the lavish estate of Dr. Charles Mayo and his wife Edith. They built Mayowood in the year 1911. The estate covers more than 3,000 acres which includes a man-made lake, greenhouses, and several working farms. It is located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Rochester. Tickets for the tour are priced at just $20 and are offered 4 days a week. It is filled with antique furniture that was exported from across the world.
Art Culture and Museums
If you are traveling with children or young adults then there are plenty of things to do in Rochester for them. One can visit the SPARK, Children’s Museum of Rochester. This place has a lot of interactive exhibits which are specifically designed to engage and entertain young kids.
Another excellent daytime option is The Rochester Art Center. The museum is home to numerous contemporary artworks by established and budding artists. It is conveniently located downtown on the Zumbro River.
If you are with a large group then you can check out a public art walking tour. It is offered by the Art center on Sundays during early summer and fall.
Take A Stroll Or Pack A Picnic-Basket
Taking a stroll to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city never goes wrong. There are a large number of City Lakes in Minneapolis. If the weather seems nice, you have the option to walk, roller-blade, bike, or enjoy the sun and have a picnic at the lakes. I would suggest going to the Lake of the Isles or Lake Calhoun.
If the weather isn’t so nice, then you can stroll along the Skyway System. You can pretend to be a movie star who got their heart broken lol. Otherwise, the Nicollet Mall is a great place to take in the lively city.
In the east of Minneapolis somewhere, there lies the Minnehaha falls. It is a beautiful park that has a marvelous waterfall. There are trails that lead you somewhere down by the river in the forests. You can enjoy some much needed peace and solace by hiding away from the city here.
Concerts and Events
Rochester organizes some of the best seasonal events. Most of those happening concerts happen during the warmer months. During the summer, Thursdays Downtown are organized by the community. It is almost like a fest with hundreds of artisans and craft vendors, food stands offering different delicacies, small and local artists, and other family-friendly activities. It is a weekly summer staple of Downtown Rochester.
The Guthrie Theatre
If you are a book reader and like theatre, you must visit the Guthrie Theatre. In today’s date, the theatre is an actual architectural marvel. It was established long back in 1963 and has been working constantly to bring professional theatre to regional audiences. The productions are first class. They have rush tickets before each show, so you don’t need to fret much and plan too far in advance. There is a tradition of performing Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to uplift the Christmas spirit among the audiences.
Apache Mall
Apache Mall is the largest mall in Rochester. It is also one of the city’s greatest tourist attractions. It is a fun shopping center that any shopaholic would adore. Spending money on new clothes is one of the best things to do. But for those who are on a tight budget like me, window shopping is also a good idea.
If you love fashion, technology, sports or something else, you will definitely find something you love at the Mall. As of now, there are a total of 90 shops in the Apache Mall along with a lot of great places to eat in the food court. You can come here in the late hours for an evening full of entertainment.
However, if you are looking for cheap things to do in Rochester, then might want to avoid this place. However, if you are looking to spend some money on luxuries, it does not get any better than this mall.
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Just a few minutes away from Minnesota, you will find Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. If you want to test your fear and venture out in the wilderness then you need to come here. You can experience plenty of activities, that delight your mind and body.
For adventurers, there are more than 9 miles of hiking trails as well as high ropes and a rock-climbing wall. Wandering there, you will feel like Bear Grylls in Man vs. Wild. You may remember things that were taught in your science class in 4th grade. It is completely mindblowing how just a few hours at this place puts you in touch with nature.
Rochesterfest
June is the best time to visit Rochester. Why? Because Rochesterfest, which is a week-long festival takes place every June here. This festival brings the community together by conducting various family-friendly activities. The people of Rochester know how to celebrate the summer because they have been celebrating this festival for 35 years.
It has events ranging from Triathlons to Treasure hunts, live music, food vendors, and a grand parade. Rochester offers many tourist places and is a great place to spend your vacation. It also provides a full week of things to do at night, including concerts, clubs, sports events, and street-food celebrations.
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo is a family-friendly Zoo. It is located less than 15 miles from the Mayo Clinic. It is a wonderful place to spend time. Entry to the Zoo is free where you get to see the animals and enjoy the huge outdoor areas.
The Zollman Zoo mostly features the animals that are native to Minnesota. This includes Bison, Wolves, and Bald eagles. The zoo is open throughout the year. Please take some time to enjoy the rest of the park too. There are different amenities like hiking trails, picnic tables, and a campground where you can rent tents and RVs and spend the night there.
Enjoy Food at the Food Hall
The Workshop Food Hall is a relatively new place in the Rochester dining scene. The visitors can find poutine, Vienna-style hot dogs, pizzas, tacos, desserts, fried chicken, and a full bar all under one roof. The place has mindblowing aesthetics with courteous staff. This is a great spot to hang out with your friends and family.
Wrapping Up
Well, that’s it! This was all about what to do in Rochester, MN according to me. Most people who travel to Rochester are coming for treatment at the Mayo Clinic. But this does not mean that they cannot enjoy the time there. Rochester has one of the largest collections of art in the whole state. In case you are planning to travel during the winter holidays, then you must check out these best places to visit in November.
If you visit, you will find there are different breweries, winners, restaurants, nightclubs, parks, waterfalls and more. Also, for a fun fact, Rochester has really cheap barber shops. So, do not forget to add “getting a haircut” in the list of things to do in Rochester, MZ for the next time you visit.