Rochester is a city with all the needed urban amenities; however, it also provides a small town feel in a welcoming community. The city is home to the Mayo Clinic and it is the third largest city in Minnesota. 

Together with the rich history of this city, which can still be seen today in the downtown district, the natural surroundings of Rochester offers a wide range of attractions which make Rochester worth the visit. Stay with us, SGDJ – best wedding dj rental Rochester, MN, and read more.

Rochester Art Center

The Rochester Art Center can be found along the banks of the Zumbro River and has been operating since 1946. While the site itself is very eye-catching, the art collection inside is what provides visitors with genuine cultural insights.

This art center contains a vast collection of multicultural, multimedia artwork, including an ever-rotating display of different media and artworks from upcoming and nationally famous artist.

Here you can also take advantage of many community programs, for example, kids dance parties, summer youth camps, and a creative development series for adults.

Silver Lake

If you want to get away from the busy city, then Silver Lake Park provides an exceptional natural environment. Silver Lake City Park is located north of downtown Rochester. The lake is a man-made reservoir which holds 50 acres of water that is fed by the Zumbro River. 

The park has a paved pathway along the shore, which is perfect for a stroll or fishing. One can rent a boat, including canoes, kayaks, and deluxe electric paddle boats. 

Downtown Peace Plaza

For the best shopping and dining experience in Rochester, you can visit the Peace Plaza. It is a pedestrian-friendly public space where one can access the downtown area easily. Here you will find fashionable boutiques, first-class dining, and a civic assembly space, which all come together in a welcoming atmosphere. 

Plummer House

The Plummer house was once home to Dr. Stanley Plummer and his wife. Today it is a cultural attraction in Rochester that can be directly tied to the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Plummer was the founder and innovator of Mayo Clinic.

The construction of the house began in 1917 and today has been preserved so that the public can get a glimpse of the past. Here visitors can tour the grounds and gardens or take a guided tour of the Tudor Mansion during certain times.

Bike Trails

There are many different bike trails to be found throughout the city of Rochester, which gives access to a fun way of exploring the city. These trails will connect you to natural spaces, including Silver Lake, the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorials, and the scenic downtown waterfront route.

Most of the trails are separated from the roadways and one can even expect to see some wildlife that shares the urban landscape along the trails.

Mayo Civic Center

The most significant event center in southern Minnesota can be found in Rochester and it is called the Mayo Civic Center. This center hosts local and international musical events, numerous conferences, business meetings, conventions, and sporting events. 

Mayo Civic Center also consists of a second-floor grand ballroom and an architecturally pleasing face which has a list of shows and performances that can be attended. 

This venue is lovely to visit as it sits on the riverfront terrace that overlooks the scenic Zumbro River. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center

The Quarry Hill Nature Center consists of 329 acres where you can find eight miles of hiking trails, a pond for children, a limestone fossil quarry and historic sandstone caves.

Besides recreational activities and a scenic view, there is also a brick and mortar nature center with exhibits and live animals, which helps to educate the visitors about the environment.

This nature center is open all through the year and even in the winter, visitors can enjoy the trails as they turn into snowshoe and cross-country skiing routes.

History Center of Olmsted County and Mayowood Mansion

If you wish to learn about the progress of the Olmsted community that took place over the years, then the History Center of Olmsted County and Mayowood Mansion is the place to visit.

This organization preserves places and stories that have made Olmsted County what it is today.

Here visitors can enjoy rotating exhibits and some preserved historic buildings. There are also family-friendly movies that are shown under the stars, youth camps, and lecture series that is hosted by this center. Guided tours are available of the restored grounds of Mayowood and of the luxurious interior mansion that has 38 rooms.

Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial

The Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial honors all southeast Minnesotans who died in battle. It is also a tribute to all citizens who have gone the extra mile to support their country.

Here visitors will find visual illustrations of all the military combats that took place from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War. The Wall of Remembrance is the centerpiece of this memorial, and it features a giant granite monolith that is inscribed with names of patriots who lost their lives. The Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial is open 24/7.

Conclusion

There is much to see and do in the city of Rochester, Minnesota and therefore, this city attracts thousands of tourists yearly. The Mayo Clinic alone, which is the centerpiece of Rochester’s economy, draws over two million visitors annually.