Rochester Travel Guide

For an amazing northern adventure visit Rochester, Minnesota. The city was founded in 1854 and has a long history that can be detected throughout the architecture. Rochester is a very popular destination largely because of it being the location of the Mayo Clinic headquarters.

There are many great things to do in Rochester, ranging from museums, historical landmarks, a zoo, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're traveling with family and friends or as a couple, Rochester has something for every type of traveler.

Things to Do in Rochester

Many exciting things await visitors in Rochester. The city sits at the fork of Zumbro River, so there are plenty of great outdoor activities to do and sights to see. Pilgrim Paddles LLC is where visitors can rent out paddle boards and have fun on the lake -- there are also instructors who can help with first-timers on the board. For more sports, go hiking in one of the many great parks and trails such as the Douglas Trail, the Silver Lake Trail, and Cooke Park.

For historical landmarks, the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial is a powerful tribute to veterans who have fought for the country. The Plummer Building of the Mayo Clinic is equally worth seeing, which is a particularly grand 100-year-old design that marks the Rochester skyline. For related sites the Mayowood Mansion and the Plummer House are great to learn more about the history of the Mayo Clinic and its impact on the medical industry.

If you're traveling with children, the Minnesota Children’s Museum is a fantastic place to learn and play via the interactive exhibitions. The museum is fantastic to spend a few hours on a rainy day, and is popular with adults and children alike! To soak up a little culture, the Rochester Art Center has an impressive display of pieces, including work from local artists.

Best Places to Stay in Rochester

Stay near Kutzky Park or East Side Pioneers to be close to nature, or downtown to be close to shop, cafes, and restaurants. Rochester has a wide selection of great vacation rental properties, so you're sure to find the best vacation rental for your family or friends. Many vacation rental houses offer full kitchens, living rooms, and even hot tubs so you have the best stay.

Best Time to Visit Rochester

The best time to visit Rochester is June when temperatures average 75 degrees with a little rain. July and August see above 80 degrees, while September quickly drops below 30 degrees. July and August have the highest rainfall, and there's snow in January. For exploring the beautiful outdoors, plan your visit during the summer months.