Preparing for Your First Rochester Winter
If you’re new to Rochester — welcome! You’re going to love this city. But let’s be honest… your first winter in Minnesota can feel like a whole new world. The good news is: with a little preparation (and the right mindset), you’ll quickly see why locals not only survive winter — they enjoy it.
🧥 Dress for Success (and Warmth)
Layers are everything. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add a warm fleece or down mid-layer, and finish with a waterproof outer shell. A good winter jacket, gloves, hat, and boots are worth every penny here. If you’ll be walking to Mayo or downtown, insulated waterproof boots will make all the difference.
💡 Pro tip: Rochester’s skyway system downtown connects most major buildings, so you can often get to work or grab lunch without stepping outside.
🚗 Get Your Car Winter-Ready
Rochester winters bring snow, ice, and freezing temps — so car prep matters.
Get all-season or winter tires (snow tires really help if you live in a hilly area).
Keep a snow brush, ice scraper, and jumper cables in your trunk.
Consider a remote starter — trust me, you’ll thank yourself on those -10° mornings.
Keep washer fluid rated for subzero temps and a blanket in your car, just in case.
If you’re moving here from a warmer state, your local mechanic can help winterize your vehicle before December hits.
🏠 Make Your Home Cozy
Winter is long here — but it’s beautiful when you make it comfortable.
Have your furnace serviced in the fall.
Add weather stripping or window film if your home is older.
Keep extra salt for your driveway and sidewalks. This can be bad for your sidewalk and driveway so look for additional opens. Nothing beats a gas-snowblower!
Stock up on candles, hot cocoa, and blankets — you’ll use them more than you think!
🎿 Get Out and Enjoy It
The key to loving winter in Rochester is to embrace it.
Go sledding at Essex Park or Judson’s Hill.
Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Quarry Hill Nature Center.
Skate under the lights at Soldier’s Field Ice Rink.
Warm up afterward with a coffee at Café Aquí or a pint at Forager Brewery.
Minnesotans are pros at finding fun in the cold — and once you experience a sunny day after a fresh snowfall, you’ll see why.
🏡 Final Thoughts
Your first Rochester winter might feel like a big adjustment, but it’s also part of what makes this place special. There’s a strong sense of community that comes from getting through it together — neighbors help each other shovel, kids build snow forts, and the city looks magical after every snowfall.
If you’re planning your move or just settling in, I’m always happy to share tips on neighborhoods, housing, and local favorites that make winter life easier (and a lot more fun).
