Things to Do in Rochester, MN
A local’s guide to parks, trails, breweries, golf, and family-friendly spots around Rochester, Minnesota.
A Place Worth Falling in Love With
Rochester offers more than a short commute to Mayo Clinic. Between the Zumbro River trail system, Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center, a growing craft brewery scene, and four-season recreation, there is a lot to love once you are settled. Here is a local’s guide to some of my favorite spots around town.
Rochester’s Best-Kept Secrets
Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center is a local favorite, with miles of wooded trails, a nature center with live animals, sledding hills in winter, and a swimming pool in summer. Add in the Zumbro River trail system and Chester Woods Park for hiking, biking, and paddling just minutes from downtown.
Parks & Trails
Rochester’s craft beer scene has grown fast, with taprooms and breweries scattered across downtown and the surrounding area. Pair that with a lively mix of locally owned restaurants and coffee shops, and there’s always a new spot worth trying on a weekend.
Breweries & Local Flavor
Golfers have several well-regarded courses to choose from around the metro, and Rochester’s parks system stays active year-round with ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing in winter, and softball, tennis, and outdoor concerts in the summer months.
Golf & Four-Season Fun
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Quarry Hill Park is the local favorite, with wooded trails, a nature center, and a swimming pool. Chester Woods Park is another great option if you want more room to hike, bike, or paddle. Both are just minutes from most neighborhoods in town.
-
Yes. Rochester’s craft beer scene has grown quickly over the past several years, with a handful of local taprooms and breweries downtown and nearby. It’s a great way to spend an evening once you’ve settled into your new home.
-
Rochester stays active even in the cold months. Quarry Hill Park has a popular sledding hill, several parks maintain cross-country ski trails, and outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks open up around town each winter.
-
Plenty. Quarry Hill Nature Center hosts programs for kids year-round, the parks system includes several splash pads and playgrounds, and the Rochester Art Center and Mayo Civic Center host family events throughout the year. It’s an easy place to keep kids busy on a weekend.
Ready to Start Your Move to Rochester?
Rochester has a lot to offer beyond the day-to-day, and I’m happy to talk about what living here is really like. Fill out the form and I’ll be in touch within one business day to answer your questions.