Rochester Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Chad Johnson
Discover Rochester's more than 100 parks and gardens, its traditional Midwestern heritage, great shopping and one of the nation’s most well-respected medical facilities.

Many will know Rochester as the location of the famous Mayo Clinic, a renowned U.S. medical facility that is top ranked in multiple specialties. This northern Minnesota city also has visitor appeal with numerous outdoor spaces and great shopping.

If you are a Mayo patient, take a free tour to find out more about the clinic, learn its history and see its art collection. All city visitors can tour Mayowood Mansion, the 38-room former home of Dr. Charles Mayo.

Summers in Rochester may be hot, making them the perfect time to enjoy the city’s superb network of over 100 parks, covering an area of 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares). Try Oxbow Park and Zoo or walk the Douglas State Trail. Some parks, such as Quarry Hill Nature Center, offer skiing and other snow sports in winter.

Don’t miss the Chateau Theatre, one of the most elaborate theaters from the 1900s. It is now a retail shop, but you can still see the ornate façade and French-style interior. Discover more about the city’s past in Heritage House Victorian Museum in Central Park, where artifacts and belongings of a typical 19th-century Midwestern family are on display. Shop in quirky stores around University Square for Scandinavian goods or contemporary fashion or dine in one of the many restaurants.

You’ll need your own transportation to explore the area, since the bus service is designed mainly for the needs of locals and Mayo Clinic visitors. The town center though, is walkable. Modern city planners have provided wide pedestrianized avenues and enclosed skyways, making it easy to access the lively town center on foot and in snowy weather.

Located 80 miles (130 kilometers) southeast of Minneapolis, Rochester has both international and domestic airports. Serving the high number of people who come to the clinic, Rochester is set up very well for visitors when compared to other cities of similar size, so you will easily find a base from which to explore this attractive Midwestern town.

Where to stay in Rochester

Rochester showing skyline and a city

Downtown Rochester

If you're spending some time in Downtown Rochester, Mayo Civic Center and Rochester Art Center are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Rochester
Rochester showing skyline and a city

Historic Southwest

While there might not be top attractions in Historic Southwest, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mayo Civic Center and Apache Mall.

Historic Southwest
Default Image

Kutzky Park

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Kutzky Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mayo Civic Center and Cascade Lake Beach.

Kutzky Park
Default Image

East Side Pioneers

If you're spending some time in East Side Pioneers, Mayo Civic Center and Mayo Park are top sights worth seeing.

East Side Pioneers
Default Image

Slatterly Park

While Slatterly Park isn't home to many top sights, Mayo Civic Center and Olmsted County Fairgrounds are some notable places to visit nearby.

Slatterly Park
Default Image

Northrup

When in Northrup, you can plan a visit to Mayo Civic Center and Rochester Recreation Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northrup
EVEN Hotel Rochester - Mayo Clinic Area, an IHG Hotel
EVEN Hotel Rochester - Mayo Clinic Area, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
101 11TH Avenue SW, Suite A, Rochester, MN
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$186 per night from 24 May to 25 May
NZ$186
per night
24 May - 25 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Rochester. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (587 reviews)
"Awesome"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

EVEN Hotel Rochester - Mayo Clinic Area, an IHG Hotel
Kahler Grand Hotel
Kahler Grand Hotel
3 out of 5
20 2nd Ave Sw, Rochester, MN
The price is NZ$280 per night from 23 May to 24 May
NZ$280
per night
23 May - 24 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rochester. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Hotel lobby is under construction so its closed off - front desk only had one person working… However she was very pleasant and professional and did a great job at check in. Room is very nice"

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

Kahler Grand Hotel
Kahler Inn and Suites - Mayo Clinic Area
Kahler Inn and Suites - Mayo Clinic Area
3.5 out of 5
9 3rd Ave Nw, Rochester, MN
The price is NZ$218 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$218
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rochester. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,194 reviews)
"It was alright"

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

Kahler Inn and Suites - Mayo Clinic Area
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Berkman
The Berkman
3 out of 5
217 14th Ave SW, Rochester, MN
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Rochester. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Mayo Civic Center and Cascade ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (196 reviews)
"Great property, with a golf simulator that I enjoy using."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

The Berkman
Broadway Plaza, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Broadway Plaza, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
15 1st Street Southeast, Rochester, MN
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Rochester. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mayo Civic Center ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (133 reviews)
"Parking was convenient. We had a 2 bedroom 2 bath suite that was very spacious and clean. Plenty of storage if one was to stay for an extended time. Both Mayo and Civic Center were accessible via the sky way. I'll definitely being tell others about Broadway Plaza."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Broadway Plaza, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
RUSTIC CABIN IN THE WOODS, 5 MIN TO ROCHESTER
RUSTIC CABIN IN THE WOODS, 5 MIN TO ROCHESTER
Rochester
Stay at this cabin in Rochester. Enjoy a garden and patios. Popular attractions Marcus Rochester Cinema and Salem Glen Winery are located nearby.
6/10 (2 reviews)
Rustic cabin
"It started out with no contact from host. Took 1/2 hour to get code. Owners appear to be on property. At night could not get door to stay shut, put a chair against it. Traffic from Hwy 63 was very noisy. I was ok about the airport noise as they disclosed it. Only stayed 1 night due to the above issues. ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

RUSTIC CABIN IN THE WOODS, 5 MIN TO ROCHESTER
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Rochester