Tourist Attractions- Places To Visit In Rochester Minnesota
Located on 100 acres of land northwest of Rochester, the Cascade Meadows Wetlands & Environmental Science Center offers educational programming, interpretive trails, and contemplative views of wetlands. It is a family friendly, hands-on facility that features interactive exhibits, fossil hunting, and cross-country skiing.
If you love the arts, you’ll want to visit the award-winning Rochester Civic Theatre. It’s the premier presenter of professional theater in southeastern Minnesota and it showcases national artists and local performers. It is also a venue for acting classes, advanced training, and other performance opportunities for everyone.
If you’re into outdoor recreation, you’ll love the paved nature trails, bike paths, and waterways of Rochester. There are 85 miles of interconnected trails, including a waterfront route that allows you to explore the downtown district while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding wetlands.
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Plummer Building #1
Located in the heart of the Mayo Clinic campus, the Plummer Building is an architecturally significant landmark. It was built in 1928 and is listed on the National Historic Landmark list.
The Plummer Building has a distinctive architectural style that is a combination of Romanesque and Art Deco elements. This 15-story building is known for its intricate ornamental detailing. It is also home to the 56-bell carillon, which is lit every night. It also houses several administrative and academic functions.
The building’s main entrance is recessed into a round arch. The main door is supported by a pair of spiral pillars. It has marble floors imported from around the world. Its bell tower is adorned with elaborately colored tiles.
Plummer House of the Arts #2
Located in modern day Rochester, Minnesota, the Plummer House of the Arts is a cultural attraction that dates back to 1917. It is a Tudor-style mansion that is situated on an 11-acre estate. The property is surrounded by beautiful gardens and formal landscaping.
The Plummer House is a five-story, Tudor-style mansion. It was built by Dr. Stanley Plummer, the founder of the Mayo Clinic. His wife, Daisy, also lived there. The house has 49 rooms, including five fireplaces. It features wood accents and a slate roof.
The property includes formal gardens and a water tower. It is open to visitors during daylight hours. A guided tour is available on Wednesdays. It costs $5 for youth and $10 for adults. The Rochester Park and Recreation Department also uses the house for events.
Rochester Art Center #3
Located along the Zumbro River in the heart of downtown Rochester, Minnesota, the Rochester Art Center offers visitors an exceptional experience. Whether it’s a gallery exhibition, an art workshop, or a lecture, the center has something for everyone.
The center opened in its current location in 2004. The building was designed by Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson. Its 36,000 square feet of space is framed by a floor-to-ceiling glass lobby. This area offers visitors panoramic views of the city.
The museum features a variety of exhibits and is open six days a week. Some of the highlights include Music in the Garden, a twice-yearly show featuring music and sculptures by Charles Gagnon. In addition to the museum, the art center hosts a number of community partnerships.
Mayowood Mansion #4
Located near Rochester, Minnesota, Mayowood Mansion is a beautiful historic house. This home was built by Doctor Charles H. Mayo in 1911. It is a 38 room, 23,000 square foot mansion.
Mayowood Mansion is an excellent tourist attraction in Rochester. It is open to the public for tours on Tuesday and Saturday at 2PM. Those interested in taking the tour can make a reservation online or over the phone.
The home contains an impressive collection of antiques and art. These items tell the story of the family’s travels and hospitality. The house has several rooms filled with elegant furnishings. The Mayo family lived in this home from 1911 until 1967. After their deaths, they were buried on the property.
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial #5
During Memorial Day, the Rochester Veterans Memorial Organization hosts a program at Soldiers Field. Law enforcement agencies will participate in the program along with other community groups. This memorial is located on the edge of the Mayo Clinic area.
The Memorial Park is the site of a curving memorial wall and fountains. Statues commemorate US veterans and allies. The Walk of Remembrance is a path surrounded by 6,000 pavers with names of the veterans and allies listed on each.
The History Center of Olmsted County is a museum that focuses on preserving the history of the area. It sits on 54 acres of land and features historic buildings and farmsteads. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden #6
Located in Rochester, Minnesota, the Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden is the crown jewel of the area’s cultural scene. The museum, which opened last summer, features Gagnon’s work, along with his personal library and artist’s studio.
The outdoor sculpture garden is only open in the spring and fall, but the indoor galleries are open throughout the year. The Museum offers guided tours, as well as music in the garden events, and live concerts. There is also a Microbrew Trolley Tour, which takes passengers to five local microbreweries.
The Gagnon museum is located in Peace Plaza, a green space in downtown Rochester. It is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, and there are no designated parking spaces. The museum is not open on Sunday, but visitors can tour the sculpture garden on a scheduled basis.
Heritage House #7
Located in Rochester, Minnesota, Heritage House Victorian Museum is a must-see site for visitors. This museum, a two-block walk north of downtown Rochester, is decorated with Victorian antiques and artifacts. This is a restored home that demonstrates what life was like in the 1800s.
The tour of the Heritage House Victorian Museum is guided by trained docents. The tours include the interior of the home, which is furnished in period Victorian style. The tour takes about 45-60 minutes. For a small admission fee, youths and adults can get a tour.
The Timothy Whiting Museum is an authentically restored home that displays period furnishings, a Victorian dollhouse, and other period items. The museum is open from July through August each year. The tours are held between 1pm and 3:30pm. You can pay $10 for an adult or $5 for a youth.
Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center #8
Located in Rochester, Minnesota, Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center provides formal and informal learning about the environment. The site is situated on 100 acres along Cascade Creek. The center features a LEED(r) Platinum certified building. The site also features a series of trails, outdoor exhibits, and educational programs.
The building consists of interactive displays, a classroom, and office space. The exhibits explore topics on energy usage, sustainable building practices, and wetland ecology. The center also features pervious pavement, native plantings, and a bio-retention cell system.
The building is open to the public on a regular basis. Guided tours are available on Wednesdays through July. A water drop path leads visitors to the Mississippi River. The site also offers an Oak Savanna Trail with scenic views of downtown Rochester. There are also designated trails for mountain biking enthusiasts.
FAQs: Rochester, Minnesota
What is Rochester Minnesota known for?
Whether you are a tourist or local, there is no shortage of things to do in Rochester Minnesota. You will find a blend of urban and rural amenities, a culinary scene that ranges from burger joints to fine dining, and parks that offer a quiet and relaxing lifestyle.
Is Rochester MN a Good Place to Live?
Located on the Minnesota river valley, Rochester is a beautiful city that offers a blend of rural life and urban living. It has a large medical community, a strong economy, and an agreeable lifestyle.
The third largest city in Minnesota, Rochester is home to over 110,000 people. The Mayo Clinic is the largest employer in the region. The city is known for its outstanding healthcare, which is also a draw for retirees.
