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Whether you enjoy the taste of authentic Mexican cuisine or enjoy a unique twist added to your favorite classic dishes, there are plenty of Mexican restaurants in the Rochester area for you to choose from. If you are craving Mexican cuisine, check out one of the top Rochester area Mexican restaurants below. La Poblana Located on 37th Street Northwest, La Poblana is the perfect restaurant for those who enjoy authentic Mexican flavors. The restaurant is a popular stop for both tourists and locals alike and features regular specials, as well as an extensive menu of Mexican favorites. Their chips and salsa and rice and beans are popular favorites for many diners looking to enjoy a true taste of Mexico. They are also known for their friendly service and a relaxed dining atmosphere. While almost every item on their menu is a home run, one of the most popular choices is the Sope Platter which includes a thick corn masa shell topped with your favorite meats and fixings. Another classic favorite is the Tacos Dorados Platter, which is deep-fried shells with your favorite meat, cheese, and house-made guacamole. If you are a true carnivore, the Steak Ranchero is a must-try. Cafe Presto Another great restaurant that offers a wide range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including classic Mexican fare, is Cafe Presto. You can choose from a cozy indoor booth, table, or dine al fresco and enjoy one of the sidewalk tables. They also feature a closed outdoor terrace. Perfect for a business luncheon or family gathering. Some of the most popular Mexican dishes that Cafe Presto offers include the chimichanga which you can choose with either chicken or beef and comes with classic rice and beans. Another must-try item is their burritos served up with your favorite fillings. El Carambas If you're looking for traditional Mexican dishes and the full Mexican ambiance, then stop by El Carambas. All of their meals include the endless chips and salsa bar that will tantalize your palate for the entree to come. From the music to the decor and the food, you will feel like you have been transported south of the border. Don't forget to try the Asada Plate which features your choice of chunks of lean pork cooked slowly in a hot red sauce or chunks of pork loin cooked in a hot green chile verde sauce. If you're looking for something with a little bit of a crunch, make sure to try the Taquitos Plate which has four corn tortillas rolled with your favorite filling and then grilled to perfection alongside sour cream and guacamole. For those looking for a classic Mexican staple, the carne asada is a must-try. You will enjoy rib-eye steak alongside seasoned vegetables. No matter if you are a fan of the classics or just enjoy a tasty Mexican dish from time to time, you can find the perfect meal to satisfy your craving at one of the three Mexican restaurants in the Rochester area listed above. Image by Wesley Fryer is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Rochester, MN, has a lot to offer visitors. Two popular and meaningful sites we're particularly proud of are the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and Mayowood Mansion. We invite you to enjoy them as much as we do. Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial The Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial at Soldiers Field Memorial Park honors the lives and the sacrifices of veterans from southeastern Minnesota — past, present, and future. The focal point of the memorial is the 12-by-50-foot Wall of Remembrance, a circular granite wall that honors more than 3,000 members of the military from southeastern Minnesota who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, from the U.S. Civil War to present day. The Wall of Remembrance is joined by the Walk of Remembrance, which features more than 6,000 pavers honoring veterans and allies, and the Trees of Remembrance, 50 sponsored maple trees representing every state in the USA. Each maple has a tree paver at its base with the name of either an honored veteran or the donor of the tree. Six flags fly behind the monument to represent the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines, and Navy. Four benches represent the four tragic flights of Sept. 11, 2001, and a black bench honors and remembers prisoners of war and those missing in action. The memorial is flanked by two cannons: one from World War I supplied by the American Legion and the other an Iraqi anti-aircraft canon supplied by the local Army unit. The exterior walls of the memorial provide visual history with graphics from the Civil War to the Gulf War, including engravings depicting the bombing of Pearl Harbor and medics putting soldiers onto a helicopter during the Vietnam War. You'll see a statue of a medic and a nurse treating a wounded soldier and another heart-wrenching statue of a widow and child being notified of the death of their loved one. The memorial park is at 300 Seventh St. SW. It's open to the public daily until 10 p.m. and is illuminated after dark. Mayowood Mansion Mayowood was once the 3,300-acre estate of Mayo Clinic co-founder Dr. Charles H. Mayo and his wife, Edith. The property is highlighted by the 38-room Mayowood Mansion, which was completed in 1911. Their son, Dr. Charles W. Mayo and his wife, Alice, lived in the home until their deaths in the late 1960s. The stately mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The estate, located at 3720 Maywood Road SW,  is now owned by Mayo Clinic. The History Center of Olmstead County gives public tours of the home, showing a wide variety of art pieces as well as furniture from France, Spain, Germany, and the United States. You can walk through the gardens after the tour. Public guided tours are held Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from early spring to late October. Group tours of up to 45 people can be accommodated. Christmas tours are also featured. If you only have time to visit a couple of Rochester's public attractions, make it these two. We're sure you'll find the experiences moving and educational. Image by Michael Hicks is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Rochester is a lovely city, full of great eateries, shops, communities, and events. While visiting Rochester, why not take an afternoon to enjoy the great outdoors and check out one of the fantastic local parks? Here are four parks in Rochester where you can take your family. Bear Creek For a relaxing park in the city, try Bear Creek, a venue that offers plentiful space for you and your loved ones to play and enjoy. Try a game of baseball at the park, or opt for a round of sand volleyball in the on-site court. There is a playground where children can explore, as well as a paved trail for walking. Bring a lunch and take in some shade beneath the picnic shelters. Restrooms are open seasonally. The park is located at 1237 Marion Road  SE. and has a capacity of over 100. Soldiers Memorial Field Park Soldiers Memorial Field Park is a great venue to take your family if you have a few hours to spare. At this park, your family can also learn about the history and commemorate the sacrifices made by soldiers. Take your children to the Wall of Remembrance, to the Trees of Remembrance, or along the memorial walk. The site is open until 10 p.m., and visits are free. The Soldiers Memorial Field Park is located at George Gibbs Drive Southwest. After journeying through history, you can let your children relax in the sun. The park area offers plenty of opportunities for fun. Take your kids to the football field, for a round of golf, or out walking along the paved trail. They can enjoy the playground area or try out sand volleyball. There's a pool for swimming, as well as tennis courts. Relax at the traditional picnic shelter, and when you need a break from the heat, you can duck into the on-site indoor facility. This park boasts plenty of events and programs. Allendale Park Allendale Park is another fun, convenient option for a place to go during the day. Here, you can enjoy not only softball and baseball but also tennis. There's an open field for running and play, in case your kids have lots of energy. In the winter, hockey can be played outdoors too! The park is located at 1895 Allendale Park Lane NW. River Road Dog Park Did you bring your pup with you to Rochester? No sweat. Take your family and your dog to one of the local dog parks! At River Road Dog Park, there's an off-leash area, so if your dog is family-friendly, he or she can enjoy some open play time. Just keep in mind that all dogs need to arrive and depart with their leashes on! River Road Dog Park is located at West River Road Northwest, north of 62nd Street Northwest. The next time you're in the Rochester area, plan to spend a few hours in the sun. From relaxing park playgrounds and places to picnic to volleyball courts and even a memorial, there's plenty to see and do during a hot afternoon. Image by Marcelo deOliveira is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Rochester, Minnesota can get very cold in winter, but that doesn't stop the city from becoming unbearably hot and humid during the summer. Luckily, Rochester has plenty of places where you can get out of the heat by going for a swim. With both indoor and outdoor swimming options available in the area, you should have no trouble finding a place to go for a dip this summer. Check out these places where you can go Summer Swiming in Rochester, MN. The Rec Center The Rochester Recreation Center sits right along Broadway where it meets Elton Hills Drive. The city of Rochester owns the center, so everyone is welcome and the entry fee is a very reasonable $5 per adult and $4 per child. With that fee you can visit any of the pools, ice rinks, and gymnasiums the center has to offer, and all of them are completely indoors and offer some very modern facilities. The center sometimes hosts sporting events like hockey games and swim meets, and you can also sign up for swimming and skating lessons. The Rochester Athletic Club The Rochester Athletic Club (RAC) sits on 19th Street between West Circle Drive and Valleyhigh Drive near Costco. It's been there for many years, but thanks to an active membership it still has plenty of modern facilities where you can train with weights, jog, eat a healthy meal, or go for a swim in one of their indoor or outdoor pools. The outdoor pool even features a fun water slide. However, you need to be a member to get access, and membership fees are as pricey as you'd expect. Soldier's Field Soldier's Field is a public park, a memorial, and a public 18-hole golf course rolled into one. The park's facilities also include a baseball diamond, a tennis court, and an outdoor swimming pool. The pool has a curvy water slide of its own, and kids will enjoy splashing around in the zero-depth pool on the other side of the field. The pool is only open during summer afternoons, but since it's a public pool the entry fee is only $5 for adults and $4 for kids. You'll find the entrance to Soldier's Field on 7th Street Southwest just off Broadway. Zumbro River Ratz Zumbro River Ratz is a company that rents boats and other floatation devices for a stretch of the Zumbro River between Hammond and Millville. The starting location is easy enough to find by following US-63 north and taking County Road 11 east, and once you're there you can choose between several types of kayak, canoes, or vinyl tubes that will let you get wet and stay wet for the whole trip downstream. Zumbro River Ratz takes care of the shuttle upriver, but keep in mind they're only open for walk-ins during the summer months. When you want to enjoy the water on a hot Minnesota summer day, you can take your pick of the many athletic clubs and public pools the city has to offer. And if you want something a little more adventerous, you won't have to travel far to find it. Image by Phil Roeder is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Some people love thick, juicy steaks. Others cure their hunger pangs with a high-stacked sandwich. But if your true indulgence is anything that's sweet, Rochester has plenty of places to satisfy. From mouthwatering desserts to ice cream parlors to donuts, you can get your sugar fix quickly and satisfactorily at these eateries throughout the city. Flapdoodles Homemade Ice Cream At Flapdoodles, the nonsensical decor and atmosphere are all part of the vibe. According to their owner, Flapdoodles is "a place where the only thing that makes sense is the ice cream!" That's good enough for most people, especially once you dive into one of dozens of homemade ice-cream flavors. Choose from one to three scoops of decadent ice cream options, including toasted coconut macadamia, caramel latte, Cookie Monster, salty caramel, cotton candy, banana cream pie, and dozens more. Make it a sundae or banana split for a few bucks more, and you'll surely be in heaven. With two locations at 3525 22nd Ave. W. and 1710 Broadway Ave. S., Flapdoodles is a short drive from anywhere. Hours at both stores are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Chester's Kitchen and Bar It's not all that often that you'd hop over to a bar and grill to sample the desserts, but then again, you've probably never had the banana cream pie at Chester's Kitchen and Bar. Made with toasted almonds, walnuts and graham cracker crust; bananas, both fresh and caramelized; custard; and whipped cream, this decadent treat is what you need at the end of a long day. Located at 111 S. Broadway, Ste. 108 at the Shops at University Square, Chester's Kitchen and Bar is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizza is an excellent spot to get some of the best pie in Rochester, yet few know of its amazingly sinful cannolis. Made with fresh ricotta and packed with goodies like chocolate chips, pistachios, and raisins, these cannolis make you feel like you're in Little Italy. Subtle hints of orange peel permeate the dessert and with a soft pastry and indescribable creaminess, you won't find anything else like it in Rochester. Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria is located at 130 Fifth St. SW. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Daube's Bakery If you're in the mood for a cake or a donut, or a cake donut for that matter, head over to Daube's Bakery. With dozens of customized and ready-to-eat cakes, you can indulge the fluffy, moist cake topped with homemade icing. If it's too early in the morning for that, grab one of their signature donuts such as carrot cake or s'mores. Daube's Bakery is located at 1310 Fifth Place NW. Hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. From massive banana splits to cannolis and everything in between, Rochester's sweet-tooth scene is perhaps the best in Minnesota. Image by Ruth Hartnup is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

While the City of Rochester, Minnesota, has plenty of indoor activities, destinations, and attractions within its city limits, you may have to go outside into the urban and rural wilderness to find indescribable moments of true adventure. With the sun on your back and nature all around you, these outdoor excursions are sure to give you moments that you'll remember for a lifetime. From golfing to swimming to hunting, here are some of the most amazing adventures near Rochester. Silver Lake Park If you're more of a city slicker than an outdoorsman, don't fret. Rochester's Silver Lake Park is a massive urban green space with more than just a few walking trails. Overlooking Silver Lake, the park offers unobscured views of downtown Rochester that are ideal for photo-ops. For better photography, take a canoe or kayak out into the water among the ducks and Canadian geese to snap a few pictures for Instagram or your own private collection. Fishing is another one of the park's most popular attractions, offering anglers a chance to catch white sucker, black crappie, or bluegill. Other activities and attractions include a skate park, miles of walking trails, paddle boats, and the Children's Adventure Playground. Hunting Expeditions Hunting wild geese is a favorite pastime of many Minnesotans. Luckily, Rochester is near some of the best hunting grounds for geese in the state. While you can peruse the open expanses of land outside the city, the best plan of action is to go with a hunting company such as Westline Guide Service. Founded in 1984, Westline Guide Service is the most famous wild geese hunting service in the area. With perfectly set decoys, comfortable blinds, and groups of no more than 12 people, you can get up close to the geese for the perfect shot. Safety classes before the shoot are mandatory, but this family-owned business only hires experienced, passionate hunters whose main concern is your safety. Golfing Some may say that golfing isn't an adventure, but if you've ever shot 20 over or 5 under par, you know how exciting or frustrating the links can be. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie to the course, Rochester has seven area golf courses to test your skills or hone your craft. Soldiers Field, Northern Hills, and Eastwood are all public courses with open tee times and minimal greens fees. But if you want a true challenge, head for one of the private courses in the area. Offering scenic, well-manicured fairways with little room for error, Willow Creek, Rochester Golf & Country Club, and Somerby Golf Course are among the best options in the state. Zollman Zoo To entertain the kids, take a trip over to Zollman Zoo. Located in nearby Byron, this zoo houses over 30 native species for people to enjoy up-close. Some of the animals you'll find in the zoo include bald eagles, owls, wolves, river otters, bison, cougars, and coyotes. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Regardless of what you decide to do or where you decide to go for your adventure, you'll agree that Rochester has a ton of options to satisfy. Image by Dan Ox is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Camping is an incredibly popular activity and a great way to get outside and explore the beauty of the area. When you're ready to head out and enjoy the great outdoors, pack up your Toyota and check out a few of these top campsites near Rochester, Minnesota. Autumn Woods RV Park Located south of downtown Rochester, Autumn Woods RV Park has 92 full hookup sites. You'll find a combination of back-in and pull-through sites that are large enough to accommodate big RVs. For your convenience, the pet-friendly campground also offers coin-operated laundry facilities, restrooms with showers, and wireless internet access throughout the entire park. During your stay, take some time to walk along the shoreline of the pond and see what activities are happening at the clubhouse. Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo When you plan a camping trip to Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, you'll discover a variety of fun activities to enjoy. The park's 30-site campground includes semi-primitive tent and RV sites. During your stay, you'll be able to enjoy a number of the park's outdoor activities. The Zollman Zoo is a short walk away and is home to over 70 animals native to Minnesota. The park also offers miles of hiking trails, picnic shelters, playground equipment, and fishing on the Zumbro River. Ferguson's Willow Creek Campground and RV Park Tucked away under shady trees and situated about 6 miles south of Rochester, Ferguson's Willow Creek Campground and RV Park has six tent sites and 28 RV sites. Amenities at the pet-friendly campground include free Wi-Fi, guest laundry facilities, and restrooms with showers. Each camping site also has a fire ring you can use to roast marshmallows and hot dogs. If you need to purchase firewood or other camping supplies, be sure to stop by the park's convenience store. Chester Woods Park Chester Woods Park is an unspoiled part of nature located east of downtown Rochester. The park's campground has 50 campsites and two camping cabins in a wooded area. During your stay at the campground, be sure to take some time to check out everything the park has to offer. You can spend some time at the swimming beach to relax on the sand and cool off in the water. Or, rent a canoe or kayak to explore the creeks that meander through the park. You can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking in the park. Whitewater State Park The beautiful Whitewater State Park is situated east of Rochester and protects a stretch of the Whitewater River that's surrounded by rocky bluffs. The park's campground has five camping cabins and 105 drive-in, pull-through, and walk-in sites. As you explore the park, you'll find hiking trails, picnic areas, and an interactive exhibit that explains more about the unique landscape in the area. The river is also great for fishing and has a sandy beach where you can swim. When you're ready to enjoy the picturesque beauty of southeastern Minnesota, be sure to check out a few of these best campsites near Rochester for an unforgettable adventure. Image by jchapiewsky is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Rochester, Minnesota, is increasingly becoming known as a destination for great dining. The city offers everything from fine dining restaurants to casual pubs. No matter what type of cuisine you're in the mood for, you're sure to find it when you check out some of these top dining options in Rochester. Bleu Duck Kitchen The Bleu Duck Kitchen serves seasonal New American cuisine in an upscale yet casual area. If you have one meal at the restaurant, you'll quickly see why it was voted Rochester's Best Restaurant and Cocktails in 2019. The menu changes often based on the seasonality of the ingredients used. However, you'll always find appetizers, soups, and salads as starters, as well as main dishes that include seafood, beef, pork, and pasta. You can also finish your meal with a decadent dessert, sweet cocktail, port, or sherry. The Half Barrel If you like whiskey, The Half Barrel is the place to go. The restaurant has a full bar that offers over 400 whiskey selections from around the world. If you can't decide which one you want to try, choose from one of the over 30 whiskey flights. Of course, the restaurant isn't only known for its whiskey. You can also get a great meal. Some of the popular options include the prime rib sandwich, fish tacos, flatbread pizzas, and the Barrel Burger, which comes with applewood smoked bacon, whiskey cheddar, caramelized onion, tomato, lettuce, and truffle aioli. Pescara The upscale Pescara serves some of the best seafood and steaks in Rochester. If you decide to stop by for dinner, start with the jumbo lump crab cake or bang bang calamari. For your main course, popular options include the shrimp fra diavolo, which includes angel hair pasta, a spicy tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and pomorodaccio tomatoes, and the Black Angus 14-ounce New York strip steak. Make sure you save room for dessert so you can savor the croissant bread pudding. Saints on Second Saints on Second is a casual restaurant serving up an excellent selection of American fare. If you're in the mood for a burger, order the Second Street Burger, which comes with a half-pound burger patty, sauteed mushrooms, melted Swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a Kaiser bun. Other popular options at the restaurant include the Key West grilled shrimp, chicken and asparagus penne, grilled ahi tuna bowl, and grilled rib eye. Of course, no meal is complete without a slice of the Snickers cream pie or double chocolate torte. Chester's Kitchen & Bar Chester's Kitchen & Bar is a modern restaurant known for its fun take on upscale American cuisine. Some of the favorites at the restaurant include the lobster mac and cheese, Chester's fish and chips, jambalaya, and Cowboy Burger, which has bacon, Vermont white cheddar, barbecue sauce, and crispy onion straws. You can also treat yourself to something sweet with the banana cream pie, old-fashioned chocolate cake, or bread pudding. Whether you're looking for something casual or a meal that's upscale, you know you'll enjoy an unforgettable bite to eat when you dine at these fantastic restaurants in Rochester. Image by Mark Bonica is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

South-east Minnesota is an awesome place for a vacation, and Rochester makes a great base to explore all that the region has to offer. The city is the birthplace of the renowned Mayo Clinic and has a wealth of art and culture, culinary delights, and shopping locations. In the surrounding areas are stunning scenery, nature and adventure centers, and historical sites. Here are four of the things you can do on your Rochester vacation. Rochester Trolley and Tour Company One of the best ways to see all of Rochester's main attractions is to take a hop-off and hop-on Rochester City & Mayo Historical Trolley Tour. The narrated tours take in downtown Rochester, Silver Lake Park, History Center of Olmsted County, Mayowood Mansion, the Plummer House, and much more. The company operates various other outings including microbrewery tours and wine trail tours. Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center Less than 5 miles from downtown Rochester is the 329-acre Quarry Hill Park which is an historic natural treasure. The park features several miles of hiking trails, opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography, quarries where you can hunt for fossils, and a pond where you can see frogs, turtles, snakes, muskrats, ducks, and geese. The Nature Center within the park features the Exploration Hall where you can get up close to 35 species of live animals native to Minnesota, as well as some exotic species. On display are many exhibits such as antlers, animal bones, and turtle shells, which can be handled by visitors. The Honeybee Observation Hive enables you to see the inside of a real working bee colony. Mississippi Valley From Rochester, you can reach the mighty Mississippi River in under an hour. See the historic town of Wabasha, the oldest U.S. town west of the Mississippi, and visit the live eagle program at the National Eagle Center. Drive the scenic river highway and stop at the overlooks to take in the majestic scenery. You could take a trip on a paddlewheel boat or sample the goods at a vineyard or brewery. This area has so much to offer so you might want to carefully plan your trip. Alternatively, just explore and see what you find. Amish Tours Around 40 miles from Rochester is Lanesboro where you can take a Bluffscape Amish Tour. The Amish people choose to live a simple, but hard life and shun the convenience of most modern technology. The fully narrated tour will give you insight into the history of the Amish and their way of life. You will travel to farms and visit shops where you can browse Amish crafts, such as wooden furniture, quilts, baskets, soaps, and candles, and taste their buttery and sweet cashew crunch. On some tours, you may have the opportunity to take a ride in a horse-drawn wagon driven by an Amish husband or wife. These are just a few of the activities available within easy reach of Rochester. You'll find many other attractions to suit the whole family on your southeast Minnesota vacation. Image by Melissa Johnson is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Rochester is Minnesota's third-largest city and is located on the south fork of the Zumbro River. It is the home of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic which evolved from a private medical practice in the late 1800s. The city offers high-quality shopping, independent boutiques, a variety of restaurants, art galleries, parks, and much more. Here are some of the attractions in and around downtown Rochester. The Plummer Building Named for one of the co-founders of the Mayo Clinic, the Plummer Building opened in 1928 and housed medical specialties of the clinic. It is now used for many academic and administrative functions. The 15-story architectural masterpiece features stunning stonework, sculpted bronze doors each weighing 4,000 pounds, a lobby with marble mosaic flooring, and vintage elevators. The third-floor Historical Suite houses the offices of the original Mayo brothers and many artifacts detailing the clinic's history. Heritage House Victorian Museum Close to downtown Rochester on First Street NW is Heritage House, built in 1875 for Timothy and Eliza Whiting. The home survived a tornado in 1883 that destroyed a third of the city. Almost a century later, the house was saved from demolition. In 1972, it was moved to Central Park and restored to its former glory. Tours of the house are available in June, July, and August with knowledgeable docents pointing out the Victorian antiques and artifacts. It provides a unique insight into what life was like in that era. Silver Lake Park If you want to relax and enjoy some nature, Silver Lake Park is just a mile north of downtown. The park features shaded, forested trails, with a 1.8-mile loop around the lake. You can get out on the water in the paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes that are available to rent, or rent a bike to explore the park. Other amenities at the park include angling, a tier-one skate park, an outdoor swimming pool, and a wheelchair accessible playground. Among the wildlife you might see are large numbers of Canada geese which call the park home. Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial The Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial features the Wall of Remembrance which is a fitting tribute to those Minnesota servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. The Trees of Remembrance area contains 50 trees representing each state in America with each tree having been donated. The Walk of Remembrance features more than 6,300 donated pavers which honor veterans who served with the American armed forces or its allies. Rochester City & Mayo Historical Tour The Rochester Trolley and Tour Company offers hop-off and hop-on tours of the city's top attractions and historical sites. Tours run every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, March through May. The narrated tour on the vintage red trolleys takes around 90 minutes, but your ticket is good all day. The company also runs tours to areas of interest outside of the city. These are just a few of the attractions found around downtown Rochester; with a little exploration, you can discover many more. Image by August Schwerdfeger is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

St. Patrick's Day is coming, which means its time to make a plan for how you want to celebrate. In the Rochester, MN area there are several Irish pubs and many bars that will serve up green beer and great food for this fun holiday. Here are some of the best St. Patrick's Day pubs around Rochester. Whistle Binkies Old World Pub Head to Whistle Binkies Old World Pub for their St. Patrick's Day celebration. They haven't released any specific information yet for the 2019 party, but you are sure to get all your Irish favorites from corned beef & cabbage to Irish egg rolls and Guinness. Last year the St. Patrick's Day specials included deals on Harp, Smithwick's and Irish Car Bombs. You'll find Whistle Binkies on Wellner Drive NW in Rochester and also on Woodlake Drive on the southeast part of town. Dooley's Pub Dooley's Pub on 1st Ave SW is a combination sports bar and Irish pub. You can get all kinds of Irish drinks here and a bite to eat too. It sits right in the heart of downtown Rochester and serves up a late night menu every night until 2 a.m. No matter what time of year it is, there is a game playing on the many TV's and if you want to throw a special St. Patrick's Day event, you can reserve a space for 15 guests or more. The Half Barrel The Half Barrel serves up great burgers, and delicious drinks. This is a great place to go for local beers, and there is a large bourbon and whiskey selection. This is a casual place but perfect for those who want a more upscale St. Patrick's Day celebration. You can try a flight of bourbon, or one of their Only at the Barrel Cocktails. On tap, you'll find Guinness, Toppling Goliath, and Fulton, along with Dragon's Milk which is a barrel-aged Russian Imperial. Pappy's Place Pappy's Place is a great neighborhood bar with great food and a wide selection of beers and cocktails. The menu at Pappy's features fresh food, soups made from scratch, and delicious steaks and burgers. Since St. Patrick's Day is usually about the beer, you can also find your favorites here. On tap, there is Goose Island county bourbon stout and Goose Island Bramble rye stout. You can also get Founders breakfast stout and Guinness. Kathy's Pub Kathy's Pub doesn't necessarily sound Irish, but it is a great place to go for St. Patrick's Day. This sports bar is always hopping and features pool tables, live music, and a roof deck for warmer nights. You'll find Kathy's on S. Broadway right in Rochester, and if you want to throw a private party, this is the place to go. Get the party started at one of these Rochester area pubs on St. Patrick's Day. Make sure to look for any updates about special St. Patty's Day events and specials and gather all your friends to make a day and a night of it. Image by Xavier is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0