Rochester, MN is a scenic town with plenty of picturesque natural areas and a thriving cultural center. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local resident seeking to know your own town a little better, there’s a great deal to do and see in the city. Let’s take a look at four of the best local attractions in Rochester.
4 of the Best Local Attractions in and Around Rochester, MN
Peace Plaza
In the heart of downtown lies a lovely pedestrian area called Peace Plaza. Here, you can dine outside in the sunshine, enjoying the bustling yet peaceful city-center atmosphere. There are plenty of boutique shops and excellent restaurants to venture into.
The Plaza also provides a terrific base-point for exploration, with a sprawling network of underground passageways and skywalks spreading outward through the city. If you’ve just entered Rochester, this is the place to begin.
Quarry Hill Nature Center
The limestone fossil quarry and sandstone caves of this top-notch nature center are a wonderful place for kids and adults alike to explore. If you’re interested in nature, this is a must-see. In the large Exploration Hall, you’ll find 35 species of native animals, including a 50-year old snapping turtle, plenty of snakes, frogs, raptors, an owl, and many fish in the aquarium.
There’s also an intriguing collection of other natural objects, including antlers, shells, deer legs, and more, all of which are meant to be handled and interacted with as part of the educational process. And if you feel like time in the great outdoors, there are 329 acres of grounds to explore, with miles of excellent hikes through very pleasant scenery.
Rochester Art Center
For an afternoon immersing yourself in creativity and artwork, visit the Rochester Art Center, where you’ll find extensive exhibits of art from around America and other cultures. The gallery showcases contemporary art from the best of local and regional artists, giving them a chance of exposure to the public. This includes local high school art shows.
The gallery building itself is an eye-catching structure on the banks of the Zumbro River. After visiting the gallery, you can enjoy a stroll down the river to many cafes and restaurants nearby.
Salem Glen Vineyard and Winery
Rochester and the surrounding areas boast some excellent vineyards. One of the best is Salem Glen Vineyard and Winery, which is just outside the city in a gorgeous setting of rolling green hills. Here, you can while away the day enjoying many different wines and ciders, all one hundred percent produced on-site. Of course, remember to drink in moderation and perhaps bring along a designated driver.
While you sip wine you can also enjoy their delicious wood-fired artisan pizzas. The vineyard also has a variety of fun activities, including bingo and scavenger hunts around the grounds. It’s a winery with a great deal of character, well worth a visit.
Whichever of the above attractions you’re in the mood for, follow it up with a visit to Rochester Toyota. Since 1999, we’ve been changing the local landscape of automobile dealerships by insisting on better-priced deals, better service, and better vehicles for all our customers, new and old.
Connect with us
