Rochester, MN is the county seat of Olmsted County and is situated in the southeastern part of Minnesota. The area boasts a ton of spectacular locations featuring picturesque scenery, historical sites, sweeping vistas, and huge open grounds for various outdoor recreational activities. Below are some of the best parks around here.
6 Favorite Parks in and Around Rochester, MN
1. Maplewood Park
Situated on 12th Avenue, North of Baldwin Street, Maplewood Park makes for a great place to hang out with loved ones. Fascinating features in the park are; a lake, a pavilion, a splash pad, play-field equipment, a walking track, a basketball court. On-site amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, and grills. This brilliant 1.32-acre park also offers camping facilities for preschoolers.
2. Corbett’s Glen Nature Park
Corbett’s Glen Nature Park provides exposure to a variety of natural settings. The park encompasses more than 30 acres of land and is ideal for every age. It is divided into Cobbett’s Glen North and Corbett’s Glen south, featuring pleasant trails that take you through the renowned Temple Sinai, tunnel falls, postcard falls, woodlands, and marsh meadows. It is located along 415 Penfield Road.
3. Turning Point Park
There’s a reason couples and families flock to Turning Point Park for portrait sessions: the lovely and unique backdrop. Here you find amazing waterfalls, a boardwalk, and paved bike and hike trails waiting to be explored. It is a 275-acre environment situated in the Clotte neighborhood near Lake Ontario. Common activities include hiking, cycling, fishing, and kayaking.
4. Ellison Park
The Irondequoit Creek and natural woodlands are top draws to the sprawling Ellison Park. It is an over 400-acre land with the main entrance situated on the eastern side of route 590 on Blossom road. There are loads of activities to enjoy including hiking, horseback riding, ice-skating, canoeing, fishing, snowshoeing, and many more. With five softball diamonds, a multi-purpose athletic field, and a playground, all your family members are guaranteed an enjoyable experience.
5. Genesee Valley Park
Located along Elmwood Avenue, the Genesee Valley Park is where to go for the extraordinary natural scenery. The park was perfectly designed by the legendary architect Frederic Law Olmsted. It is one of the area’s oldest recreational grounds that acts as a favorite venue for kayaking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some of the best facilities you can access include picnic shelters, cross-country trails, two 18-hole golf courses, and a large playground.
6. Cobbs Hill Park
Create memorable moments by visiting this urban park with 109 acres of beauty, recreational and scenic trails. With a water reservoir in the middle encompassed by a decorative iron fence, a beautiful sideway, and grassy fields, Cobbs Hill Park should be a frequent outdoor vacation destination. While hitting the 7-mile trail around here, ensure to view the Pinnacle Hill, the memorial Greek-Revival-style gate, and the wondrous Washington Grove to enjoy your visit to the fullest.
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