Rochester, Minnesota, has a fascinating history, and you can explore some of the interesting historic sites around the city when you visit. If you want to learn more about Rochester and the people who helped the city become what it is today, plan a visit to these historic places in the area.
Plummer Building
When you take a look at the Rochester skyline, the Plummer Building immediately stands out. When the 15-story building first opened, it housed several medical specialties and a large library for medical research. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark one week later. Today, when you visit the building, be sure to look for some of the unique design elements, such as the 16-foot bronze doors that only close for solemn events.
Plummer House
When Dr. Henry Plummer — namesake of the Plummer Building — originally constructed the Plummer House in the 1920s, it was called Quarry Hill. At that time, the 49-room English Tudor mansion had several novel innovations, such as a security system, underground sprinkler system, and a heated pool. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. If you want to see inside the home, the Parks and Recreation Department offers summer tours every Wednesday.
Mayowood Mansion
Dr. Charles H. Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, built the Mayowood Mansion in 1911. The Mayo family lived in the Tudor Revival mansion until the 1960s, and it was then listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Today, the Mayo Clinic owns the mansion and offers tours of the stunning interior and gorgeous gardens that surround the home. The mansion also hosts the popular Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours during the holidays.
Avalon Building
The Avalon Building holds a special place in history in Rochester. The three-story brick building first opened in 1919 as the Northwestern Hotel. In 1944, it became the Avalon Hotel, and it was the only hotel in the city that welcomed African American travelers before desegregation. In 1982, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For several years, the historic building was home to a music shop. Today, it houses Le Petit Cafe, a European-inspired bistro where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
George Stoppel Farmstead
In 1856, brothers Joseph and George Stoppel set out to find affordable land where they could raise their families. They eventually made their way to Minnesota and settled side-by-side in Rochester. They paid $200 for a total of 160 acres of land. During that first harsh winter, the two families lived in a cave on their property. After that winter, George constructed numerous buildings around the farm. Today, the barn, silo, shed, and stone house are still standing. The farmstead was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 to commemorate those early pioneers.
When you’re ready to step back in time and learn about the fascinating history of Rochester, be sure to plan a visit to these interesting historic sites around the city.
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