Location: Rochester
Top Things to do in Rochester
Countries
Top 10 Free Things to do in Rochester, Minnesota (MN)
Rochester is a city founded in 1854 in the U.S. State of Minnesota and is the county seat of Olmsted County located on the Zumbro River's south fork in Southeast Minnesota. It is Minnesota's third-largest city and the largest city located outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2015, the Rochester metropolitan area has a population of 215,884. According to the 2010 United States Census the city has a population of 106,769. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the 2016 population was 114,011. It is the home of the Mayo Clinic and formerly, one of IBM's largest facilities. The city has long been rated as one of the best places to live in the United States by multiple publications such as Money and is one of the most educated cities in the world.
Restaurants in Rochester
1. Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By B2068ZFmartins - Wailea, United States
This is a MUST see for anyone visiting Rochester it is outstanding in the way it honors what challenges our military has had to deal with throughout history. I was impressed with the quality of each part of the exhibit. The statues are especially outstanding. The statue of the wife and son receiving word of the father’s death brought tears to myself and my wife. As a Vietnam combat soldier I was very struck over the tribute to the combat medics and nurses. Don’t miss the respectful and beautiful place of honor.
2. Gonda Building
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By chips365
Wonderful experience as I was a new patient at Mayo and worried about my visit. Everyone that worked in this beautiful building made us feel very welcome and went out of their way to help us through the two-day visit.
3. Bitter & Pour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
A subterranean hideaway housed in the Merchant Exchange building on Historic 3rd Street where only the finest spirits and elixirs are served to Rochester’s hippest drinkers. In the pursuit of excellence, we created a tiny altar that pays tribute to everything we’ve always wanted. A cozy and stylish atsmosphere, detail-obsessive cocktails, impeccable wine, craft beers, and thoughtfully crafted food
Reviewed By 442ginap - Eden Prairie, United States
Loved everything about this place! Such a cool vibe, from the riddle to get in to the stencil of the bartender/owner's face on a cocktail. Both he and the other bartender, Amy, were super friendly and laid-back, great conversationalists and made us feel very welcome. It's a quiet relaxed atmosphere that's such a relief from the typical. Their cocktails are incredibly creative and they also have some hard to find spirits. We will return whenever we're in town!
4. Assisi Heights
5. Douglas Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By grandforksfoodie - Grand Forks, United States
We stumbled upon this trail and sure glad we did! It is pretty shaded and not too difficult with great scenery. Rode 8 miles one way and still could have went further but had to make it back for an appointment. You see lots of nature and other people on the trail. It felt very safe and was well kept up!! Next time we are in town we will pedal further on this trail. It had some hills but nothing drastic.
6. Plummer House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By 81Maggie11
We were walking around the SW historical area and saw signs for the Plummer House. He were curious so we followed the signs to the house. We were pleasantly surprised. It is a beautiful stone and slate roofed mansion built in the early 1900’s. The green space is spacious and beautiful even in March! Bonus is a beautiful tower on the grounds. It wasn’t open to view the inside when we visited but the outside self guided tour was great. A must see if your i. The area.
7. Salem Glen Vineyard and Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By ahorton999 - La Crosse, United States
Salen Glen sponsors an annual Easter egg hunt. 200 eggs are placed throughout the vineyard grounds. Participants race to find all of the eggs with a silver and gold egg providing special prizes. Additional prizes includes things like cash and free cheese plates. It is a fun filled morning with participants enjoying being outside in the challenge of finding the most Easter eggs. Each purchase paint receives a free glass of wine. We enjoyed our free glass of wine, a tasting, a cheese plate, and purchased additional one to take home.
8. Kinney Creek Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
We are a locally owned and operated micro-brewery, fused with deep Rochester MN roots. We proudly brew our beers and hard seltzers and serve it in a friendly Tap Room. We at the Kinney Creek Brewery invite you to experience our craft brew and hard seltzer lineup. Located in Rochester MN we strive to provide a selection of craft and hard seltzers brews that will make your tail wag.
Reviewed By ericaM4896TK - Rochester, United States
This is the place for entertainment! Sports on the big screen and a drink menu to choose from that suits everybody. So much to choose from and the staff is very friendly. The environment feels like you are part of the place!
9. The Plummer Building - Mayo Clinic Historical Suite
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By Thor01Roseville_MN - Saint Paul, United States
The Plummer building is an architectural masterpiece that is still in use by the Mayo Clinic after nearly a century. The offices of the Mayo brothers are perfectly preserved and you get a phenominal sense of their contributions to the world of medicine and to humanity.
10. Quarry Hill Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Enjoy the beauty and habitat of southeastern Minnesota by hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing the meadows, flood plain and upland forests on the 5 miles of trails covering 320 acres. Park land features a former working quarry, the Rochester State Hospital Cemetary, and a 3 acre pond. The Nature Center offers interactive displays and exhibits of the area's wildlife and natural beauty including a 1,700 gallon native-fish aquarium. Public programs on Sunday's at 1:30 pm include cave tours, live animal programs and bird banding. Cross-country ski, snow shoe, and geocache rentals available.
Reviewed By gsgguru73
Wonderful and informative nature center, great for kids with smaller animals and reptiles and great hiking trails. I would recommend getting a map before you hike as the trails intersect and can be confusing.
