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If you're a nature enthusiast and plan on hiking in the Rochester area, you'll find plenty of great outdoor spots to explore. This area offers fantastic hiking trails with amazing scenery, wildlife, and birdwatching when you visit Rochester, MN. more 7 of the Best Hiking Trails Near Rochester, MN 1. Quarry Hill Park If you're in search of a quiet, scenic spot to explore wildlife and natural habitats, you'll enjoy a hike through Quarry Hill Park. This fantastic space features lots of great outdoor activities, including nature programs for kids, cycling and hiking paths, historic sandstone caves to explore, a limestone fossil quarry, and a pond. It's the perfect place to spend the day with the family. 2. Root River Park This park is a wonderful place to hike if you're looking for a quiet and peaceful outdoor space. Root River Park offers restrooms, fire pits, and access to hiking paths and fishing spots. This amazing space of 125 acres features beautiful meadows, wooded valleys and hills, and historic sites around the park. There are also plenty of benches along the trails, so you can take a break and enjoy a snack. 3. Douglas Trailhead Douglas Trailhead is a historic, wooded park that features pastures, abandoned railway tracks, and open fields. This park's paved trail is multi-use and extends over 12 miles, ideal for cycling, hiking, and inline skating. It's a fabulous place to get close to natural habitats and exercise while accessing city roads and paths. You can visit the trailhead year-round, which is also a popular spot for cross-country skiing and sledding. 4. Indian Heights Park This local park offers fantastic trails, rich wooded areas, and historical areas to explore during your hike. It's a popular park for cycling and hiking, with year-round access if you also enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 5. Fox Trails Park Fox Trails Park is a pet-friendly space that's ideal for jogging, hiking, and dog walking. This recreational park offers open fields to play ball and a kids' playground. It's a centrally located park that's easy to find, and the trails are open all year. 6. Bear Creek Park Bear Creek Park is a quiet, relaxing space to enjoy a picnic and hiking with family and friends. It's a terrific spot with cozy picnic shelters, a playground for the kids, lots of trees, and spacious trails for biking and walking. 7. Izaak Walton Wetlands This hidden gem is a beautiful oasis on the outskirts of the city. Izaak Walton Wetlands features breathtaking views of wildlife and habitats, easy trails for hiking, and lots of great photo-taking opportunities. You may need to bring an extra pair of boots or shoes, due to some muddy areas, though it's a worthwhile place to visit and enjoy the tranquil and scenic surroundings. It's an easy park to find, and there's lots of parking available. There are many fantastic trails and recreational parks to explore on foot when you visit the Rochester area. Call us at Rochester Mazda and find out about our amazing showroom deals today.

The weather is beautiful in Rochester, and now is the perfect time to plan a picnic. The city has plenty of outdoor recreation activities to offer. It has perfect places to enjoy your lunch break or get out and explore more of this city's beautiful landscape. Here are six ideas on perfect scenic picnic spots in Rochester, MN. more The Top 6 Picnic Spots in and Around Rochester, MN 1. Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park is a beautiful natural location with views over Silver Lake. The park features rolling hills and wooded trails for hiking. It is also endowed with lots of green grassy space for kids to play on. Many events are held at this park throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and kite flying days. It's worth checking their website before heading there just to make sure they're hosting an event you want to see or participate in. 2. Field of Fun The Field of Fun is a hidden gem for those looking to explore and have some quality time together. If you're an animal lover, this picnic spot has it all, from horses and llamas to deer and elk roaming around free-range. This place also boasts one-of-a-kind playground equipment, like swings that move in a wave motion. You're bound to have a blast here at The Field Of Fun, whether it's by yourself or with friends or family members. 3. Frontenac State Park This park is one of the most popular parks all over Minnesota. It has lots of space to explore and play games outside such as basketball or pinball inside the visitor center. There's so much room to roam around that you'll never feel crowded. There's also plenty of opportunities indoors if you're feeling cooped up too. 4. Hok-Si-La Park & Campground Hok-Si-La Park & Campground is an excellent place for those who like to pitch their tent and roast marshmallows or build campfires. There are also hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic shelters available in the area. The park provides hunters access to the wild game but welcomes all guests interested in spending time on nature's bounty. 5. Whitewater State Park The natural beauty here makes it one of the most popular places for picnics. There are opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. Another aspect making this such a great spot is the lakes, which provide excellent recreation opportunities and stunning views when they reflect at sunset. If you're looking to do some wildlife viewing while having your picnic, then we recommend visiting during a migratory season. 6. Oxbow Park Oxbow Park has plenty of shade and features a playground and basketball courts for those who want some physical activity with family or friends whilst taking their lunch break. This park is popular with people of all ages, but it's especially great for kids. The playground features a play area, swings, and climbing equipment to keep children entertained while adults chat or take in the view. What better way to visit your favorite picnic spot than with a quality car? Drop by Rochester Mazda to choose your favorite Mazda car and experience a world of difference in your next car dealership.

Rochester, MN is perhaps best known as the home of the Mayo Clinic, but did you know that the third-largest city in the state also has vibrant cultural offerings? Some of the best museums in the region are located in this city of 115,000. Whether you're here for a day or an entire week, Rochester has plenty to keep you busy, from art and history centers to a museum dedicated to veterans and emergency services workers. more 7 of the Best Museums to See in Rochester, MN 1. Rochester Art Center Rochester Art Center, located near the heart of downtown, is a contemporary art center that exhibits local, national, and international work. Exhibits rotate seasonally, and the center also offers tours and classes. The building that houses the center is architecturally striking and offers beautiful views of the river. 2. Plummer House The Plummer House is where Henry S. Plumber, who helped Dr. Charles Mayo create the Mayo Clinic, lived with his wife. Tours of this Tudor-style home take place during the summer. 3. Mayowood Mansion Once you've visited the Plummer House, the Mayowood Mansion is the logical next stop. Once the home of Dr. Charles Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, this house museum takes visitors back to the early 20th century. Hour-long tours of the estate are offered seven days a week, and visitors are also allowed to explore the estate's gardens. 4. Minnesota Veterans and Emergency Services Museum If you're interested in learning more about the work that individuals who serve in the military or emergency services do, the Minnesota Veterans and Emergency Services Museum is for you. The interactive exhibits at this museum showcase the contributions that Minnesotans have made in these roles. Historic equipment, vehicles, and clothing are on display. 5. History Center of Olmsted County Situated on a 54-acre site, the History Center of Olmsted County showcases local history. The museum displays maps, diaries, and other artifacts and exhibits that chronicle Rochester's development as a leader in health care. The museum is also home to an early 1862 pioneer home and a one-room schoolhouse. 6. Charles E. Gagnon Museum & Sculpture Garden This art museum showcases the bronze sculptures of Charles E. Gagnon, a local artist. This museum is based in the home and studio that Charles Gagnon lived and worked in and shows the progression of his sculptural work. During the summer months, a sculpture garden is open for visitors to explore. 7. Heritage House This historic property is just a short walk from the Mayo Clinic and offers visitors a glimpse of what life was like in the 1800s. Tours of this Italianate-style home, which has been restored and is filled with Victorian antiques from the period, are offered in June, July, and August. This house museum focuses on preserving and building awareness of Rochester's early years. If you're eager to get out and explore all that Rochester offers, you'll need a vehicle to travel in. Go to Rochester Mazda and pick out your next car, truck, or SUV today!

The greater Rochester, MN area has an abundance of bakeries to make a birthday or a holiday party special or to add some extra sweetness to a regular day. Most of these places have a home delivery option, as well. Here is our guide to a few favorite spots to visit for baked goods. more 10 Favorite Bakeries Near Rochester, MN 1. Drift Dough This bakery is housed in Forager Brewery and doubles as a coffee shop. It offers gluten-free doughnuts Friday through Sunday. Every day, Drift Dough offers over a dozen variations of doughnuts to satisfy every taste. 2. Fiddlehead Coffee Co. This place is known for its relaxing interior and great menu. It's bright and welcoming with dozens of ferns and mellow music. The pastries are baked in-house every day from scratch. 3. Great Harvest Bread Co. This is the bakery to visit for traditionally-made bread. Everything is prepared using old tried-and-true recipes and hand-kneading the loaves. This place offers bread, muffins, cookies, and pastries. 4. Hyvee This bakery is known for its beautifully designed wedding cakes. They have an in-house designer who designs most of the goods offered by the bakery. They sell wedding and birthday cakes, pastries, cookies, tarts, and more. 5. Nothing Bundt Cakes As the name of the bakery suggests, this place is all about bundt cakes. They are baked with high-quality butter and sugar and tried-and-true recipes. There are small, medium, and large bundt cakes, as well as stacked and bite-sized ones. This is the main place to stop by for those who love bundt cakes. 6. People's Food Co-op This bakery sells cakes, cheesecakes, bundt cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. They have vegan and gluten-free options. Everything is made from scratch. Special requests are available if the client calls and orders 24 hours in advance. 7. Roasted Bliss This coffee shop bakery was opened by two best friends. Everything is made from scratch. The bakery sells cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, and many different small treats. 8. Sweet House Bakery Owned by a mother of three, the bakery designs cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and various other treats. 9. Linda's Bakery This bakery specializes in gluten-free goods. They offer everything a regular bakery does. The menu is quite large. They sell cakes, cupcakes, cheesecake, bread, dinner rolls, and much more. It's one of the first choices for gluten-free baked goods in the area. 10. Rosemary & Lavender This lovely-named bakery uses local ingredients and artisan recipes. It's a registered cottage bakery. The menu includes recipes from around the world, inspired by the travels of the owner. Rochester has a huge choice when it comes to baked goods and pastries. From vegan options to gluten-free baked goods, there's something for everyone. With such a great selection, anyone could easily find what they are looking for and make life that much sweeter, and while you're out and about, visit Rochester Mazda for car deals and test drive one of their cars and find a suitable deal on a new or used vehicle.

Playing golf with friends or family is a fun and relaxing way to spend your day. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly golf course or an upscale private club near Rochester, MN, you've come to the right place! more 6 of the Best Golf Courses Near Rochester, MN 1. Hadley Creek Golf Learning Center Hadley Creek Golf Learning Center offers lessons, clinics, and camps for people of all ages. They also have facilities for hosting events like tournaments or family reunions. The courses are playable year-round because they offer snowmobile rentals during the winter months. This place has been voted as one of the top six places to go golfing near Rochester. 2. Rochester Indoor Golf Center Rochester Indoor Golf Center features nine holes of indoor golf. Also, it has an outdoor driving range, putting green, and two practice greens that are used for chipping, pitching. The course is also ideal for other game-related activities such as horseshoes. In addition, Rochester Indoor has meeting rooms available for gatherings or meetings. 3. Maple Valley Golf & Country Club The Maple Valley Golf & Country Club offers 18-hole championship courses for men's and women's play. It also has a par-30 executive course with nine holes that can be played twice through back to back, so you don't have to walk! They also offer driving range access with teeing grounds, chipping greens, and putting green access. The course also houses a full-service restaurant/bar and an indoor training center for all levels of players. 4. Willow Creek Golf Center Willow Creek is an 18-hole course that is best known for its challenging play. Whether you are looking to hone your skills or just have a fun day on the greens, you will not be disappointed. The fairways can be wide open with long shots off the tee, but there are plenty of trees waiting to catch any errant swings. The clubhouse at Willow Creek offers upscale dining in an elegant environment. Diners can enjoy some great food while taking advantage of beautiful views overlooking one of Minnesota's most popular golf centers. 5. Somerby Golf Club Somerby Golf Club is one of the most scenic courses in our area. It's located on a bluff overlooking Lake Minnetonka, and it boasts 18 holes with water hazards at five different points. There are also some stunning views of the sun setting across Rochester from the course. What's more, the course has three distinct nine-hole layouts for various skill levels. Somerby offers residents as well as out-of-towners an opportunity to enjoy golfing all year long. 6. Oak Summit Golf Center Oak Summit is the perfect place to take in all that nature has to offer. This golf center offers you a chance for some wonderful scenery alongside your round of golf. It's not just about what may be found on the fairways, they also have many beautiful plants and trees throughout their property.  You will love the trails and scenic views as well. Are you looking for a good car for your golfing travels? Contact Rochester Mazda today to schedule a test drive and personalized car buying experience.

The area surrounding Rochester, MN is blessed with an abundance of fabulous campgrounds where you can get away for a weekend under the stars. Whether you prefer the comfort and convenience of an RV or the rugged simplicity of a tent, you'll be sure to find the perfect spot for you at one of these brilliant campgrounds. more The Top 4 Camping Destinations Near Rochester, MN 1. Minnesota Whitewater State Park. Whitewater State Park is particularly known for its incredible trout fishing, but there's lots more to do on land here as well. The miles of wilderness that comprise the park can be explored via the several park trails that take in meadows, stony bluffs, and incredible views of the Whitewater River. There are plenty of campsites to park up in here, and all are pull-through with access to electrical hookups. The campgrounds include regularly spaced shower houses with restrooms and access to laundry facilities. 2. Chester Woods Park Located at the headwaters of Bear Creek amongst rugged bluffs and tranquil woodland is Chester Woods Park. The park is perfect for swimming and fishing, but is especially good for wildlife watching, with whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and prairie remnants scattered throughout the park. The campground includes 50 sites overall, of which two are accessible and nine are primitive non-electric sites. The rest have full power hookups and all are close by to the beach, restrooms, showers, and a dog play area. 3. Ponderosa Campground Situated in a beautiful setting on Lake Zumbro, Ponderosa Campground is an excellent choice for any campers with even a passing interest in fishing, as it offers access to brilliant bass, crappie, sunfish, and walleye fisheries. There is also access to a boat ramp and swimming beach. The campground includes a total of 98 campsites overall, all of which are suitable for RVs and trailers only, with sewerage, water, and 50 amp electrical hookups available at all sites. Hot showers and flush toilets are available from conveniently located blocks. 4. Carley State Park Carley State Park is the essence of beauty and quiet, with peaceful streams and tranquil woodlands that are covered by a lush carpet of bluebells in the spring. The park is set along the Whitewater River and includes a venerable stand of rare white pine trees. The park offers 20 secluded drive-in sites situated amongst shady woodland. There are also two group camping sites available which can accommodate 15-20 people, making them perfect for family get-togethers. There is a maximum limit of 30 feet on all RVs and trailers measured from the front of the tow vehicle to the rear of the trailer. These are just some of the sites you can discover within a short drive of Rochester, but there are lots more to discover, so why not head outside today and enjoy the great outdoors. Looking for a new vehicle to take you on your next camping adventure? Then head down Rochester Mazda today, where our friendly staff will be happy to help you chose from our incredible inventory of cars.

Located in the southeastern corner of Minnesota, the city of Rochester, MN has a population of a little over 100,000. Whether you are living in the city or visiting for a couple of days, this is a good base from where you can go on great fishing trips to nearby lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. Invite your family or a group of friends and check out these excellent fishing spots, all of which can be reached in less than two hours by car. more 1. Clear Lake State Park, IA With a territory of more than 3,500 acres, Clear Lake is a natural, spring-fed body of water located close to the Minnesota state line in northern Iowa. A popular fishing destination among anglers from Rochester, Mason City, and other nearby towns, it is home to some great specimens of channel catfish, yellow bass, and walleye. After a series of cleaning and restoration efforts in 2004, it became one of the most popular weekend destinations in this part of the state. The best fishing areas of Clear Lake are located within the Clear Lake State Park, which has a total area of fewer than 60 acres but offers a plethora of recreational activities and beautiful spots. Apart from fishing, visitors to this state park come here for camping, swimming, boating, skiing, sailing, and windsurfing. Getting here from downtown Rochester takes an hour and a half by car, driving southwest along routes I-90 W and I-35 S. 2. Frontenac State Park, MN Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, the Frontenac State Park is another great fishing spot that receives thousands of visitors from the states of Minnesota and neighboring Wisconsin. Boasting a total area of more than two thousand acres, it was established in 1957 and has since become one of the best-known places in the region for fishing, hiking, swimming, sledding, and camping, among other popular outdoor activities. Getting to the entrance of the Frontenac State Park from downtown Rochester takes a little under an hour by car, driving a distance of just 47 miles along US Highway 63. Once in the park, you can head to either Lake Pepin or the banks of the Mississippi River for fishing. Some of the species of fish living in these bodies of water include trout, smallmouth bass, crappie, and largemouth bass. 3. Lake Zumbro, MN Featuring more than 600 acres of territory, Lake Zumbro is an artificial reservoir created as a result of the construction of a hydroelectric dam across the Zumbro River in southeastern Minnesota. Located just 20 miles north of Rochester, it is the closest fishing spot you can find around the city. The most commonly found species of fish include bluegill, channel catfish, as well as black and white crappie. If you are looking for a new vehicle to check out these excellent fishing destinations, visit us at Rochester Mazda. We have an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles for all needs, tastes, and budgets. Check out our website, give us a call, or use our live chat feature to learn more about our cars.

Everyone loves dessert but it's not always easy to know where to get the best of the best. This is why we have created a list of some of the greatest places in Rochester, MN where you can find delicious treats that will help you turn an ordinary day into a great one! more 1. Rosemary & Lavender There's a bit of everything at Rosemary & Lavender. This place is specialized in desserts for events, including wonderful creations such as a Swedish cardamom cake and vanilla cakes with chocolate and strawberry icing. You can also find amazing pies, such as a pear apple cranberry pie or incredibly delicious cookies, including caramel chocolate pretzel cookies. They are not afraid to innovate and they're willing to accommodate your requests to make sure your event is as perfect as possible! 2. Sweet House Bakery There's nothing like a good cinnamon roll with a delicious cup of coffee. Locals love the cinnamon rolls from Sweet House Bakery as well as the amazing chocolate croissants. People also like the fact that there are alternatives for people with food allergies. Some of these are dairy-free cupcakes, which are really delicious despite having no traditional milk. You can also find cookies, cakes, macarons, muffins, and more. There's a bit of everything here! 3. Roasted Bliss Coffee & Bakery Cookies, pies, cheesecakes, and more! This is another place that offers a wide variety of options for hungry visitors. This makes it a great spot for groups, as everyone is bound to find something they really like. People especially love the pecan butterscotch rolls, and the place has become well-known for offering keto-friendly options as well. Plus, you'll get some of the best coffee in town. 4. Frosted by CC Another place specialized in important events is Frosted by CC. This allows the owner to offer you custom-made cakes that will make your event unforgettable. You can also find classic cakes as well as classic cupcakes, with flavors such as cookie butter, double chocolate, queen vanilla bean, and more. Something customers really like is how friendly the service is and the fact that the owner was very open to discussing the details of a design. This was especially appreciated by brides and grooms deep in wedding planning! 5. Drift Dough This place makes things really interesting. They offer amazing and unique donuts, making it a heaven for all donut lovers out there! Some of their delicious creations include espresso mascarpone donuts, Nutella s'mores donuts, and blueberry pancake donuts. Plus, you can also get a good cup of coffee to go with your treat. This might just be your new go-to for a quick breakfast or mid-afternoon snack! There are many great places where you can satisfy a craving for something sweet in the Rochester area. From coffee and pastries specialists to donut-only stores. If you want to have a sweet ride to get to all of these places, contact Rochester Mazda right away! We have great offers for you.

Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? The one sure way to cure any morning grumpiness is a meal at one of the best breakfast places here in our town of Rochester, MN. Whether you're looking for a hearty plate of eggs or a tall stack of pancakes, these local spots have you covered. We decided to list our favorite breakfast places in the area so you know where to get your morning meal. more 1. Canadian Honker Ever since 1984, the family-owned kitchen at the Canadian Honker has been serving up fresh meals to our area. Their Honker Omelet makes a classic breakfast, giving you a plate of perfectly cooked eggs with HoneyBaked ham and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. All of their omelet meals come with your choice of hash browns or fries as well as either white or wheat toast. 2. Benedict's Morning Heroes The executive chef here tries to put a spin on the modern diner and bring together good food, good friends, and good family to create a one-of-a-kind experience. You'll feel right at home as you sit down with the eggs benedict this place takes its name from. You can keep it classic with just ham and hollandaise sauce, or go for something more out there like a sandwich with poached lobster and old bay. 3. Brother's Bar and Grill Though their bar makes a great place to stop in at any time of the day, they serve breakfast right up there with the best of them at Brother's. For a hearty meal that will give you all the energy you need to take on your day, try their breakfast burrito. With scrambled eggs, grilled onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, homemade salsa, and your choice of meat all wrapped into a tortilla, you'll need a healthy appetite to tackle this dish. 4. Grandma's Kitchen People are always looking for food that's as good as grandma used to make, and that's exactly what you'll get when you visit Grandma's Kitchen. They've been open since 1977, so you know they're doing something right. That longevity comes from the excellent food they serve up. Our favorite has to be the stack of sweet buttermilk pancakes you can get here. 5. Bruegger's Bagels For a breakfast you can take with you on the go, not much beats the authentic New York-style bagels from Bruegger's. You can keep it classic with just a bagel and a generous smear of cream cheese, or have a breakfast sandwich on it to make for an even more filling meal. If you need a sweet pick me up in the morning, don't leave without a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie or a blueberry muffin. Now you've got everything you need to find the perfect breakfast right here in our area. If you need a perfect car-buying or service experience, we've got you covered. Come on in to Rochester Mazda today!

Situated in South East Minnesota, Rochester is famous for its beautiful architecture and its varied seasons. Home to around 100,000 residents, Rochester is a bustling city with plenty of great cafes and eateries. Whether you want a cooling iced coffee or something to warm you up on a wintry day, these are the 6 best places to get your caffeine fix in Rochester, MN. more 1. Café Steam Situated in the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Café Steam sits right in the heart of Rochester's city center. With its stylish décor, relaxed atmosphere, and specialty coffee, Café Steam is a great place to stop in on your way to the shops. The location is within easy walking distance of the University Square Shopping Center on Broadway Avenue. 2. Lumen Coffee If you fancy a short drive, Lumen Coffee is a wonderful café with local roots and a fascinating backstory. Located north of the city, near the Northern Hills Golf Course, Lumen Coffee was started by Rochester native and retired firefighter, Bryce Fogelson. Selling delicious and unique coffee flavors alongside homemade light snacks, Café Steam is well worth the trip. The brand is also impressive because of its dedication to environmental business practices. 3. Hollandberry Pannekoeken If you've got a sweet tooth and like a treat with your coffee, Dutch bakery Hollandberry Pannekoeken is the place for you! Their menu features their namesake, Pannekeoken: a traditional Dutch pancake served with a variety of fillings. Hollandberry is based on Broadway Avenue and, as well as pancakes, they also serve homemade muffins and other baked desserts. Their menu also features their signature “bottomless” cup. Ideal for coffee lovers! 4. Caribou Coffee Rochester is home to two Caribou Coffee locations, with one residing on 2nd Street and the other on First Avenue. They are within easy walking distance of each other and serve a tantalizing range of coffees, iced juices, and cold brews. Their Christmas coffee menu is particularly spectacular and ideal for a pick-me-up during a festive shopping spree. 5. St James Coffee A ten-minute drive out of the center takes you to St James Coffee. Run by the area's Catholic Church, St James Coffee blends a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with delicious, artisanal coffee. Located just off the main highway heading south into Rochester, St James Coffee is a great place to stop if you're driving through Rochester and need a relaxing break. 6. Café Presto Café Presto is a fun, American style diner that serves up classic USA and Mexican cuisine as well as hot drinks. This family-friendly joint is ideal for a day out or a pitstop on a family vacation. There's plenty of desserts for kids to choose from and iced and hot coffee is served all day long. Café Presto can be found on 2nd Street, just off of Broadway Avenue. With so many great places to pick up a coffee, you'll always find what you need in Rochester. If you're looking for a vehicle to explore the surrounding area, the Mazda dealership should be your first point of call. Drop in at the Rochester Mazda showroom to view all the best deals!

Quarry Hill Nature Center is the place to be when you want to stop and appreciate the natural world. Visit alone for a quiet walk, talk with one of the expert staff, or take your children for entertaining education. You will find so much to do that you will have to return many times to see it all. more Exploration Hall Inside Exploration Hall you will find a huge fish tank filled with creatures native to Minnesota. You will also see a replica of a T-Rex skull and be able to study a variety of taxidermied animals as well as other natural items you can touch and explore. Preschool Classes Your youngest nature lovers will enjoy taking a class where they can get up close and personal with animals and the world outside. Past topics have included spiders, dinosaurs, and leaves. Register ahead on the website or by calling the center. Nature Education Adults love to learn about nature as well, and the nature center offers educational opportunities for all ages. Learn about animal migration, using herbs in natural healing, or another of many engaging topics. Bird Banding Watch as naturalists capture, band, and release birds to be tracked and studied. Learn all about birds in the Bird Study Room or go on a bird-watching walk with a group. Crafts Learn to make crafts out of items found in nature. Past craft classes have included making soaps and wreaths. Create something beautiful that you can give as a gift to a loved one or display proudly in your home or yard. Guided Hikes Take a guided hike through the nature center while learning from a professional naturalist who can show you secrets that hide in the outside world. Discover amazing information about plants, insects, and animals while you enjoy the beauty around you. Animal Meet and Greet Meet the creatures who call the nature center home. Frogs, turtles, and snakes are some of the animals you can enjoy up close and get to know better. Let the experienced staff teach you and your children that you don't have to be afraid of wildlife and how to handle animals responsibly and respectfully. Indoor Honeybee Observation Step into the fascinating life of honeybees when you observe the indoor honeybee hive at the center. Learn how bees work together to create their own food and keep their population thriving. Watch how they communicate with each other and make their honey. You will love learning all about the world outside your window at the Quarry Hill Nature Center. From wild animals to plants and trees, there is always something about nature to explore and enjoy. Bring your children to discover a love of what thrives in the wild, and help them build a desire to protect their natural world. To safely and efficiently get your family to the nature center, shop for a reliable vehicle at Rochester Mazda, where a wide selection of wonderful cars, trucks, and SUVs awaits you.

There is nothing that gets our mouths watering the way a delicious burger can, but everyone knows that not all burgers are created equal. If you want the best burgers around instead of the average sandwiches served up at the big fast-food chains, you need to check out the spots on our list. All of them are right here in Rochester, MN, so you won't have to go far to tackle your hunger for burgers. more Pappy's Place Bringing a combined total of over 60 years of food industry know-how to the table, the owners of Pappy's Place know a thing or two about how to make a delicious meal. That experience shows in the amazing burger we got on our visit here. We had to order their signature Pappy Burger, and their namesake sandwich doesn't disappoint. Cheese curds and a creamy BBQ sauce give it some extra flavor, while the onion ring on top adds some crunch. Snappy Stop For a fresh burger that gets served up fast and conveniently without giving you that pre-packaged fast-food taste, stop in at Snappy Stop. They roll out a new burger of the month all the time to keep every visit here fresh and exciting. Get yours with one of their combo deals to complete your meal with some crispy fries on the side and a refreshing drink to wash everything down with. Newt's Newt's has been a local institution since 1980 and is the go-to spot for many locals when they're craving a juicy burger. They've got over a dozen varieties of burgers to choose from on their menu, from the simple Basic Burger to more out-there creations like the Peanut Butter Burger. For us, nothing tops the spicy kick of Dave's Burger, with jalapenos and garlic mixed in with the patty for an extra bit of heat. Canadian Honker Restaurant All sorts of excellent eats are available on the menu at Canadian Honker, but nothing can beat the scrumptious burgers they grill up here. Our favorite has to be the Smoked Gouda burger, with crispy hickory-smoked bacon combining with creamy natural beechwood smoked gouda for a flavor match made in heaven. If you've got room after your burger, be sure to try their world-famous Bunnies Coconut Cake. Hot Chip Burger Bar If you've got a big-time hunger that just won't quit, then head on down to Hot Chip Burger Bar and order their All Wheel Drive burger. Stacked with four meaty patties and four slices of cheese along with pickles, onions, and their homemade special sauce, this meaty creation is only for the hungriest of bellies. We also loved the handspun milkshakes here that make the perfect complement to a burger. The burgers flipping on the grill at these local spots are the hottest you'll find in our area. For the most sizzling deals on a new vehicle, we've got you covered. Visit Rochester Mazda today and see what we've got cooking up!