As the sun’s rays shine down and we enjoy the middle of spring, it’s nice to get outdoor and take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. This spring, be sure to check out a few of the top drives in Rochester that offer stunning views of the natural beauty. 
- Forestville
Forestville Mystery Cave is worth visiting, and the drive to get there offers glimpses of some of the state’s most beautiful scenery. The drive from Rochester is about 40 miles, and you have several options. You can take County Road 1 SE, Highway 63, or a combination of County Road 1 SE and MN-16. Each of these routes offers impressive views, and when you arrive at the cave and state park, you can get out and explore. The state park houses miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, while the mystery cave is open for tours beginning in May.
- Harmony to Niagara Cave
Another drive worth making is the one that leads to Niagara Cave in Harmony. It’s about 55 miles from Rochester and is accessible via County Rd 1 SE, US-52, and Highway 63 and County Road 44. Most of the drive will be on scenic back roads, so you’ll see stretches of greenery and wide-open space that hasn’t been developed.
Upon arrival at Niagara Cave, be sure to get out and spend some time at this fascinating attraction. It’s a family-owned and operated cave that provides views of natural canyon-like passageways that have been sculpted by the movement of an underground stream. In addition to the cave, the grounds include 10 acres of picnic areas and playgrounds, an area to pan for fossils and gemstones, and an 18-hole miniature golf course.
- Highway 60
If you like to drive without a specific destination in mind, jump on Highway 14 and start driving. Between Rochester and Mankato, you’ll find impressive stretches of country roads that provide beautiful natural views. Mankato is about 85 miles away from Rochester, so it’s a bit of a longer drive, but you don’t have to go all the way to enjoy the view.
About halfway to Mankato, you’ll encounter Owatonna, a quaint city where you can stop and spend some time. Grab a bite at Torey’s Restaurant & Bar, one of the top-rated eateries, or enjoy Mexican fare at El Tequila. You can also visit the Reptile Amphibian Discovery Zoo, explore the State School Orphanage Museum, or enjoy the pleasant spring weather while spending time at Rice Lake State Park.
Now that you know where to enjoy a scenic drive in Rochester, the next step is finding the perfect vehicle that makes it fun to get behind the wheel. Visit us at Rochester Mazda to explore the lineup of powerful, luxurious, and appealing models we have in stock. Mazda vehicles are packed with features that make them more impressive than what you can get from other automotive companies, including turbocharged engines that make it easy to get around the curves on your favorite spring drive.
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