When you think about things to do after a long week, few activities are as good to recharge your batteries as visiting a nearby nature reserve and enjoying your favorite outdoor sports with your friends or family. Located in the southeastern corner of the state and about 85 miles from Minneapolis, the city of Rochester, MN is close to some of the best state parks in the region. Here are three of them for you to check out while in town.
Explore Nature With Your Mazda: 3 State Parks in Driving Distance of Rochester, MN
1. Frontenac State Park
Known for its large and diverse populations of birds and mammals, Frontenac State Park is a fantastic spot to visit on a weekend or a day off work. Established in 1957 and managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this public recreation area boasts steep limestone bluffs with breathtaking views of Lake Pepin, as well as several miles of hiking and biking trails.
Frontenac State Park is located just over 45 miles north of the Rochester city center and right along the banks of the Mississippi River. Getting here takes a little under one hour by car via US Highway 63, making it easy to visit is as part of a day trip or a weekend escape. Some of the most popular activities among visitors include hiking, camping, birding, and wildlife photography.
2. Great River Bluffs State Park
Also located on the western banks of the Mississippi River, Great River Bluffs State Park is a sprawling nature reserve established in the early 1970s and managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Encompassing an area of a little over 3,000 acres, this place features expansive prairies, scenic viewpoints, and an extensive network of multi-use trails.
Getting from downtown Rochester to Great River Bluffs State Park takes about 50 minutes by car, driving 60 miles west along route I-90. Once you make your way to this photogenic riverside destination, some of the activities you can enjoy include wildlife watching, picnicking, mountain biking, and hiking. Several campsites are available for travelers wanting to stay overnight.
3. Myre-Big Island State Park
Boasting expansive oak savannas and prairies, Myre-Big Island State Park boasts some of the most photogenic landscapes in the region, especially during the fall season. Located about 60 miles southwest of Rochester, this public recreation area encompasses a territory of about 1,600 acres and is home to large populations of white-tailed deer, bats, gray foxes, and several species of birds.
If you are looking for a vehicle that performs great in the toughest conditions, the new 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an optimal choice. Stop by Rochester Mazda today, check out the fantastic features of this stylish SUV, and take it home with one of the flexible financing plans we have available for you.
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