Are you planning a trip to Rochester, Minnesota? Don’t make a plan without checking out the extensive outings available in this great city. Here are a few different ways you can spend your day during your visit to Rochester, Minnesota.
Experience Local History
After breakfast, take some time to explore and to learn about the life and history of a great family in Rochester at the Mayowood Mansion. This mansion, which was built all the way back in 1911, is a gigantic 38-room home where three generations of the Mayo family lived. The mansion features a rare collection of art, some fantastic flower gardens, and a massive number of antiques. Tours are available of this fantastic home.
Next, learn about the history of Olmsted County at the History Center of Olmstead County, located at 1195 W. Circle Drive. There, you can see rare pictures, maps, diaries, and stories about the lives of the people of Rochester from as far back as the 1800s. Visit the Hadley Valley School House, a traditional one-room educational facility. You can also pay a visit to the George Stoppel Farmstead, which goes back to 1856.
Spend a Day Downtown
There’s plenty to see and do in downtown Rochester. Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at Tonic, a local fresh juice bar and restaurant located at 1217 Second St. SW that has received numerous accolades. Enjoy the breakfast hash, which comes packed with roasted potatoes, roasted red peppers, and delectable cheese and eggs, or choose from the variety of nutritious breakfasts.
After a hearty meal, why not head over to the Rochester Art Center, where you can check out contemporary exhibits from well-known artists? Afterward, hop on a trolley tour that can take you down the vibrant city streets so you can see the architecture of the city. Finally, wrap up the day with a light ramen meal at Bleu Duck Kitchen, an American style hot spot at 14 Fourth St. SW.
Enjoy Entertainment and Shopping
Rochester is a great city for shopping and leisure, so make the most of it. Start your day at the Rochester Farmers Market — Downtown, where you can check out the fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and flowers. Take advantage of the delectable, renowned cinnamon rolls. The market is located at Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue Southeast by the Zumbro River. If you’re downtown on a Thursday, you can take in the downtown summer festival as well.
Afterward, treat your kids to play time at Rochester’s new Air Insanity trampoline park, where you’ll find trampoline features, basketball, dodge ball, and other activities. You can also go to Bounce World, which offers many inflatables to get them excited. If that’s a bit too adventurous for you, then head over instead to Bowlocity for a fun session of laser tag and arcade games. After a late lunch, return downtown for evening shopping before heading out to a performance at the Rochester Civic Theater downtown, where there are theater, music and dance performances.
There’s so much to see and do in Rochester. Plan your day in advance to make the most of all the summertime events and activities in this exciting city.
Image by Tony Asleson is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
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