Nature lovers rejoice in Rochester, Mn! The only way to join this celebration is to be in the heart of it all. Situated along the Zumbro River, Rochester is packed full with scenic and recreational outdoor areas, including 85 miles of trails and more than 100 city parks that cover 3,500 acres. Check out these destinations in and near Rochester.
Quarry Hill Nature Center
The Quarry Hill Nature Center houses 35 species of live animals native to Minnesota, including a saw-whet owl. You’ll find naturalist programs, the Exploration Center, an indoor honeybee hive, and much more. Quarry Hills Park is part of Quarry Hills Nature Center at 701 Silver Creek Road NE. Explore the Harry L. Buck Children’s Pond, numerous trails, a sandstone cave, limestone fossil quarries, and other outdoor delights. The Trilobite Ridge Trail, a rough, rocky path, leads to a quarry. If you find a fossil there that’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, you’re allowed to keep it!
Admission is free. In summer, the Nature Center is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Hours for the rest of the year are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Douglas State Trail
The Douglas State Trail is a paved 12.5-mile trail beginning in northwestern Rochester, goes through its namesake town of Douglas, and ends in Pine Island. The trail reveals lovely scenic views of forest land, fields, and pastures. You’ll find rest rooms and picnic areas along the way. Adjacent to the paved trail, which is ideal for hikers, bicyclist, and in-line skaters, a second trail has a natural surface for horseback riding and snowmobiling.
Silver Lake Park
Spend a day at Silver Lake Park in downtown Rochester kayaking or canoeing on the Cumbrous River. Bring your own canoes or kayaks, or rent what you need from Silver Lake Boat & Bike Rental, which also rents electric paddle boats and bicycles. You can also fish, have a picnic, or swim in the outdoor pool. The park also offers a skate park and the Children’s Adventure Playground, a wheelchair- and handicapped-accessible playground facility. A 1.8-mile trail loops around the lake for hiking, jogging, bicycling, or inline skating.
Elba Fire Tower
Looking for some extra exercise? Try climbing the Elba Fire Tower near the tiny town of Elba, about 28 miles from Rochester. You’ll climb 772 steps in all, 637 in a climb on wide wooden steps through forest land to the base of one of the few remaining fire towers in Minnesota. Your reward, after another 135 steps up the sturdy but squeaky metal stairs, will be a stunning view of forested bluffs, farmland, and branches of the Whitewater River meandering toward their confluence in Elba. Wear hiking shoes or sneakers and bring plenty of water for the climb.
Rochester, Mn, offers so many opportunities to enjoy nature. Try these suggestions and more to experience the beautiful Rochester outdoors.
Image by Charli Lopez is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
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