With a long history of welcoming visitors from across the globe, we extend to you our warmest greetings!
Regardless of what brought you here, be it our legendary medical facilities or world-class shopping, dining and culture, we’re glad you’re here.
Rochester is a growing community that is consistently rated as one of the most livable cities in the U.S. There are skyways, walking subways, and easy outdoor access to almost everything you’ll need downtown–all within a short walk.
Rochester is also known for a rich array of unique locally owned businesses and thriving cultural and arts venues. Depending on the season, you can explore more than 85 miles of paved trails, visit one of more than 100 park areas, or try out activities like snowshoeing, cross country skiing or ice-skating. During the warmer months, visit one of our many great golf courses, or experience the popular Thursdays on First & 3rd Art Market & Music Festival. There is always something to do, regardless of the season.
If there is anything I can to do help you feel more at home here in our wonderful community, please don’t hesitate to give me a call or drop by City Hall. Enjoy our first-class city and first-class service!
Mayor Kim Norton, City of Rochester
Photos by Chad Johnson
Rochester Civic Theatre Company
The Rochester Civic Theatre Company is a non-profit organization that educates and enriches the adults and young people of Rochester and Southeastern Minnesota through the production and presentation of live theater, music, and dance.
Rochester Art Center
Rochester Art Center offers everyone the opportunity to appreciate the arts through exhibitions, and programs that encourage questioning and creativity. We are located along the river with the Mayo Civic Center at 2nd St. SE and are connected to the extensive trail and skyway systems.
Rochester Pops Orchestra
The Rochester Pops Orchestra is dedicated to performing professional, and entertaining concerts that appeal to all ages and walks of life. Our music spans from golden oldies, country, easy listening, jazz, big band and, todays hits to songs from the stage and screen, Disney, Broadway and video game scores.
ARTS & CULTURE
Riverside Concerts
Riverside Concerts provides the community with high quality, diverse, and accessible musical and educational programs. We offer a broad range of concerts, performances, area musicians, and artistic support services that help make Rochester a more livable community and contribute to the quality of life of its citizens.
Rochester Dance Company
The Rochester Dance Company Vision... To be a distinctive dance organization that benefits the community by creating meaningful and enjoyable dance productions; and to benefit area dancers by providing exceptional training and performance opportunities
Rochester Symphony
Rochester Symphony is a full orchestra and chorale ensemble. Concerts feature professional musicians playing classical repertoire, newly commissioned music and popular selections. Six full concerts as well as small ensembles and educational events throughout the season provide music access to a wide variety of audiences.
The Accidental Hero November 24 @ 3pm
A WWII Story of a Wisconsin man who liberated the Czech villages of his grandparents. with Patrick Dewane
Privately-owned Rochester City Lines provides comfortable, dependable public transit.
Rochester City Lines 507-288-4353 rochestercitylines.com
Rochester Public Transportation (RPT) provides safe and convenient public transportation with weekday and Saturday fixed routes, and paratransit service for individuals unable to use fixed route buses.
AVIATION Rochester International Airport (RST) is currently served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Sun Country. RST provides daily, nonstop service to major hubs, allowing connections to many worldwide destinations.
Rochester Public Transit 507-328-RIDE (7433) rochestermn.gov/departments/public-transportation
CARRENTAL
GUIDE ROCHESTER
A variety of vehicles and services for luxury, comfort, and convenience.
Star Transportation ........... 507-281-0969 limostar.com
Chamberlain Concierge and Lifestyle Management ......... 507-208-1051 yourchamberlain.com
Corporate Car & Coach 507-261-4660 ridewithcorpcar.com
Non-emergency medical transport (ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher, bariatric) for those with disabilities, special
Handi Van ................... 507-281-3600 handivanrides.com
R & S Transport ............... 507-289-5080 rstransportinc.com
Remjoy Transportation/Med Supply 507-206-6650
THE SOLDIERS FIELD soldiers field veterans memorial
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial is meant to honor the sacrifices of southeastern Minnesota veterans, past, present, and future. As a community, we’ve created a special place that honors our veterans, tells the story of conflicts throughout our history, and provides a place for members of the community to come and reflect on the weight of veterans’ sacrifices.
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial is free for all visitors, so the lessons to be learned from our veterans are accessible to all.
GOLFCOURSESIN
ROCHESTER
EASTWOODGOLFCOURSE
3505 Eastwood Rd SE, 507-281-6173
Rochester, MN 55902
HADLEYCREEKGOLFCOURSE
2427 Hadley Valley Rd NE, 507-529-4119 Rochester, MN 55906
MAPLEVALLEYGOLFCOUNTRYCLUB
Maple Valley Golf Country Club, 507-285-9100
Rochester, MN 55904
NORTHERNHILLSGOLFCOURSE
4721 W Circle Dr, 507-281-6170
Rochseter, MN 55901
OAKSUMMITGOLFCOURSE
2751 Co Hwy 16, 507-252-1808 Rochester, MN 55902
ROCHESTERGOLF+COUNTRYCLUB
3100 Country Club Rd SW, 507-282-2708 Rochester, MN 55902
SOLIDERSFIELDGOLFCOURSE
244 Soldiers Field Drive SW, 507-281-6176
Rochester, MN 55902
WILLOWCREEKGOLFCOURSE
1700 48th St SW, 507-285-0305
Many people and contractors in the construction trade, plus many others, donated their time, talent and materials to make this Memorial one of the finest in the country. It was built without the use of tax dollars, and all committee members are unpaid volunteers. An interest bearing perpetual fund of $500,000 was established to maintain the Memorial.
Located five blocks south of the Mayo Clinic, at 300 7th St. S.W., it consists of four circular granite walls, a 12’ x 51’ main wall, 50 trees, 4,920 pavers, 36 granite benches, the U.S. flag, the Minnesota flag, six Armed Forces flags and the POW/MIA flag.
The outside walls feature battle graphics from the Civil War to the Gulf War, and the inside walls are engraved with stories of important military events from the Revolutionary
AN IMPRESSIVE MILLION THAT WAS TO HONOR WHO GAVE DEDICATED WHO
War to the Gulf Educational markers the history and of the American inside of the memorial. of a mother and nurse and a medic wounded soldier the Wall of Remembrance. logos of the Military are engraved on Wall as well. There complex featuring a WW-II soldier of 6th St. and 2nd entrance to the
Rochester, MN 55902 18PBxxxxxxxxx
Colin L. Powell visited 2006 with Wayne Stillman
VETERANS MEMORIAL
Photo by Erin Young
MAYO CIVIC CENTER
Mayo Civic Center is Southern Minnesota’s premier destination for local, regional, national and international conventions, entertainment, social and sporting opportunities. 507-328-2220, mayociviccenter.com
by Erin Young
Gulf War.
and Harry Kerr.
Cannons from the Gulf War and World War I are on display. Primary funding came from the sale of pavers, purchased by or for veterans, that form the walkway surrounding the Memorial. The 8”x20” feature that contain the name of a veteran, when they served, and the branch they served in.
markers that show and proper etiquette American flag stand memorial. Statues and child, and a medic treating a soldier stand near Remembrance. The Military Academies on the rear of the There is a small featuring a statue of soldier at the corner 2nd Ave S.W., the the Memorial.
A focal point of the Memorial is a granite wall 12’ high by fifty one feet long that contains the names of over 2,300 people, from S.E. Minnesota, who died as a result of injuries sustained in service to our country from the Civil War to the present.
Soldiersfieldmemorial.org
Contact: Wayne Stillman 507-289-8981, wstillman@coloradofinance.com
Rochester Symphony Rochester Symphony features professional musicians performing six concerts per year. Running October through April, the 2023/2024 season includes visiting conductors, our chorale and various guest artists. Tickets and more at rochestersymphony.org or 507-286-8742.
Photo
TOURS
AMISH TOURS of HARMONY
Tours of the largest Amish colony in Minnesota are 45 minutes southeast of Rochester in Harmony. Visit the Amish gift & furniture store. Tours are held year around, except Sundays. 1-800-752-6474, amish-tours.com
BARN QUILT TOURS
CALDONIA, MN
Driving tours of almost sixty beautifully painted barn quilts which adorn agricultural buildings in this scenic area. Bus tours offered on selected dates. Maps available on website. 507-725-5477, caledoniamn.gov, Community Resources Page
Bluffscape Amish Tours
lanesboro, MN
This is your chance to experience the timeless life-style of the Old Order Amish. You’ll meet exceptional people who live by traditional values of family, faith, and community. 507-467-3070, bluffscape.com, 102 Beacon St. E., Lanesboro, MN 55949
ASSISI HEIGHTS
ROCHESTER.MN
Call ahead at 507-282-7441 Sits atop one of the highest hills in Olmsted County and resembles the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy. Tours are available Mon at 2 p.m. & Sat at 1:30 p.m. or by appt.
ROLLINGSTONe LUXEMBOURG
HERITAGE MUSEUM
Rollingston, MN
Former city hall with thousands of items from Luxembourg immigrants. Open all year by appointment. Free admission by calling ahead. 507-452-8268
NIAGARA CAVE
HARMONY MN
Pan for gemstones and fossils, play mini golf, enjoy 10 acres of picnic grounds. Safe, lighted, one-hour tour of one of the top-rated caves in the US. 507-886-6606, niagaracave.com
Plummer House Tours
February - November • Noon - 6pm
Self Guided • Every Wednesday
The Plummer house includes many innovations that were quite novel for their time. The 5 story home is over 300 feet long with over 20,000 square feet total with 11,000 square feet of living space.
Visible from much of SW Rochester, the Plummer House and its water tower mark the summit of a Rochester neighborhood nicknamed Pill Hill, so called because it typically houses many Mayo doctors.1091 Plummer Lane SW · Rochester
MYSTERY CAVE, PRESTON MN
Stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, fossils, and beautiful underground pools. Scenic, educational and photographic tours available. 507-937-3251, dnr.state.mn.us
HISTORY CENTER OF OLMSTED COUNTY
Historic farmsteads, historic buildings, and the History Center museum. History Center museum houses the exhibit gallery, gift shop, Wilson Library and the Wickland Archives. 507-282-9447, olmstedhistory.com
The History Center also operates seasonal tours of Mayowood Mansion. Mayowood Mansion Regular Season Public Tour Schedule: April-October.
by Chad Johnson
Photos
Area activities
ROCHESTER HONKERS
The Northwoods Baseball League is celebrating 25 seasons! Come meet Slider, the mascot, and enjoy a game at Mayo Field. Special events like fireworks and the Mason Jar giveaway. The Honkers play 34 home games. 507-289-1170, northwoodsleague.com/rochester-honkers
NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER,
WABASHA MN
Climb in an eagle’s nest or test your strength against an eagle’s, learn how eagles soar and view wild eagles on the river. Open daily, live eagle programs. 651-565-4989, nationaleaglecenter.org
ROCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
101 2nd St. SE
507-328-2300
Nationally-recognized Rochester Public Library is conveniently located to serve community members who travel by car, bus, or bike. The library is also home to the busiest Bookmobile in the state of Minnesota (based on circulation). With hundreds of free activities for residents and visitors, and a robust collection of books, audiobooks, and DVDs, the library has something for everyone!
FOUR DAUGHTERS WINERY, SPRING VALLEY MN
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery is a fully operational winery, cidery, restaurant and event center. Their sprawling estate includes a tasting room and large production areas, as well as a 6 acre vineyard on the property. 507-346-7300, fourdaughtersvineyard.com
lark toys, kellogg
This toy store was voted the best in Minnesota and one of the top 10 toy stores in the world. It offers toys that stimulate imaginations and leave room for kids to create from their minds and hearts.
LARK makes their own fudge in-house and boast an amazing antique toy museum. The solid wood hand-carved LARK Carousel is a work of art that people of all ages can view and ride, and the 18-hole mini golf course with waterfalls and a play-through cave is fun for all. 507-767-3387, larktoys. com, 63604 170th Ave.
kids | play | PARKS
Air insanity
ROCHESTER MN
1607 Hwy. 14 E
507-322-6197
Rochester’s Premier
Indoor Trampoline Park
Roca Climbing & Fitness
ROCHESTER MN
6071 Rome Circle NW, 507-218-1500
Indoor rock climbing
Skyline raceway
ROCHESTER MN 2248 40th St. SW
507-287-6289
Go-karting, mini golf, gemstone panning
machine
shed
ROCHESTER MN 11 2nd Street NE
507-258-6501
Arcade
chester woods park, eyota, MN
the mess hall
ROCHESTER MN 1635 Broadway Ave. N 507-785-0226
Smash and paint splatter room
spark, children’s museum
ROCHESTER MN
632 Apache Mall
Play and learn
Located on the headwaters of Bear Creek in the rugged bluff country of Southeastern Minnesota. There are approximately 15 miles of primitive trails. A trail links the campground, boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas. Features include a swimming beach, boat launch and fishing, canoe, paddleboard, kayak, paddleboat rentals,15 miles of hiking trails, 5 miles of groomed trails for cross-county skiing or fat tire biking, equestrian trails, daily or annual permit required, 7 picnic areas, 50-unit campground and restrooms with showers, 2 camper cabins and 2 remote, canoe-in only campsites. 507328-7350, https://bit.ly/3LkPVbO
FOSTER AREND PARK, ROCHESTER MN
4000 East River Rd NE. Sandy beach, swimming, fishing & picnic grounds with shelter. 507-328-2525
Photo by Chad Johnson
OXBOW PARK & ZOLLMAN ZOO, BYRON MN
The zoo is anchored in the middle of the 600-acre park, and it showcases circa 40 different Minnesota-native species, including all animal classes: fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. Oxbow offers educational programs about Minnesota wildlife. Zoo and nature center tours, hiking trails, and picnic facilities. Open all year. 507-328-7340, https://bit.ly/3LclBQr
QUARRY HILL NATURE
CENTER, ROCHESTER MN
Designated as a Park and Trail of Regional Significance by the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission, Quarry Hill Park is a historic and natural treasure at the heart of the community. Hiking trails, biking trails, a pond, restored oak savanna, limestone fossil quarry and historic sandstone caves shape the park’s 329 acres. 507-281-6114, qhnc.org
ROCHESTER PARK & RECREATION
DEPARTMENT, ROCHESTER MN
Swimming at 2 outdoor pools and one lake. Golf courses, miles of trails for bicycling, hiking, jogging, and other recreational activities. 507-328-2525, rochestermn.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation
BEST WESTERN ROCHESTER MAYO CLINIC AREA/ST.MARYS 1517 16th St SW, 800-552-7224 bestwestern.com
BRENTWOOD INN & SUITES
123 4th Ave NW, 800-658-7045 brentwoodinn.com
BROA DWAY PLAZA 15 1st Street SE, 507-424-4200 rochesterbroadwayplaza.com
CANDLEWOOD SUITES 1640 S Broadway, 507-361-6000 candlewoodsuites.com
CENTERSTONE PLAZA HOTEL
401 6th St SW, 507-288-2677 soldiersfield.com
COMFORT INN & SUITES WEST-MED 2005 Commerce Dr NW, 507-281-6850 choicehotels.com
COUNTRY INN/SUITES BY RADISSON 4323 Highway 52 N, 507-285-3335 countryinns.com
COUNTRYINN/SUITESBYRADISSON
77WoodlakeDrSE,507-287-6758 countryinns.com
N N N N N N
Valet Parking
Concierge service
20,000 sq. ft. of meeting & convention space
Free WiFi
Two onsite restaurants
Easy access to Mayo Clinic via skyway or hotel transportation
Indoor pool, sauna, steam room and whirlpool
Free WiFi
Onsite breakfast
Complimentary business center
Guestrooms include microwave and mini-fridge
Easy access to Mayo Clinic via skyway or hotel transportation
Hilton Garden Inn Rochester
Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area
Hilton Hotels • Downtown Rochester
507-285-1234 • 225 S Broadway • rochestermn.hgi.com Hilton Hotels Have Something to Offer Everyone!
Located just 2 blocks from the world-class Mayo Clinic and 8 miles from the Rochester International Airport (RST), the brand new Hilton Rochester redefines luxury hospitality in downtown Rochester, MN. Guests can enjoy proximity to downtown amenities and attractions. The hotel features a variety of highend amenities such as a full-service spa, indoor infinity pool, luxury suites, concierge service, and skyway access to the Mayo Clinic.
507-258-5757 • 10 East Center Street • rochestermayoclinicarea.hilton.com
Guests of the Hilton Garden Inn enjoy modern conveniences paired with ample opportunity to explore and enjoy the lively setting of downtown Rochester. Located just a few blocks away from Mayo Clinic campus, guests can easily access the hospital via skywalk. Besides convenient proximity to Mayo, guests can also explore the bustling dining and shopping scene that surrounds the hotel and come back to enjoy features like the fullyequipped fitness center, indoor pool and onsite breakfast.
161 13th Ave SW, 507-536-0040 marriott.com
3595 Commercial Dr SW, 507-206-4675 days-inn-suites-rochester-south
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS S. MAYO AREA 4141 Maine Ave SE, 507-424-2600 ihg.com/holidayinnexpress
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS 155 16th Ave SW, 507-226-8700 ihg.com/holidayinnexpress
MAYO CLINIC AREA
Our Quality Inn & Suites® Mayo Clinic Area gives you more value for your money with an amenity-rich hotel near the Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Fair Grounds. Whether you are here for business or pleasure, we want you to have all the comforts of home during your visit. GET YOUR MONEY’S WORTH
Free Hot Breakfast • Free WiFi • Guest Laundry • Business Center Free Mayo Clinic/St. Mary’s Shuttle, Suites consist of Full-Size Fridge, Recliner, Sofa Sleeper, and Two TV’s • Plus Suites 450 sq.ft. Living Room and Bedroom Separated by Door
for
5 Hotels Located In The Heart Of Rochester
Directly Connected to the Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Civic Center
KAHLER GRAND HOTEL:
• 552 Newly renovated rooms.
• Over 30,000 sq. ft. of event and meeting space.
• Features historic domed rooftop pool, complete with whirlpool and sauna.
• Three onside restaurants: Grand Grill, Martini’s, Lord Essex The Steak House.
ROCHESTER MARRIOTT
MAYO CLINIC:
• 202 Guest rooms including Skyline Suite
• Executive floor accomodations with access to the concierge lounge.
• Indoor pool and fitness center.
• On-site Restaurant (Salute Wine Bar & More).
THE TOWERS:
• 44 Luxury guest rooms.
• Rochester’s only 5 star hotel.
• Daily complimentary European breakfast, afternoon tea and evening reception.
• Bell staff, valet parking and concierge service.
• On-site Luxury Steakhouse (Lord Essex The Steakhouse).
RESIDENCE INN ROCHESTER MARRIOTT:
• 89 spacious studio-style guest suites.
• Daily complimentary full breakfast buffet.
• All suites include a kitchen with full-sized appliances, in-roomice maker and pots & pans.
Mass: Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 8:00 am Sat. 4:00 pm, Sun 8:00 & 10:00 am 1315 12th Ave NW, Rochester 288-8238 • piusx.org
Co-Cathedralof St.JohntheEvangelist
Mass: Sat 4:30 pm Sun 9:30, 11:15 am, and 5:00pm Mon-Fri 12:10 pm 11 4th Ave SW, Rochester 507-288-7372 • sj.org
HolySpiritCatholicChurch
Mass: Sat 4:30 pm Sun 8:15 and 10:00 am 5455 50th Ave NW, Rochester 280-0638 • holyspiritrochester.org
Religious Services
Pax Christi Catholic Church
Mass: Sat 5:15 pm, Sun 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 am Tuesday-Friday 9:00 am Wednesday 5:30 pm 4135 18th Ave NW, Rochester 282-8542 • paxchristichurch.org
St.FrancisofAssisi
Mass: Mon-Fri 7:00 am , Sat 4:30 pm Sun 8:00, 10:00 am En Español: Jueves 7:00pm Domingos 12:00 noon 1114 3rd St SE, Rochester 288-7313 • StFrancis-Church.org
churches are handicapped accessible
Plan A Day Trip...
Nestled in the picturesque valley of the Zumbro River, historic Mantorville, MN, is a delight to visit! Discover the same charm that inspired the Mantor brothers and their families to settle here in 1854, and inspired the citizens of Mantorville to preserve the entire 12-block downtown area by placing it on the National Historic Registry in 1975.
Red Wing
ACTIVITIES
While fly and bait fisherman explore creeks and river pools, riverboat enthusiasts can watch paddleboats come up from New Orleans to dock at Red Wing. Train and architecture buffs will enjoy a visit to the historic train depot. During autumn and winter, enjoy apple orchards, a pumpkin patch and corn mazes. Holiday visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and hay rides. Experience River City Days festival when summer is in full bloom!
Red Wing is a historic city along the mighty Mississippi River.
