Rochester On the Zumbro River

Rochester is a city in southern Minnesota. It’s known for being the birthplace of the healthcare organization the Mayo Clinic. It is a beautiful city with great views of the Zumbro River.

The Plummer Building dates from 1928. It is the iconic symbol of the Mayo Clinic and a National Historic Landmark. The building was named after Dr. Henry S. Pummer, who designed it. He created the procedures and systems used by the Mayo Clinic.

The historic third floor includes the offices of Dr. Charlie and Dr. Will Mayo. Patient care is handled in the Gondo and Mayo Buildings,

The eleven acres surrounding the building have formal gardens, a bird trail, a quarry, and a water tower. It is used for receptions and weddings among other events.

Quarry Hill Nature Center is a lovely and peaceful place with live animals, birds, and fish. It also includes a taxidermy collection. Making their home here are 35 species of animals that are native to Minnesota. There are also exotic species, a huge aquarium with seven varieties of fish and two raptors. Indoors in the Nature Center you can see a bird hive giving visitors a close-up look at a honeybee colony. The Bird Study Room shows native birds of Minnesota mounted.

The History Center of Olmsted County is a non-profit organization. It lets visitors know about the progress the community has made and features rotating exhibits. The center hosts youth camps, lecture series, and Movies Under the Stars during the summertime. You can get access to the historic Mayowood Mansion from here.

Mayowood was built in 1911 by Dr. Charles H. Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic. The estate included the doctor’s decorative arts collection and beautiful gardens. Over forty rooms are furnished with English, German, French, Spanish, and American antiques. The Mayo family donated the home and ten acres to the Olmstead County Historical Society. Today it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available.

The Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial stands as a tribute to all who have supported their country and honors all southeast Minnesotans who gave their lives in battle. It includes the Wall of Remembrance.

The Wall of Remembrance is a memorial honoring American veterans across generations. It is a tribute to over 3,000 women and men from southeast Minnesota who sacrificed for their country. The Walk of Remembrance honors U.S. veterans and allies for their services. The Trees of Remembrance have 50 “sponsored” trees representing each state. It was begun in 1995 and is open every day with free parking.

The Minnesota Children’s Museum gives children the opportunity to learn through play. The museum has interactive exhibits that include looking at state habitats and a park on the rooftop.

Silver Lake Park is found on the south fork of the Zumbro River. There is a beautiful freshwater reservoir called Silver Lake. It is just one mile north of downtown Rochester. The park encompasses the lake. Here you can enjoy biking, jogging, and rollerblading.

At the lake, you’ll find the giant Canada geese. You can have strolls around Silver Lake or enjoy a picnic. Children love the Children’s Adventure Playground which is handicapped accessible. There is also a swimming pool. Anglers love to fish for black crappie, bluegill, and white sucker.

Apache Mall has 87 stores for your shopping pleasure. When it’s time to sit down and relax you can find a variety of food and drinks. There are quick-service and full-service restaurants. You can find many services and amenities among them free Wi-Fi.

The Calvary Episcopal Church is the oldest church building in Rochester. The highlight here is the sacred site which is an original chapel made of brick dating from 1862. It became a historic site in 1966. The church has lovely stained glass windows that were made in the Tiffany Studio in New York City. The stone baptismal dates from 1871 and the walnut altar base from 1880. There is a beautiful spiritual oasis garden.

The Peace Plaza is a great place to experience shopping and dining in downtown Rochester. This is a pedestrian-friendly public space next to the Mayo Clinic. There are skywalks and underground walkways stemming from the plaza. The Peace Plaza can be rented for various events.

The Rochester Art Center offers artwork from its prominent position along the banks of the Zumbro River. There are rotating exhibits of various media and artworks from nationally recognized artists. The center also offers community programs like children's dance parties, a Creative Development Series for adults, and summer youth camps.

The Mayo Civic Center is one of the largest event centers in southern Minnesota. It hosts local and international music acts, semi-pro and exhibition sporting events as well as space for conferences, business meetings, and conventions. A grand ballroom was added to the second floor in 2017. A riverfront terrace lets you sit and enjoy the scenic Zumbro River.

Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo is an easy day trip from Rochester. It is situated in Olmstead County about fifteen minutes northwest of the Mayo Clinic.

You can enjoy the outdoor area with hiking trails, picnic tables, and a campground for tents and RVs.