Title: Things to Do in Rochester in 2026 | Expedia.com [Rochester Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Rochester.dx3041)[Hotels in Rochester](https://expedia.com/Rochester-Hotels.d3041.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Rochester](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Rochester.d3041.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Rochester](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Rochester.d3041.Car-Rental-Guide)[Rochester Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Rochester.d3041.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Things to do in Rochester ## Find and book activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Rochester Types of activities Where to stay [Rochester Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Rochester.dx3041) ![Rochester which includes a park, a coastal town and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3041/cbc9e88e-ecef-432e-b9a6-c2fc2b8be954.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rochester which includes a park, a coastal town and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3041/cbc9e88e-ecef-432e-b9a6-c2fc2b8be954.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rochester which includes a city and hiking or walking as well as a couple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3041/844a887f-0719-4515-ba8c-59f7bccc3851.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rochester which includes landscape views, a sunset and a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3041/6edc9891-f38d-4b37-8700-d14c4dd5845a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rochester showing skyline and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3041/d5c76765-2e7e-4e47-8146-3b90d8a02255.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Rochester Attractions Rochester is a vibrant city full of picturesque parks and charming culture. The home of the Mayo Clinic and the Destination Medical Center development project, Rochester is also known as "Med City" and aims to become a hub of wellness and health. But beyond the medical field, Rochester is rich with fun things to do and see. Sprawling green spaces like the Quarry Hill Park offer hiking trails and recreational activities for all ages, while the thriving downtown area celebrates the city's arts. With unique events put on all year round including the annual Rochester City Jazz Festival and cozy Fall Fest, Rochester has no shortage of exciting opportunities to get to know the city. --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.com/welcome-one-key) --- ## Recommended things to do in Rochester | Number of things to do | 1 | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Astonishing Minnesota Scavenger Hunt: A Minnesota Miracle](/things-to-do/self-guided-minnesota-scavenger-hunt-a-minnesota-miracle.a2562662.activity-details): $13 | | Top 5 things to do | [Astonishing Minnesota Scavenger Hunt: A Minnesota Miracle](/things-to-do/self-guided-minnesota-scavenger-hunt-a-minnesota-miracle.a2562662.activity-details) | | Under $25 | [Astonishing Minnesota Scavenger Hunt: A Minnesota Miracle](/things-to-do/self-guided-minnesota-scavenger-hunt-a-minnesota-miracle.a2562662.activity-details) | | With kids | | ## What to do in Rochester - For free - By area - With kids ### Free Things to Do in Rochester They say the best things in life are free. Make sure you visit the following around Rochester: **University of Minnesota-Rochester** \- This popular landmark is a great backdrop for some selfies. **Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial** \- If you'd like to explore the history of the region through its landmarks, include this one on your sightseeing schedule. **Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus** \- Stop here for a while and find out the importance of this place to the community. **Assisi Heights** \- Inject a little spirituality into your trip with a stop at this religious sanctuary. **Douglas State Trail Head Rochester** \- Let nature's rugged beauty here calm your soul. **Quarry Hill Nature Center** \- Whether you can distinguish your bamboo from begonias, it's easy to find beauty in this glorious display. ### Areas & Neighborhoods in Rochester Rochester is best known for its large Mayo Clinic and sprawling Destination Medical Center complex, but the city's real character can be found elsewhere. Explore urban areas and lush parks and experience firsthand the distinct community that the city has created. **Downtown** Vibrant Downtown is home to a thriving fine arts and culinary scene. Follow the ARTWalk, which highlights public art installations and local exhibits throughout downtown, or visit the Rochester Art Center and explore contemporary art. Treat your tastebuds at the many boutique restaurants and craft beer breweries around Downtown, or pay a visit to the weekly Farmers Market, where you can find locally produced foods and crafts. **Quarry Hill Park** A 329-acre (133-ha) natural space, Quarry Hill Park is a recreational hub for the city. It features over 8 miles (13 km) of paved and rugged trails that cross through restored oak savannas and pass by a large pond. Go fossil hunting in the park's limestone deposits and look for preserved brachiopods, gastropods, and trilobites. The Quarry Hill Nature Center offers an interactive look at the region's wildlife, complete with an enormous aquarium of native fish. ### What to See in Rochester Rochester's charm reveals itself in the form of historic sites and natural parks. The city is dotted with buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Chateau Theatre, a 1927 structure featuring medieval interior decorations, and Avalon Music, a former hotel opened in 1919\. A number of parks fill Rochester with natural beauty as well. Silver Lake Park offers a quiet place to relax while watching the countless Canadian geese that inhabit the area, while Soldiers Memorial Field Park includes recreational facilities, sports fields, and a memorial honoring Southeast Minnesota veterans. ### Sightseeing in Rochester Rochester is full of exciting and family-friendly activities that pull you into the culture of the city. Through the city's Trails and You mission, which promotes physical activity, over 85 miles (136 km) of paved trails wind through Rochester's downtown and parks where biking, inline skating, and running are the preferred means of getting around. During the winter, spaces like Eastwood Park and Graham Park are transformed into snowy wonderlands perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. Downtown Rochester hosts outdoor adventures in the summer like the Let's Play Rochester interactive art project featuring huge sidewalk decals and the Move on the Plaza series of fitness and dance classes in Peace Plaza. Catch a glimpse of history at the Heritage House Victorian Museum, a preserved Italianate home from 1875, or visit the Minnesota Children's Museum where kids and adults learn through play. Golf is a favorite sport in Rochester too—tee off at the bunkered greens of the Soldiers Field Golf Course or swing through the natural challenges and wooded sections of the Eastwood Golf Club. ### Things to Do in Rochester with Kids Rochester boasts loads of close by fun things to do for you and your kids. Our [family friendly experiences](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=3041&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent&categories=Family%20Friendly) will keep the crew entertained for hours. --- Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Rochester? [Search event tickets](https://www.expedia.com/event-tickets/) to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! --- --- ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Rochester ![Rochester, Minnesota, USA cityscape on the Zumbro River](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3041/8feb93dc-8449-4de8-bc0f-12825aef51f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mayo Clinic 5/5(1,146 reviews) Though Mayo Clinic might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Rochester while you are here. [](https://expedia.com/Mayo-Clinic-Downtown-Rochester.d6126906.Vacation-Attraction) ![Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6188928/289e0787-426c-4d60-b19d-2bdb19d7c93a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus 4.5/5(391 reviews) Though Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Rochester while you are here. [](https://expedia.com/Mayo-Clinic-Hospital-Saint-Marys-Campus-Folwell.d6188928.Vacation-Attraction) ![Soldier Field Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3041/a4931755-6a4a-4b70-a31f-6296801a3614.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial 4.5/5(30 reviews) You can learn about the history of Rochester with a visit to Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's shops. [](https://expedia.com/Soldiers-Field-Veterans-Memorial-Historic-Southwest.d6212573.Vacation-Attraction) #### Mayo Civic Center 4.5/5(214 reviews) Catch an event at Mayo Civic Center during your trip to Rochester. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's shops. [](https://expedia.com/Mayo-Civic-Center-Downtown-Rochester.d6126914.Vacation-Attraction) #### Apache Mall 4/5(332 reviews) During your visit to Rochester, you can do some window-shopping at Apache Mall. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.com/Apache-Mall-Rochester.d6188936.Vacation-Attraction) #### Rochester Recreation Center 4/5(44 reviews) Catch an event at Rochester Recreation Center during your trip to Rochester. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.com/Rochester-Recreation-Center-Rochester.d553248621532649604.Vacation-Attraction) #### National Volleyball Center 4/5(36 reviews) Catch an event at National Volleyball Center during your trip to Rochester. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.com/National-Volleyball-Center-Rochester.d553248633849529960.Vacation-Attraction) #### University of Minnesota-Rochester 4/5(47 reviews) Enjoy the collegiate vibe at University of Minnesota-Rochester as part of your travels around Rochester. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's shops. [](https://expedia.com/University-Of-Minnesota-Rochester-Downtown-Rochester.d6126918.Vacation-Attraction) #### Rochester Community and Technical College 4/5(53 reviews) Enjoy the collegiate vibe at Rochester Community and Technical College during your visit to Rochester. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this family-friendly area. [](https://expedia.com/Rochester-Community-And-Technical-College-Rochester.d553248621566122769.Vacation-Attraction) ### Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Rochester ![default](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976481217/27de7e55-cc10-44a7-b664-7a06d75416d9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Rochester 4.5/5(250 area reviews) If you're spending some time in Downtown Rochester, Mayo Civic Center and Rochester Civic Theater are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.com/Rochester-Downtown-Rochester.dx553248635976481217) ![Rochester, Minnesota. Civic Center, River, Skyline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976473564/ae3e0d32-6640-477b-9921-2e6c3026bc0e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Kutzky Park 4/5(179 area reviews) While there might not be top attractions in Kutzky Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and Mayo Civic Center. [](https://expedia.com/Rochester-Kutzky-Park.dx553248635976473564) ![Rochester which includes landscape views, a sunset and a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3041/6edc9891-f38d-4b37-8700-d14c4dd5845a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Historic Southwest 4/5(34 area reviews) While visiting Historic Southwest, you might make a stop by sights like Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and Plummer House. [](https://expedia.com/Rochester-Historic-Southwest.dx553248635976469790) ![Split in path, snowy forest and trail in Quarry Hill Nature Center, Rochester, Minnesota on a snowy day](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976468928/4930dcb7-4a6d-4152-bb9a-54bdc7632920.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Slatterly Park 4/5(1 area review) Slatterly Park might not have many top sights, but Soldiers Field Golf Course and Rochester Art Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out. [](https://expedia.com/Rochester-Slatterly-Park.dx553248635976468928) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### East Side Pioneers 4.5/5(39 area reviews) If you're spending some time in East Side Pioneers, Rochester Art Center and Rochester Civic Theater are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.com/Rochester-East-Side-Pioneers.dx553248635976478182) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Folwell While there might not be top attractions in Folwell, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and Soldiers Field Golf Course. [](https://expedia.com/Rochester-Folwell.dx900102099487207424) [See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Rochester.dx3041.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP..Neighborhoods) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Popular day trips from Rochester ![Old Wooden Round Barn ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183408/3edd0fb4-66d5-4569-a027-210404513fd6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Chatfield ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Rochester worth visiting? ### How do I spend a day in Rochester? ### What is the top tourist attraction in Rochester? ### Is three days enough to stay in Rochester? ### Is Rochester a walkable city? ### What are some activities to do in Rochester with kids? ### What to do in Rochester for adults? ### Are there free things to do in Rochester? ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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