Looking for an excellent attraction for your next road trip? Rochester, Minnesota, the home of the Mayo Clinic with a vibrant downtown district, offers a rich blend of fun activities and historic attractions for your whole family to enjoy. Whether you are just driving through Rochester or planning a trip to the city, there are so many historical sites to see.
The following list reviews six of the best historic sites within driving distance of Rochester that you can visit to get your history fix while enjoying the picturesque sites. For safe and reliable transportation to each of these must-see destinations, choose a Kia from our selection of new and used car deals.
Mayowood Mansion
Image via Flickr by Michael Hicks.
Dr. Charles H. Mayo, a co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, built Mayowood Mansion in 1911. This estate has 38 rooms in addition to its lavish gardens surrounding the premises. Located on 3720 Mayowood Road SW, Rochester, this historic site is the perfect place for you to spend your day outside of the city.
Tours of the estate typically occur every Saturday and Sunday, with additional tours offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, depending on the season. Visitors can purchase tickets on the estate, and tours typically take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Be sure to also check for specialty tours that focus specifically on the gardens, architecture, and scientific history.
Perhaps the best time of year to visit Mayowood Mansion is the Christmas season when the estate and its grounds are decked in plenty of festive decor for visitors to enjoy. This tour begins at the History Center, taking tour-goers to the estate in trolleys to add to the fun. Christmas tours take place between November 7 and December 13, giving you the perfect amount of time to plan your trip.
Assisi Heights
Assisi Heights, located on 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, is modeled after the architecture found in Assisi Italy. Also known as the Assisi Heights Spiritual Center, this establishment is home to the Sisters of St. Francis, who historically partnered with the Mayo family to create Saint Mary’s Hospital in 1889. Saint Mary’s Hospital set the foundation for what is now called the Mayo Clinic.
Tours of Assisi Heights and its estate take place on Mondays at 2 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. unless there are cancelations. In addition to tours, you are also welcome to enjoy mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel. Mass starts at 11 a.m. and is held Sundays through Thursdays. While you are exploring Assisi Heights, you can stop by their gift shop to purchase spiritual gifts and make donations to the establishment.
There’s no bad time to pay a visit to Assisi Heights, but if you want to enjoy exploring its quaint outdoor spaces, consider making a trip during the spring and summer months.
Plummer Building
The Plummer Building is a 15-story structure located on 113 2nd St. SW, Rochester. Seen as the symbol of the Mayo Clinic, this medical and research laboratory first opened in 1928. It is named after Henry S. Plummer, M.D. who is renowned for his expertise that helped established much of what the Mayo Clinic is today.
Tours of the Plummer Building include a free exhibit on the third floor, which walks guests through the history of the Mayo Clinic and provides them with the opportunity to view artifacts used by Charlie Mayo and Dr. Will.
Christmas is an enchanting time of year to visit the Plummer Building. Each year the south side of the building is illuminated to look like a Christmas tree. If you want to experience this unique attraction, visit the site between November 28 and January 1.
Plummer House
The Plummer House, originally known as Quarry Hill, is a Tudor-style mansion located on 1091 Plummer Lane SW, Rochester. Henry Plummer built it in the early 1900s to serve as his home. This 65-acre estate is now part of Quarry Hill Park, which is open to visitors year-round.
Tours of the Plummer House are available to the public during the summer months between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. The tour includes an interior walkthrough of the Plummer house and its 49 rooms, as well as a tour of the exterior grounds, including the gardens, water tower, and greenhouse.
Heritage House Victorian Museum
The Heritage House Victorian Museum is just two blocks from the heart of downtown Rochester on 225 1st Ave. What’s more, this Victorian-era home sits on the grounds of Downtown Rochester’s Central Park, making it the perfect place to visit as you explore the surrounding area.
Constructed in 1875 by husband and wife Timothy and Eliza Whiting, this home-turned-museum transports visitors back the nineteenth century. Tourists can view the nineteenth-century clothing, furniture, and other artifacts on display in each room.
Tours are available for a small entrance fee and take place from July through August each year. Those considering paying a visit to this historic home can receive a tour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
History Center of Olmsted County
The History Center of Olmsted County, located on 1195 West Circle Drive, is the center for historic sites in Rochester and the surrounding area. However, this establishment has its own unique attractions to enjoy.
In addition to beautiful community gardens for you to admire, two walking trails lead you to four nineteenth-century historical landmarks. These include the Hadley Valley School, William Dee Cabin, George Stoppel Farmstead, and Ralph Stoppel Farmstead.
Do you want to travel to these historic sites but you don’t have the means to get there? Contact Tom Kadlec Kia or visit our website. We can give you information about our newest car deals and our best Kia models. Have a car but need it serviced before travel? We also provide oil changes, brake repairs, and other services to ensure that your vehicle is safe to operate. Contact us today!
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