Rochester, Minnesota, is an interesting city with a rich history and plenty of attractions. It features amazing parks, fun events, and delectable cuisine. Here are some fun facts about this great city and what it offers.
It Has One of the Best Medical Facilities in the United States
Image via Flickr by Mulad.
Rochester is the home of the Mayo Clinic, one of the top medical facilities in the nation. It’s also the largest nonprofit medical practice in the world. In fact, Rochester is often called “Med City” due to the Mayo Clinic’s prestige. Celebrities and national leaders alike have traveled to Rochester to receive treatment at the clinic, including three former presidents: Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. The organization was founded in 1864, and it started using its current name in 1914. Today, the Mayo Clinic employs thousands of Rochester residents.
It’s the City of a Hundred Parks
Rochester actually has more than a hundred parks and over 85 miles of trails. Here are some of our favorites:
- Douglas State Trail: The Douglas State Trail is a 12.5-mile trail set on an abandoned rail bed, and it branches out to many other trails along its route.
- Fox Trails Park: Pets are welcome at Fox Trails Park, and kids will love the large playground.
- Root River Park: This park has rock faces that are suitable for climbers with a variety of skill levels, but you’ll need to bring your own equipment.
- Silver Lake Park: Visit Silver Lake Park, where you can take in the scenery on one of the many benches. You can also boat, kayak, paddleboard, and canoe on the lake. Equipment rentals are available nearby.
- Essex Park: This park feels like a secluded forest even though it’s in the city. It’s a great place for bird and animal watching, and it has an old barn that’s ideal for great photos or drawings. There’s also a picnic shelter and a small playground.
- Quarry Hill Park: This park covers 329 acres, and it has a pond, a sandstone cave that was carved in 1882, and two limestone quarries where you can search for fossils.
- Harry L. Buck Children’s Pond: You can see snakes, frogs, ducks, and more at this park. Its beautiful views are perfect for photos, and the nature center inside the park has several species of animals, a 1700-gallon aquarium, and an indoor honeybee hive.
High School Competitions Are Popular
The citizens of Rochester love nothing more than their decades-old high school rivalries. People give as much attention to high school sporting and academic events as other cities give to college and professional sports. The rivalries are most intense among the city’s three public high schools: John Marshall, Century High, and Mayo High.
John Marshall’s hockey team is the only local team ever to win the state hockey tournament. Century High regularly has strong showings from its skiing, basketball, cross country running, bowling, figure skating, and wrestling teams. Mayo High students excel in scholarly pursuits, and they have repeatedly done well in the Minnesota State High School League academic competition.
The Music Festival Lasts All Summer
The “Down by the Riverside” annual outdoor concert series features both famous artists and local talent throughout July and August. Different artists play every weekend, so there’s something for everyone. Past performers have included Jefferson Starship, Gin Blossoms, Chase Bryant, and Cassadee Pope. The main stage is at a bend in the Zumbro River behind the Mayo Civic Center and the Rochester Art Center. The music is fantastic, the landscape is beautiful, and the atmosphere is friendly.
There are no entry fees, so you can save your funds for parking, food, and drinks. Since this is a popular event, you need to make reservations at least a week in advance of the concert you want to attend.
The Local Restaurants Are Excellent
Rochester has some of the best restaurants in Minnesota. If you love coffee or a good burger, head over to Dunn Brothers Coffee. Its 1950s cafe-style atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable, and the burgers are large and juicy. For fresh seafood and delicious steaks, visit Pescara. It’s open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Try the lobster and brie omelet with three eggs, chives, gouda, and hash browns. For lunch, you can enjoy crab cakes, fresh oysters, tacos, and more. Looking for Italian? We’re huge fans of Terza! Or
There’s a Huge Entertainment Center for Kids and Adults
The Bowlocity Entertainment Center offers league and amateur bowling lanes, a fully stocked sports bar, a laser tag arena, and a huge arcade. There’s even a new virtual reality game center. If you want to host a party, this center has private bowling suites that include couches, high-tops, projector screens, and private bars. For a little fun with the family, try out the cosmic bowling, which is held several times throughout the weekend.
The City Started as a Trader’s Trail Stop
The area Rochester now rests upon was one of the most traveled trade routes in the region from the middle of the 1600s to the 1850s. It was frequented by members of the Dakota Sioux, Ojibway, and Winnebago tribes. Fur trappers and other European traders visited the area, as well. The trading post started where the Dubuque Trail crossed the Zumbro River. As it developed, it matured into a railroad stop and a town, and then into a small city.
A tornado largely destroyed the original city in 1883, which gave rise to the city center we know today. The town’s first permanent hospital, Saint Mary’s, was built in the same year. It was run by the now-famous Doctor Mayo and The Sisters of Saint Francis. This partnership grew over time into the Mayo Clinic.
Rochester, Minnesota, is the third-largest city in the state, and it’s an interesting place with a fascinating history and culture. If you need a vehicle to explore Rochester, visit Tom Kadlec Kia. We can help you find the best ride for your needs, and our friendly staff will answer all of your questions.
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