While the state of Minnesota has plenty of museums to enjoy, Rochester in particular is a haven of museums. With its vibrant city atmosphere and unique attractions that local artists love, Rochester is a unique destination for the museum junkie. Here are seven to check out when you are in town.
Plummer House
The Plummer House was once home to Henry S. Plummer and his wife Daisy Plummer. In the early 1900s, he joined Dr. Charles Mayo in helping create the Mayo Clinic we know today. Tours of the Plummer House’s interior take place during the summer months of June through August on Wednesdays between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. This five-story Tudor-style home will give you the feeling you are in England instead of Minnesota. It has a slate roof, five fireplaces, interior stonework, wood accents, and 49 rooms in total. It is definitely worth having a look around!
In addition to Wednesday visits, you can also explore the estate gardens, take a walk on one of the estate’s trails, and marvel at the estate’s stone water tower on any day of the week as long as there is not a private function being held.
Minnesota Veterans and Emergency Services Museum
The Minnesota Veterans and Emergency Services Museum highlights the brave men and women who have served their country both in the military and in emergency service roles. The museum consists of several interactive and unique exhibits. These include exhibits that outline Minnesotan heroes’ contributions, both within the states and abroad, as well as exhibits that display historic military and emergency equipment, vehicles, and clothing. Tickets are $15 if you pay online before you go, and $20 at the door.
READ MORE: Best Rochester Historic Sites
Minnesota Children’s Museum in Rochester
The Minnesota Children’s Museum is currently undergoing a move to another Rochester location, but in the meantime, stop by their St. Paul location. Just an hour away, this is the perfect day trip for the whole family to enjoy. This museum location has interactive exhibits for young children as well as older children ages 10 and up.
Your small children can enjoy our sprouts exhibits to play in and interact with fun games to help them build fundamental skills and try new things. Larger exhibits for everyone to enjoy include The Scramble, Forces at Play, Imaginopolis, Creativity Jam, and more! Stop by the Tomato Tomato Cafe on the first floor of the museum for lunch with the kids. In addition, this museum typically takes 2-3 hours to explore. Tickets are $12.95 per person, however, children one or younger get free admission.
Heritage House Victorian Museum
The Heritage House Victorian Museum is a testament to 19th century Rochester. This museum was once the home of Timothy and Eliza Whiting circa 1875. The house itself was actually moved from its original location to Central Park, right near the heart of downtown Rochester. Hour-long tours are offered from June through August each year, and take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.
Throughout the tour, you will get the chance to learn more about the Whiting family. Each room is designed using personal Whiting family artifacts as well as additional antiques from the time period to complete the 19th century home. After the tour, you can walk through scenic Central Park, sit by the fountain, or head into downtown Rochester for lunch.
Rochester Art Center
The Rochester Art Center provides locals and tourists alike with several seasonal exhibits showcasing artwork and photography from talented professionals in the area. The exhibits are self-guided, but if you want to come with a group of 10 or more people, group tours can be scheduled by appointment. In addition to its exhibits, Rochester Art Center also has several opportunities for adults and children to take art classes, and participate in educational lectures.
You can visit the Rochester Art Center between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is $5 for adults and free to anyone under the age of 15. Being so close to the heart of downtown Rochester, you can explore the surrounding city once you complete your visit to the Art Center.
Mayowood Mansion
Explore Mayowood Mansion, once the home of Dr. Charles Mayo, a co-founder of the Mayo Clinic. Built in 1911, this is a lavish estate that takes you back in time to the early 20th century. Hour-long tours of the estate take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays. Mayowood Mansion also welcomes visitors on Sundays between the hours of 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Tickets are $17 dollars for children ages 12 and up along with adults, and $5 for children between the ages of 2 and 12. Mayowood is also open for Christmas-themed tours between November 17 and December 13 each year. After your tour, feel free to explore the estate’s gardens before you go. Other areas of interest nearby include the Plummer House.
Charles E. Gagnon Museum & Sculpture Garden
The Charles E. Gagnon Museum & Sculpture Garden is a collection of sculptures and artwork completed by the late artist Charles E. Gagnon. Here, you can take a tour of his home, art gallery, art studio, and wander through the sculpture garden. Depending on the date you choose to visit, there may also be a special limited-time exhibit displaying his private collection of artwork from renowned artists.
There are also themed seasonal exhibits that depict Gagnon’s bronze statues such as “Music & Dance,” “Sleeping,” “Torsos,” and “Nature.” Tickets are typically $15 per person and tours run for an hour and 30 minutes.
Have a favorite Rochester museum? Let us know by contacting us online. We’d love to add your suggestion to our list.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
Categories
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.