Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and whether you’re visiting the Rochester area or are a life-long resident, there’s so much to do over this holiday weekend. From area exhibits to 5K run/walks to shopping, there’s a little bit of something for everyone around Rochester. Here are five ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend in Rochester, Minnesota, from the team at Tom Kadlec Kia.
Rochester Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Register to participate in the annual Rochester Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on Nov. 25, 2021. This event is part of the nationwide Thankful Turkey 5K, meaning that your results will be entered into the largest virtual Turkey Trot in the U.S. Over 50,000 runners are expected to participate in the Thankful Turkey 5K nationwide. Kids who participate in the race will receive finisher medals. You can also run the race virtually on your own course and still receive the official race gear, including a long-sleeve T-shirt and race bib.
The annual Rochester Turkey Trot benefits Red Drop Resources, a charity that supports those affected by blood cancers such as myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia while they receive care in Rochester. If you’re not interested in running in the 5K, you can also volunteer to help at water stations, course marshaling, and participant check-in.
Here Comes Santa Claus
On Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, it’s time to welcome in the season that’s always merry and bright with a visit from Santa Claus. This beloved Rochester annual tradition features live entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony, and appearances from Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. You can visit the Warming House and Santa’s Elves’ Workshop and witness a daring rescue on top of the Old City Hall. All of this takes place in Peace Plaza in Downtown Rochester from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The best part is that this annual holiday treat is a free family event.
History Center of Olmsted County
You can enjoy several different exhibits on display at the History Center of Olmsted County over the Thanksgiving weekend, including:
- Origins of Olmsted County: The Land for Enterprise. This exhibit shares how Olmsted County drew settlers to the area and the county’s benefits. A hands-on section allows you to handle some of the items brought to the county by the early settlers when they moved to Minnesota. You can also learn about the many treaties that helped shape Minnesota.
- We Are Water. Learn about how water impacted the lives of the early settlers of Olmsted County, determining how they survived and even where they lived. You’ll also learn how the City of Rochester has manipulated the rivers in order to grow.
- Kalmar Township. This exhibit features the unique story of Byron and Kalmar, how the railroad helped shape them, and how these townships are linked to the building blocks of democracy in Olmsted County.
- North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters. Many of Rochester’s noteworthy buildings have links to the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters. You can learn how Rochester grew into a city, the many structures built, and how the Council is still heavily involved in creating the city’s future.
- Community Connections: African Americans in Rochester. The African American community developed in the 1960s and 1970s in Rochester, and this exhibit shares how the companies, churches, social groups, and sports helped create a community.
All exhibits are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The History Center of Olmsted County is closed on all major holidays but will be open Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. Admission is $5.00 for 13 and older and $2.00 for children ages 2 to 12.
Family Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, is one of the Family Fun Day events at The Escape Challenge in Rochester. All families, regardless of size, are allowed to book privately for free to any of the puzzle challenges at The Escape Challenge on Sundays. It’s an excellent way for families to learn the foundations of teamwork and use their cognitive skills to solve puzzles, all while having fun. The challenges are rated age 8 and up, but they allow children of all ages to attend with their families on Family Sunday.
The Escape Challenge offers six unique adventures with 60 minutes on the clock to solve your room and escape. Families are challenged to look beyond the surface, solve puzzles, uncover clues, and work together to escape the room in under an hour. Reservations are required as only one group is allowed in the puzzle room at a time when booking as a private group.
Small Business Saturday
American Express created this national event in 2010 as a way to promote local businesses, boost the economy, support jobs, and preserve neighborhoods. Small Business Saturday kicks off the holiday shopping season by keeping spending local and helping keep small businesses around. In 2014, Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede officially announced that the last Saturday in November would be known as Small Business Saturday.
This year Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 27 in Downtown Rochester. Last year, the 11th annual Small Business Saturday reported record sales at an estimated $19.8 billion in spending. Consumers rise to the challenge to support local businesses with their holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday.
As you can see, there’s a lot more than turkey and pumpkin pie to enjoy in the Rochester area this Thanksgiving weekend. If the team at Tom Kadlec Kia missed an event happening over Thanksgiving weekend this year, reach out to us to let us know. We’d love to hear from you and get your event added for others to participate. We hope you get a chance to get out and enjoy one or more of these ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend in Rochester.
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