A Small Gem in the Midwest

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on July 17, 2007

The small, but growing city of Rochester, Minnesota is home to the world- famous Mayo Clinic. The areas that have sprung up around the medical center are surprisingly nice considering the relatively small population (around 100,000). The infrastructure has mainly been built up to accommodate visitors using the services at Mayo Clinic. There are some world-class restaurants, fine hotels, and beautiful natural sights literally minutes outside the city. All this means that you don't have to be ill to enjoy Rochester.

Wine lovers can enjoy Chardonnay French Restaurant or Sonte's Spanish cuisine. If those don't suit, a stroll through downtown will reveal something that does.

Outside town, Whitewater State Park and Forestville State Park offer some great hikes and interesting tours (Mystery Cave at Forestville).
Shopping? The massive Apache Mall offers everything you do and don't want, while downtown offers some more interesting specialty shops.

Rochester is a surprisingly busy little city.