Local Area Attractions Near Rochester / Marion KOA Journey

Amish

Amish

The Harmony area is home to Minnesota's largest Amish settlements. Over 100 Old Order Amish families live in the countryside near Harmony. The group is known as the “Harmony-Canton Amish.” “Old Order” indicates that they are very private people, and use only limited technology in their homes and businesses.The Amish of Harmony began their move to this area in 1974 and have grown to over 1,000 people with ten church districts and ten one-room schools. Another Old Order Amish group has recently begun settling in nearby Granger, Minnesota.The Amish primarily make their living through farming, construction and by making and selling crafts. Baskets, furniture, jams, rugs, quilts, baked goods and cashew crunch are among the items available for sale in local businesses and at farmers markets, Amish homes and roadside stands.

90 2nd Street NW

Harmony, MN 55939

507-886-2409

Website

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic legacy began with Dr. William Worrall Mayo. Dr. W.W. Mayo came to America from England in 1846, and initially settled in Le Sueur, Minnesota. When he was appointed examining surgeon of the Union Army draft enrollment board for the southern half of Minnesota, he originally left his family behind in Le Sueur, MN to report to the board's headquarters in Rochester. Dr. W.W. Mayo decided he liked the town and moved his family to Rochester in 1864. Dr. Mayo was 44 years old when he settled in Rochester with his wife Louise; his three daughters; and his first son, William James. The Mayo's second son, Charles, was born in 1865, right at the end of the Civil War.

You can also tour the Mayo buildings and learn more of the history!

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Mall of America

Mall of America

The Mall of America (abbreviated MOA) is a shopping mall located in Bloomington Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, United States. It lies southeast of the junction of Interstate 494 and Minnesota State Highway 77, north of the Minnesota River, and across the Interstate from the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. It opened in 1992, and is one of the largest shopping malls in the world! With over 520 stores, there's something for everyone at MOA®. From fashion and food to tech and toys, we have what you're looking for — and then some.

60 E Broadway

Bloomington, MN 55425

952-883-8800

Website

Historic Forestville & Mystery Cave

Historic Forestville & Mystery Cave

Visit Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park to see natural wonders above and below ground. In the summer, beat the heat with a visit below ground. Explore the world of Mystery Cave with its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. Park naturalists provide tours of the cave throughout the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. The temperature stays at a constant 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Above ground, stop by Historic Forestville, a restored 1800s village operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS). Fish three blue-ribbon trout streams for brown trout. Take in the soft pastels of wildflowers in spring or listen to ruffed grouse drumming and wild turkeys gobbling. Hike or bring your horse to ride the ridge tops and stream valleys. Observe interesting geologic features along the way including sinkholes and dramatic Big Spring. In the fall, don't miss the bold colors of the forest. Winter invites visitors to ski or snowmobile the Bluff Country.

21071 County Rd 118

Preston, MN 55965

866-857-2757

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Niagara Cave

Niagara Cave

Niagara Cave was discovered in 1924 and first opened for tours in 1934. It is one of only two publicly accessible caves in Minnesota. Niagara Cave is privately owned and has had three families stewarding it since its discovery.

29842 County Hwy. 30

Harmony, MN 55939

507-886-6606

Website

Oxbow Park

Oxbow Park

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo are a campground and zoo located in Olmsted County, Minnesota north of the city of Byron, and about 4.5 miles west of Rochester. It houses over 30 species of animals, most of which have injuries that would prevent them from surviving in the wild. All of the animals are native to Minnesota.

5731 County Rd 105 NW

Byron, MN 55920

507-328-7340

Website

Root River Biking/Hiking Trail

Root River Biking/Hiking Trail

In 1988, the towns along the Root River and the Root River State Bike Trail System came together and formed the Root River Trail Towns organization and in 2015 became a 501(c)(3). The mission of the Root River Trail Towns is “To promote the Root River State Bike Trail System as a regional destination, and to link people to an outdoor experience while fostering community connections.”Our board of directors meet every month to discuss and plan regional marketing and trail promotions. We also collaborate, share ideas and serve as a resource to each other. The Root River Trail Towns consist of FountainPrestonHarmonyLanesboroWhalanPetersonRushford VillageRushford and Houston in southeast Minnesota.The Root River Trail Towns organization only works to promote the region and does not own or operate the trail system. The Root River Trail System is owned and operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Questions about trail conditions, construction, or trail rules should be forwarded to the Minnesota DNR.

Treasure Island Casino

Treasure Island Casino

Located right on the Mississippi River, our breath-taking casino resort boasts fine and casual dining options, a full-service salon and spa, a family-friendly water park and a 3,000-seat event center.Our action-packed gaming floor is home to thousands of slots, rows upon rows of table games, a live poker room and a bingo center. Seasonal amenities include a marina, a 100-passenger cruise ship, an RV park and a golf course.

5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd

Welch, MN 55089

800-222-7077

Website

Mayowood Mansion

Mayowood Mansion

Mayowood was once a 3,300-acre estate outside of Rochester, established by Dr. Charles H. Mayo, co-founder of Mayo Clinic. The centerpiece of the property is the 38-room mansion, completed in 1911, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. In collaboration, the home and property are now owned and operated by Mayo Clinic; the History Center of Olmsted County conducts public tours, special events, and owns much of the original family collection. Tickets can be purchased directly at the mansion approximately 20 minutes before the selected tour time. Each guided tour lasts about one hour. Group tours available upon request by contacting [email protected]. Please visit our website for more information at olmstedhistory.com.

3720 Mayowood Rd SW

Rochester, MN 55902

507-282-9447

Website

Plummer House

Plummer House

The Plummer House is the former residence of Dr. Henry Stanley Plummer and Daisy Berkman Plummer. Located in Rochester, Minnesota and originally called Quarry Hill, the English Tudor mansion stood on a 65-acre estate which included a greenhouse, water tower, garage, and gazebo

1091 Plummer Ln SW,

Rochester, MN 55902

507-328-2525

Website

Ear of Corn Water Tower

Ear of Corn Water Tower

It's a unique sight in Rochester, Minnesota: The Ear of Corn Water Tower. The tower resembles a husked ear of corn and stands near Graham Park. It stands at 151 feet tall and was built in 1931 as a nod to one of the two main vegetables processed at the Reid, Murdoch, and Co. food cannery, which opened in 1929.

1407 3rd Ave SE, Rochester,

Rochester, MN 55904

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Graham Park

Graham Park

Weddings, events, upcoming events, advertise with them, the county fair, exhibit hall! They have it all!

112 Arena Dr SE

Rochester, MN 55904

507-328-6000

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Quarry Hill Nature Center

Quarry Hill Nature Center

Large park offering hiking trails, a man-made cave & a nature center with classes & live animals.

701 Silver Creek Rd NE

Rochester, MN 55906

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