ROCHESTER METRO AREA
Rochester City Hall
201 Fourth Street SE
Rochester 507-328-2900
www.rochestermn.gov
Chamber of Commerce
220 South Broadway
Rochester 507-288-1122
www.rochestermnchamber.com
Surrounded by rolling farmland in the Zumbro River Valley of Olmstead County, scenic Rochester ranks among Minnesota’s most densely populated cities. Proud of its record of consistently appearing near the top of the nation’s “Most Livable Cities” list, Rochester is located in southern Minnesota 80 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. Money magazine reported that Rochester “radiates cosmopolitan style without the big city ills,” which translates into an exceptional quality of life.
Rochester’s strong economy revolves around the diverse industries of healthcare, high technology, and agriculture. Rochester is most notably associated with the internationally acclaimed Mayo Clinic, one of the area’s major employers. IBM is also highly visible in the city, selecting Rochester for the site of its largest facility under a single roof.
Services
In addition to the excellent network of major and auxiliary highways, Rochester is home to an international airport with daily flights to Chicago, Minneapolis, and Dallas. Public and private educational institutions provide quality learning environments on every academic level. In addition to Mayo medical schools, public and private colleges and universities combine to offer virtually unlimited programs of study on undergraduate and graduate levels. Rochester Community and Technical College, the University Center Rochester, the University of Minnesota Rochester Center, and Winona State University College Center provide a wealth of programs in affordable state-supported institutions. Crossroads College and St. Mary’s College Rochester Center provide opportunities for a private education in religiously affiliated colleges.
Rochester is internationally famous as the home of the Mayo Clinic, a world-class research, diagnostic, and treatment healthcare center. Facilities include an integrated multi-specialty clinic and two hospitals, staffed by more than 1,500 physicians. Mayo Clinic has built its global reputation as a medical pioneer and innovator through an emphasis on patient care, medical research, and academic education. Rochester Methodist Hospital Rochester provides 794 beds, while St. Mary’s Hospital offers more than 1,150 beds and 53 operating rooms. Specializing in diagnosing and treating extremely complex cases, the Mayo Clinic network also includes the Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital on the campus of St. Mary’s Hospital. Other healthcare resources in the Rochester area include Olmsted Community Hospital, operated by an association of private physicians who manage a clinic and staff the hospital. Throughout the area, specialty centers, walk-in care services, family practice clinics, long-term care, and various rehabilitations and therapies complete the comprehensive resources that are available to meet every need.
Lifestyle
First-rate attractions, well-managed recreational amenities, cultural enrichment, affordable housing, and beautiful neighborhoods are a few of the highlights that keep Rochester high on the list of desirable cities. Newcomers to the Rochester area will be able to choose from every imaginable type of housing and setting in an affordable market. Lovely older homes along tree-shaded lanes, vibrant new subdivisions, handsome contemporary townhomes, and country manors surrounded by rural acreage are all available in or just beyond the city. Turn-of-the-century architecture, two-stories and multi-levels with hillside views, and lovely homes on multi-acre lots are some of the choices. Scores of attractive shopping centers and major malls meet every imaginable retail need. At the same time, the nation’s largest mall and entertainment center is located nearby in Bloomington.
Rochester offers a wide variety of cultural activities, from theatre to musical concerts, dance, comedy, and the visual arts. Several of the city’s performing arts groups have enjoyed decades of acclaim from enthusiastic audiences. Rochester Civic Music was established in 1936 and has produced several outstanding ensembles including a popular concert band. The Rochester Civic Theatre includes a touring youth group and produces stellar stage shows. Fine galleries, celebrated museums, and art centers that encourage developing talent are all part of the active cultural community. Recreational opportunities are equally exceptional, from city-sponsored activities and programs to golf courses, tennis courts, sports fields, lush city parks, public beaches, and swimming pools. From the finest healthcare in the world to the light-hearted world of entertainment, Rochester excels as a place to call home.
Dodge County (Kasson, Mantorville)
County Offices
507-635-6239
www.co.dodge.mn.us
Kasson Offices
507-634-7071
www.cityofkasson.com
Mantorville Offices
507-635-5170
www.mantorville.com
Chamber of Commerce
507-288-1122
www.rochestermnchamber.com
Rural Dodge County offers easy access to Rochester’s considerable urban amenities and the slower pace of a country atmosphere. Steeped in historic significance, the county’s small but growing cities preserve grand architecture and treasures from the past. The entire county seat of Mantorville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts the oldest working courthouse in the state. Impeccably restored downtown buildings from the 1850s join highlights like the antique-filled, 1899 Grand Old Mansion that now serves as a bed and breakfast. The Hubble House restaurant has been serving guests since 1856, including Ulysses S. Grant. Designated as “Tree City USA,” picturesque Kasson holds other treasures: The original limestone water tower and Jacob’s Inn, a 1905 mansion restored to its original elegance. Stock-car racing, a business district, and an active parks and recreation department add to the quality of life.
Fillmore County (Chatfield, Preston)
County Offices
507-765-3356
www.co.fillmore.mn.us
Chatfield Offices
507-867-3810
www.ci.chatfield.mn.us
Preston Offices
507-765-2153
www.prestonmn.org
Chamber of Commerce
507-288-1122
www.rochestermnchamber.com
Rural Fillmore County draws newcomers to country pleasures and the intimacy of a small-town spirit in Minnesota’s scenic “bluff country.” Farmers markets, concerts in the park, and seasonal or annual events add to the quality of life. The historical community of Chatfield is proud of its unique Brass Band lending library, Carnegie public library, the Pease Museum, and lively annual celebrations. Chatfield actually straddles Fillmore and Olmsted counties, stretching into Olmsted County for easy access to Rochester attractions. The county seat of Preston combines industry with agriculture, attracting many tourists to the beauty of the Root River Valley and miles of paved bike trails. The community of Harmony is enhanced by the tranquility of neighboring Amish country. Spring Valley nestles on the western edge of the county, while Preble Township covers the eastern edge with small family farms, rural residences, and unspoiled habitat for wildlife.
Goodhue County (Cannon Falls, Red Wing)
County Offices
651-385-3001
www.co.goodhue.mn.us
Cannon Falls Offices
507-263-9300
http://cannonfallsmn.gov
Red Wing Offices
651-385-3600
www.red-wing.org
Chamber of Commerce
507-263-2289
www.cannonfalls.org
Scenic Goodhue County is home to wonderful small communities and the thriving county seat of Red Wing, serving as a regional urban hub and magnet for tourism. Red Wing highlights include Treasure Island Resort & Casino, the elegant Sheldon Theatre for performing arts, the celebrated Anderson Center for artistic development and programming, fine galleries, and historic sites. The scenic riverside community of Cannon Falls is one of the fastest growing in the state, nestled between Rochester and the Twin Cities and only 15 miles from the city of Northfield—home to two private colleges. This area is rich in recreational opportunities, crowned by the Cannon Valley Trail as it runs through spectacular scenery along a former railroad line. Connecting Cannon Falls with Welch and Red Wing, the trail does not allow motorized traffic and offers an idyllic path for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Small towns and lush townships provide a medley of settings for residential development in a county that borders Wisconsin along the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin.
Houston County (Caledonia)
County Offices
507-725-5803
www.co.houston.mn.us
Caledonia Offices
507-725-3450
https://caledoniamn.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
616-690-2719
http://caledoniachamber.com
Nestled in southeastern Minnesota, panoramic Houston County and the leading city of Caledonia enjoy a picturesque terrain where rolling hills combine with dramatic bluffs and the Mississippi River Valley. This area is most famous for its wild turkeys, although wildlife is abundant and area streams offer exceptional fishing. Bike trails, hiking trails, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, horse trails, boating, winter sports, and nature study are all common pastimes. This tri-state region offers easy access to attractions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The Mississippi River is minutes from home for relaxing cruises. Canoeing is popular along the Upper Iowa River or the Root River, and the nearby Canton-Harmony area features peaceful Amish country. The hospitality and friendliness of Houston County endears new residents and visitors alike. The new Four Seasons Community Center is a focal point of recreational activity and social life.
Mower County (Austin)
County Offices
507-437-9494
www.co.mower.mn.us
Austin Offices
507-437-9940
www.ci.austin.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
507-437-4561
https://austinareacham1.godaddysites.com/
Strategically located near the border between Iowa and Minnesota, Mower County maintains Austin as its county seat and hub of urban amenities. Hormel Foods is a leading employer with sweeping influence in Austin, including the affectionate nickname: Spam Town USA. The city provides an exceptional level of services for a mid-sized community that include a medical center affiliated with the internationally famous Mayo Health Systems and Riverland Community College. The city’s active cultural community supports theatre, symphony, chorale and musical concerts, and fine art exhibits. The Paramount Theatre serves as the home for the Austin Area Commission for the Arts, a group dedicated to preserving that historic landmark and fostering cultural enrichment. Rochester’s considerable urban amenities are a 45-minute drive from home. Major highways US Highway 218 and Interstate 90 converge in Austin.
Olmstead County (Byron, Oronoco, Pine Island, Stewartville)
County Offices
507-328-6000
www.co.olmsted.mn.us
Byron Offices
507-775-3400
www.byronmn.com
Oronoco Offices
507-367-4405
www.oronoco.com
Pine Island Offices
507-356-4591
www.pineislandmn.com
Stewartville Offices
507-533-4745
http://stewartvillemn.com/
Chamber of Commerce
507-288-1122
www.rochestermnchamber.com
Byron is one of the Olmsted County suburban communities “on the move,” offering lovely parks, excellent schools, a new city hall, downtown revitalization, and attractions including a signature golf course. Byron is also home to Oxbow Park with its nature center and the Zollman Zoo. Rich in history and opportunity, Oronoco excels in riverfront recreation and water sports at Lake Shady and nearby Lake Zumbro. Just four miles from Rochester along Highway 52, Oronoco is growing rapidly and features a number of new residential subdivisions. Pine Island serves as the trailhead for the 12.5-mile, multi-purpose Douglas Trail to Rochester. Excellent schools, colorful celebrations, a proud agricultural heritage, and premier recreational amenities are attracting newcomers. Stewartville fringes the Root River 12 miles south of Rochester. Several major companies call the city home, blending with commercial conveniences and quiet neighborhoods. Highlights include beautiful Lake Florence Park and Meadow Park and the 1868 Fugle’s Mill historic site and museum. Chatfield in Olmstead County stretches into Fillmore County.
Wabasha County (Elgin, Wabasha)
County Offices
651-565-3073
www.co.wabasha.mn.us
Elgin Offices
507-876-2291
www.elginmn.com
Wabasha Offices
651-565-4568
www.wabasha.org
Chamber of Commerce
651-565-4158
www.wabashamn.org
Offering a traditional, picturesque river town approximately 70 miles southeast of the Twin Cities, Wabasha serves as the county seat and urban hub for Wabasha County. Recreational amenities are outstanding throughout the countryside, including boating, camping, river recreation, golfing, skiing, miles of multi-purpose trails, and birding. The abundance of eagles and eagle nests inspired the founding of the National Eagle Center, which draws worldwide visitors to exhibits and educational programs. The charming historic district showcases more than 50 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. The small, picturesque town of Elgin is known for its fine gourmet cheese and annual cheese celebration. Surrounded by the Whitewater River, the town offers wonderful scenery, quiet country living, and access to state parks.
Winona County (St. Charles, Winona)
County Offices
507-457-6350
www.co.winona.mn.us
St. Charles Offices
507-932-3020
www.stcharlesmn.org
Winona Offices
507-457-8234
https://www.cityofwinona.com/
Chamber of Commerce
507-452-2272
www.winonachamber.com
The bustling city of Winona is nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River against Winona County’s backdrop of towering, wooded bluffs. Uniquely situated on a large island, Winona features tranquil parks and highly developed recreational amenities that include recreation centers, an aquatic center, a senior friendship center, and a skate park. The active arts community is enhanced by talented performance groups and the cultural benefits of a lively college-town atmosphere. This picturesque community is further enhanced by a rich legacy of historic architecture. Winona State University and St. Mary’s University enrich the community educationally and culturally. Recreational opportunities are virtually unlimited, crowned by the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge that straddles the continent’s greatest waterway for 260 miles. Fishing, boating, hiking, biking, birdwatching, camping, and winter sports are all popular leisure activities. The charming small town of St. Charles is 20 miles west of Winona, known as the “Gateway to the Whitewater Valley.” Residential subdivisions that offer scenic views, a vibrant downtown district, majestic Whitewater State Park, and lush city parks filled with recreational amenities are just a few of the attractions to St. Charles.
