A growing foodie scene
Enjoy an expanding list of varieties and vibes. Rochester’s menu of food and drink options continues to grow, with new spots opening nearly every month. Something for everyone can be found right here in Rochester!
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What's life like in Rochester, Minnesota?
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Welcoming and inclusive
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Growing and rapidly advancing
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Full of things to do
Be engaged and get involved
There are many ways to get involved and be engaged with the community. From volunteering opportunities to a variety of community-based resources, use this as a starting point for how to get plugged in.
Volunteer opportunities
Rochester is a city full of compassion — not only because of the role Mayo Clinic plays in the community, but also because of the large amount of volunteer opportunities available. Students and trainees at Mayo Clinic are passionate about the community and making a difference. Learn more about some of the popular options among our students:
Community resources
We've pulled together some local resources you might find helpful, from finding a place to worship to figuring out where to go to the dentist.
Parent and family resources
Explore the many resources available to help you and your family settle into our community.
Well-being resources
We are at the epicenter of not only health and wellness, but also overall well-being. You’ll have access to resources both on campus and within the community to maintain your well-being. We emphasize the importance of well-being and support work-life balance throughout your training to instill the lasting skill of resilience.
- Access to academic advisers and mental health clinicians
- Counseling services
- Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center
- Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) program
- THRIVE wellness program for medical students
- Other student services and resources
Food and drink
Rochester is experiencing a food revolution. We’ve welcomed new farm-to-table eateries, food trucks, coffee bars, brewpubs, and everything in between. Put the list of Rochester favorites to the test or find your own favorites.
Sports and recreation
Stay active through all four seasons
No matter the season, get out and enjoy the more than 3,500 acres of park space in Rochester.
One benefit of living in an area with four seasons is the many sports and recreation options.
In the warmer months, throw on your tennis shoes and join a running group, get in on a game of sand volleyball, or find another sports league in town. The city boasts 85 miles of paved bike trails, 100 neighborhood parks, urban lakes, and additional area lakes and rivers for boating, swimming, and other activities on the water.
As the weather turns cold, there are still plenty of options to keep you busy. Enjoy cross-country skiing, ice skating, hockey, and more. Or try something new — like curling or snowshoeing. We’re serious when we say the action doesn’t stop just because the temperature drops.
Arts and theater
A dose of culture
The creative side of Rochester has never been brighter. Explore the many ways to enjoy arts, theater, history, and culture.
Get a taste of the art scene at the Rochester Art Center, where you’ll find a variety of exhibits. Hit Art4Trails for outdoor sculptures. Or visit Gallery24, an up-and-coming gallery featuring and celebrating local artists.
If you’re interested in concerts or theater, Rochester offers the newly expanded and renovated Mayo Civic Center, as well as the Rochester Civic Theatre. And now add the newly remodeled Historic Chateau Theatre for events and exhibitions.
For historical sites and museums, make sure you check out the History Center of Olmsted County.
Rochester is just a 75-minute drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul, also known as the Twin Cities, where you’ll find some of the best museums, theaters, and cultural events in the Midwest.
Events and entertainment
Plenty to do every day of the week
Rochester prides itself in celebrating activities and events that bring the community together. There is always something to do.
Our growing music scene promises live music on any night of the week at a variety of venues. In the summer, grab a lawn chair and head to Mayo Park for the free summer Down by the Riverside concert series.
You can also look forward to a wide variety of events, fairs, and festivals throughout the seasons. The year-round farmers market is busy every week, full of local and seasonal products. This city comes alive for Thursdays Downtown, art fairs, street festivals, cultural activities, family events, outdoor movies — and even SocialICE in the middle of winter.