'''Rochester''' [http://www.ci.rochester.mn.us/] is a city in the state of Minnesota that is home to the world famous Mayo Clinic [http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester/]. It is about 80 miles (130km) SE of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Cold in the winter and warm, sometimes hot, in the summer. Population slightly over 100,000 in the city limits, with more in the surrounding areas. The city hosts numerous out-of-town visitors coming for treatment at the Mayo Medical Center (Mayo Clinic) and has a well developed infrastructure to deal with its many visitors.
Get in
Air
'''Rochester International Airport (RST)''' [http://www.rochesterintlairport.com]is located 10 miles south of Rochester along Highway 63. Due to the large number of visitors to the Mayo Clinic, there are more flights than in comparably-sized cities, approximately 15-20 per day. '''Northwest Airlines''' [http://www.nwa.com] has flights from Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit. '''American Airlines''' [http://www.aa.com] offers direct service from Chicago O'Hare. '''Allegiant Air''' [http://www.allegiantair.com/] offers twice-weekly flights from Las Vegas. There are several car-rental companies located at the airport. Taxis are relatively expensive, approximately $25 between downtown Rochester and the airport. Shuttle service is available, timed to meet each arrival; one-way fare to downtown hotels is approximately $11.50. Some hotels also provide shuttle service. Make sure you fly into Rochester, MN not Rochester, NY!
'''Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)''' [http://www.mspairport.com] is located approximately 90 minutes drive northwest of Rochester. A major airport, it has flights from most major cities around the world. Dominated by Northwest Airlines. '''Go Rochester Direct''' [http://www.gorochesterdirect.com/], offers shuttle service between MSP and Rochester.
When flying in to Rochester, it is worth checking flights into both airports. Flights in to and out of Rochester are typically slightly more expensive (about $50); however, as with all things related to airfares, this varies widely, and I've seen airfares anywhere from Rochester over twice as much to Rochester being cheaper.
Driving
The closest interstate to Rochester is I-90 running east and west across Minnesota. There are two exits from I-90 that will take you north into Rochester, US Highway 63 (when coming from the west) and US Highway 52 (Exit 218) (when coming from the east).
US Highway 14 runs east and west through Rochester, connecting Rochester with Winona and Owatonna.
US Highway 63 runs north and south through Rochester and is the main north-south thoroughfare through downtown Rochester, and connects Rochester with Lake City and south to Waterloo and connect you up with the Avenue of the Saints.
US Highway 52 also runs north and south through Rochester and is the main pipeline connecting Rochester with the Twin Cities and running south to the southeast corner of Minnesota and into Iowa.
Train
There is no train service into Rochester. The closest station is 45 minutes drive away in Winona. However, ground transportation between Rochester and Winona is available from '''GoCarefree Shuttle''' [http://www.gocarefreeshuttle.com].
Bus
'''Jefferson Lines''' [http://www.jeffersonlines.com] offers service to many cities, plus connects to Greyhound in Minneapolis. Jefferson Lines buses stop at the Sinclair gas station located at 205 6th St SW. If part of your trip involves travel on Greyhound [http://www.greyhound.com], you can purchase your ticket on Greyhound's website, which will cover travel on both carriers.
Get around
If you are only going to the Clinic, you may not need a car as most hotels provide (free) shuttle service to the Clinic. However, most visitors will want or need a car to get around.
'''Parking'''. In most areas of Rochester, parking is not an issue, with plenty of surface parking. The only exceptions are downtown and near the Clinic (and the Apache Mall right before Christmas). It is possible to find street parking downtown, although difficult in the inner downtown. The city-owned parking lots are free nights and weekends, with the first hour free during weekdays. However, the privately-owned lots do not offer this, so look for the "free evening parking" signs if you want to take advantage of this. The signage downtown is pretty much non-existent, so you're own your own to find the lots. If you are going to the Clinic, there are Mayo-owned lots near the primary patient-care buildings; Mayo provides a map showing them. Rates are $2 for the first hour, $1 per hour thereafter. You can purchase 5 or 10 day passes, which are very convenient as they allow in-and-out in the same day. They also do not need to be used on consecutive days. The Mayo lots sometimes fill during the morning hours (8 AM - 10 AM), but turnover is very quick and you are unlikely to wait more than 10 minutes.
'''Public bus system''' [http://www.rochesterbus.com]: There is a public bus system, but it is likely not to be useful to the visitor. There is no bus service on Sundays or holidays, and during the rest of the week, they will stop running fairly early, generally the last routes end at 9 p.m. The main goal of the bus system is to serve the downtown area. Also, the bus system revolves around the Mayo Clinic schedule, so if the Clinic were to close early (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve), the buses will also stop running early as well. The buses run generally on an hourly basis with half hour service during the rush hours. The bus system utilizes a wagon-wheel-spoke type of grid, with routes all ending up in the downtown area to make transfers. You can request a transfer pass from one bus to the next if you are getting on a bus to get to another part of the city. On Tuesdays, there is a Shopper's bus that will get you to some of the different shopping areas in Rochester.
The central part of the city is arranged on a more-or-less standard grid. Streets run east-west and avenues run north-south. This divides the city into four quadrants, NW, NE, SE, SW. There are some named streets you might encounter.
The dividing line between east and west is Broadway (up to about 25th street north when things get weird).
The dividing line between north and south is Center Street.
Civic Center Drive runs east-west from highway 52 to downtown approximately at 5th street northwest.
West Circle Drive (also called CR 22) run north-south at the west edge of town.
There is also an East Circle Drive, but there are fewer businesses there. In case you're wondering, the two circle drives do not meet.
As is typical for suburbs, most of the newer residential development in the last fifteen years has largely abandoned the numbered grid system and gone to named curved streets. If you need to find these, there are free maps available in most hotels, the local phonebook has a city map, and of course many online map sites.
See
Tours
Mayo Clinic Tour. ttp://www.mayoclinic.org/becomingpat-rst/tours.html. ree. Offers both a general tour of the history of the Clinic, and an art tour showcasing the art collection. Can also pickup a brochure from any Help Desk for a self-guided tour.
Assisi Community Center. ssisi Heights. 001 14th Street. 07-282-7441. ttp://www.rochesterfranciscan.org. uided tours are available Monday and Saturday at 2 p.m. by appointment. Additional times may be arranged for groups of 10 or more upon request.. ree, but Donations are appreciated. Originally built as the home of the Sisters of Saint Francis, now part is being used as a Community Center. Beautiful Italian Romanesque structure.
Mayowood Mansion. 720 Mayowood Road SW. 07-282-9447. ttp://www.olmstedhistory.com/mayowood/mayowood.html. aries by season. 12.00 Adults, $5.00 Youths under 15. Offers tours of this thirty-eight-room mansion, originally the home of Dr. Charles Mayo. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Plummer House. 091 Plummer Lane SW. ttp://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/park/facilities/plummerhouse/index.asp. rounds open Sunrise to Sunset year round, house open for tours every Wednesday during the months of June, July, and August from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.. ree. Original home of Dr. Plummer. 49-room mansion on 11 acres. Building primary used for events.
Heritage House. 25 First Avenue NW. 07-286-9208. une 1 - August 30 Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday 1:00 - 3:30 PM. Exhibits the way of life of a typical middle-class Midwestern family as of 125 years ago. The house has been restored and authentically furnished with antiques, quilts, dolls, and china.
</see>
Historic Chateau Theatre. arnes and Nobles Downtown. 5 First Street Sw. The Historic Chateau Theatre was one of the most elaborate threatres built in the early 1900's. Has French Village decor complete with balconies and turrets. Then remodeled into the best Barnes and Noble book store you will ever see. Its a must see in downtown Rochester. (Not to be confused with the current Chateau movie theatre.)
Museums and Theatre
Rochester Art Center. 0 Civic Center Drive SE. 07-282-8629. ttp://www.rochesterartcenter.org/.
History Center of Olmsted County. 195 West Circle Drive SW. 507) 282-9447. ttp://www.olmstedhistory.com/. uesda - Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM. 5 adults, $2 children. Rare pictures, maps, diaries, exhibits about Rochester's history. Visit William Dee Log Cabin, Hadley Valley School House, and the George Stoppel Farm.
Rochester Repertory Theatre. ttp://www.rochesterrep.org/. Local theater company, check website for calendar
Jon Hassler Theater. ttp://www.jonhasslertheater.org/. Nationally recognized theater in the middle of nowhere.
Rochester Civic Theatre. 20 E Center Street. 07-282-8481. ttp://www.rochestercivictheatre.org/. Community theatre. Also offers classes year round.
</see>
The Masque Youth Theatre and School. ttp://www.masque.org/. Youth theatre
'''Feast and Footlights Dinner Theatre'''. Fall only. (507) 288-4440 TODO: call and get 2007 schedule.
Mayo Civic Center. ttp://www.mayociviccenter.com/. atitude. Main event center, check website for calendar of shows, events, etc.
Live Music
Oak Center General Store. ttp://www.oakcentergeneralstore.com/Music.htm. atitude. Live music Saturdays and Sundays, November - April
Blues Club down south
Many local bars have live music on weekends, main ones are Dunn's Brothers (north), Kathy's Pub
Comedy Club
Goonies.
Movies
All three movie theatres are relatively new and offer stadium seating.
Chateau. ttp://www.chateautheatres.com/. 14-screen theatre located on the NE side
Cinemagic. ttp://www.cinemagictheatres.com/theatres/index.php?theatre=6. atitude.
12-screen threater located on the NW side.</see>
Galaxy. ttp://www.wehrenberg.com. atitude. 14-screen theatre located on the south side in the Shoppes on Maine lifestyle center. Also has one 60 foot wide MegaScreen.
Current Events
The Post Bulletin's listing. ttp://news.postbulletin.com/calendar/. atitude. The local newspaper's list of upcoming events. The best source for looking for things to do.
Do
Parks
Recreational Trails. ttp://www.ci.rochester.mn.us/departments/park/trails/index.asp. Rochester has over 60 miles of paved trails suitable for pedestrian, bike, in-line skate, wheelchair, and stroller use. Downloadable pdf maps available from the website listed, or paper-version can be purchased for $1.00
Silver Lake Park. th street and 8th ave NW. Small lake with many walking paths. Best known for the thousands of Canadian Geese that winter here. Park has outdoor pool, playground, and skateboard park.
Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rentals. 00 West Silverlake Dr NW. 507) 261-9049. ww.silverlakefun.com. 1am - Sunset April-October. Canoe, kayak, paddle boat, and boat rentals.
Quarry Hill Nature Center. 01 Silver Creek Road NE. 507) 281-6114. ree. ttp://www.qhnc.org. Nature center with displays. Lots of trails and parks to explore. Cross-country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter.
Oxbow Park and Zoo. 731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron. ake Valleyhigh Rd NW (highway 4) west from Rochester about 15 minutes. Right before stop sign, turn right.. 07 775-2451. ttp://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/parks/oxbow_park_&_zoo.asp. ree (donation requested for zoo). Picnic areas by river. Several miles of hiking trails through the woods. Small zoo.
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial. hird Avenue and Seventh Street. ttp://www.soldiersfieldmemorial.org/. ree. Consisting of 4 60-foot circular granite walls, the Soldiers Field Veteran's Memorial was created to honor Veterans from Southeast Minnesota who died serving our country and dedicated to all who served our country to help keep us free. The Wall of Remembrance contains the names of the 2300 men and women from SE Minnesota that died in the service.
Douglas State Trail. 07-285-7176. ttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/douglas/index.html. 13-mile blacktop trail between Rochester and Pine Island. Suitable for biking, walking. Start of trail in Rochester, with parking, is at Valleyhigh Dr just east of West Circle Drive NW
Chester Woods. bout 20 minutes drive east of town along Highway 14. Picnic areas. Small beach. Fishing. Canoe and paddle boat rentals. Camping.
Carley State Park. pproximately 15 miles northeast of Rochester, or 4 miles south of Plainview on Wabasha County Road 4.. ttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_and_recreation/state_parks/carley/index.html.
Other
Recreation Center. 1 Elton Hills Drive. 07 281-6167. ttp://www.ci.rochester.mn.us/departments/park/facilities/recreationcenter/index.asp. 4 adults, $3 youth. Olympic length indoor pool. Two 85' x 200' ice rinks for hockey and figure skating. Make sure to call or check the website for hours the pool is available for open/lap swimming, it is often in use for specific activities. City-owned, no membership required.
Skyline Raceway. 250 40th St. SW. ttp://www.skylineracewayroch.com/. Paintball, go-cart racing, mini-golf
House of Bounce. 535 U.S. 14 West. n the north frontage road. Get there via N 7th St west of highway 52. ttp://www.rochesterhouseofbounce.com/. Inflatable bouncing structures. For bouncing. Kids and adults. Free WiFi if you want to work while watching your kids bounce.
Prairie Walls Climbing Gym. 420 19th St. NW. 07-292-0511. ttp://prairiewalls.com/. Indoor rock climbing facility
Midwest Skate Park. 020 Seventh St. N.W.. 07-529-1382. ttp://www.midwestskatepark.net/. -8 PM weekdays, 12-6 PM weekends. 5 weekdays, $10 weekends. Indoor skateboarding facility
Golfing. Over a dozen golf courses in and near Rochester
Rochester Honkers. ttp://www.rochesterhonkers.com/. During the summer, take in a Rochester Honkers (collegiate baseball) baseball game.
Recreation Lanes. 810 Broadway N. 07 288 2602. Bowling and mini-golf
Colonial Lanes. 828 14th St NW. 07 289 2341. Bowling
Flamingo Bingo. ircus World Bingo. 828 E Frontage Road. 07 282 0988. Bingo
Buy
'''The Apache Mall''', located southwest of downtown, is the main (indoor) mall. Major department stores are Macy's, Herbergers, Sears, and J.C. Penneys. Also contains about 60 other smaller stores. However, there are not any stores here that you wouldn't see at any other mall.
For most of the unique and interesting stores, the downtown is your place to go. '''The Shops at University Square''' (which used to be called '''The Galleria''') is home to most of them, conveniently located just two blocks east of the Clinic. It is, unfortunately, rather small, only about a dozen stores, but well worth the visit if you want something different. The subway level (between US Bank and Gonda Building) also contains several unique stores, well work a walk down there if you're downtown. There are also some nearby at street level between The Shops at University Square and the clinic.
Other small malls with some unique stores can be found in '''Miracle Mile''', located just northeast of the intersection of highway 52 and 2nd Street South. '''Second Street''' (just west of Highway 52) is starting to turn into a small but interesting shopping area. '''Crossroads''', located at 12th Street and South Broadway, rounds out the small malls.
There are four major strip malls in town. '''Northwest Plaza''' (at 55th Street NW and Highway 52) has Wal-mart, Sam's club, Gander Mountain, with Menards on the east side of Highway 52. '''Marketplace Plaza''' (located at 41st Street and Highway 52) has SuperTarget, PetSmart, Staples, and Home Depot, with Best Buy and Hobby Lobby on the east side of Highway 52. '''South Broadway''' between 23rd street and 30th street has Wal-mart, Kohl's, Shop-Ko, Menards, Bed Bath and Beyond, and others. The newest is '''Shoppes on Maine''' (located at Highway 63 and 48th Street South) is home to SuperTarget, Lowe's, Dick's Sporting Goods, PetSmart, numerous smaller tenets, and an enormous Fleet Farm.
The best place to buy Rochester souvenirs would be Eagle Drug in downtown Rochester as well as at the gift store in the Kahler hotel.
Eat
'''Grocery Stores'''
Hy-Vee. The primary grocery store in town, with three locations. Both Wal-marts and both Targets also have grocery sections, but smaller selection.
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="500 37th St NW" directions="" phone="507 289-1815" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="1315 6th St NW" directions="" phone="507 288-8233" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Newly renovated to be more upscale (e.g. has olive bar), has kids play area.</eat>
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="500 Crossroads Dr SW" directions="" phone="507 289-7500" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Open 24 hours, has complete pharmacy.</eat>
Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe. 02 7th St NW. 07 282 5908.
Good Food Store. 001 6th St NW.. Rochester's primary source of organic food. Also includes a bulk food room for spices, flours, pasta, beans, etc. Also home to a vegan deli restaurant.
Gluten-Free Cupboard. 833 Third Ave. S.E.. Carries only gluten-free items. Also provides information on area restaurants that have gluten-free items on their menus.
Just Rite foods. Neighborhood style grocery with an excellent deli counter and butcher.
Asian Food Store. 010 7th St NW. 07 536-9097. Rochester's largest Asian grocery store. Also has more East Asian (China, Japan, Korea) food items than others in town, others focus more on SE Asia.
Rice and Spice. 10 S Broadway. Indian groceries.
<!--Someone who knows please add Mexican and Halal entries-->
'''Restaurants'''
<!--Please sort this section into "Budget", "Mid-range", and "Splurge" categories -->
Fine Dining -- the top
Chester's Kitchen and Bar. 11 S. Broadway. owntown in Galleria/Shops at University Square. ttp://www.chesterskb.com. New American, recently opened, most popular restaurant in town. Voted Best New Restaurant in ''Rochester Magazine'' poll in 2009.
Chardonnay. our blocks West of downtown, along 2nd street SW. French. Located in an old Victorian house. Wine Spectator award of excellence wine list. CLOSING JUNE 30
City Cafe. 16 First Ave. SW. owntown on 1st Ave. ttp://www.cccrmg.com/city_cafe.htm. Modern American. Voted Best Restaurant in ''Rochester Magazine'' poll in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Jaspers. owntown on 3rd street. Alsatian [Alsace] food.
Michael's. 5 S. Broadway. owntown. ttp://www.michaelsfinedining.com. Traditional American / Steaks. Local favorite. Go for the pictures of famous people on the wall who have eaten there. Voted Best Steak Dinner in ''Rochester Magazine'' poll in 2009.
Prescott. 201 S. Broadway. rossroads shopping center. ttp://www.prescottsgrill.com. Bistro-style. Smaller but excellent wine list, ask the sommelier for advice. Voted Best Restaurant in ''Rochester Magazine'' poll in 2009.
Sontes. Third St. SW. owntown. ttp://www.sontes.com. Tapas. Extensive wine list, gourmet cheeses.
Sushi Ito's. owntown. ttp://www.sushiittorst.com/. Sushi and dishes.
300 First. 00 First Ave. NW. hree blocks north of downtown on 1st Ave. ttp://www.cccrmg.com/300first.htm. New American.
Casual Dining -- one level down
Redwood Room. 00 First Ave. NW. hree blocks north of downtown on 1st Ave.. ttp://www.cccrmg.com. American. Live music most days. About as hip as Rochester gets. Below Broadstreet Cafe / 300 First
Canadian Honker. cross from St. Mary's. Traditional American, but Fresh fish Friday and Saturdays. Often has live music.
Oak Room. n the Marriott downtown. Good food, but you feel like you are eating in a hotel lobby.
Chains in town include '''Red Lobster''' (downtown), '''TGIF''' (a couple blocks north of St. Mary's), '''Outback''' (20 blocks south of downtown), '''Applebee's''' (one in the mall, one far north), '''Timberlodge''' (Minneapolis-based steakhouse chain) (north side of town).
Other Ethnic
Daube's. ne branch in subway (lunch only), one branch west of downtown on Civic Center. Bakery, also serves sandwiches and quiche and such.
Good Food Deli. idden just north of Civic Center Drive. Vegan.
India Garden. bout 20 blocks north of downtown on Broadway. Open from 11 until 2:30 for lunch buffet, and then reopens from 5 to 9 for evening, but without the buffet. Indian. Consistently voted best in the "Indian/Other Asian" category in the Best of restaurant survey.
Pho Tai. ho Hoa. orth side. Vietnamese. Southeastern Minnesota has a sizable southeast Asian population, so Rochester does have Vietnamese grocery stores and restaurants, such as Pho Hoa. In addition to sit-down meals, <i>bahn mi
Sytje's Pannekoeken. ne branch downtown, one branch in Crossroads. Dutch and American. Popular for weekend brunch.
Whistle Binkies. ne location on the north side, one on the south side. British-style pub. Great beer selection, good bar good, OK regular food.
Zorba's. est of downtown on 7th street NW. Greek.
Italian / Pizza
Victoria's. owntown. A local favorites, serves a wide variety of Italian-American food, with huge portions and cute decoration.
Olive Garden. orth of St. Mary's.
Billoti's. owntown. also serves Italian-American food, and is very popular for pizza.
Mexican
No real consensus on which of the three Mexican restaurant is best.
:* <eat name="Azteca" alt="" address="" directions="South of downtown" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="Dos Amigos" alt="" address="" directions="5 blocks southeast of downtown, on the north side along highway 52" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="Fiesta Mexicana" alt="" address="" directions="North Broadway" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""> </eat>
El Carambas. ast side of town. Hole-in-the-wall type casual. Great soft-shell tacos
Carlos O'Kelly's. rontage road between 41st Street and 55th Street. Tex-Mex.
Chinese
Hunan Garden. Generally considered the best (certainly the most popular), although Americanized. Voted Best Chinese Food in ''Rochester Magazine'' poll 8 of 9 years. [Not to be confused with Hunan Wok across the street or Hunan on South Broadway.]
Great China. Great deal on lunch plates
Kingdom Buffet. All-you-can-eat buffet with over 100 dishes, sushi, Mongolian grill, some American dishes. '''International Buffet''' is very similar
HuHot. Mongolian barbecue
Family / Informal
Roscoe's Barbecue. has two locations in Rochester: A stand at 603 4th St. SE which only offers outdoor seating and is closed during the cold months, (507)285-0501. And a restaurant at 4180 18th Ave. NW which is open year-round, (507)281-4622.[http://www.roscoesbbq.com] Tasty BBQ, award-winning ribs, and home-made root beer.
Famous Dave's. Branch of popular chain of BBQ
John Hardy's. Another local BBQ place
Newt's. Voted best burgers in Rochester. Also see '''Beetles Bar''' and '''Brother's'''
Green Mill.
Old Country Buffet. .
Buffalo Wild Wings.
The normal chains: '''Perkin's''', '''Baker's Square''', '''Denny's''', '''Culver's'''.
Late Night.
Rochester doesn't quite roll up the sidewalk at 9 PM, but it can feel that way at times. Below are some places that are open late, "late" here being defined at past 10 PM. [Hours may change.]
24 hours: Denny's and Perkins (American). And don't forget Hy-Vee (grocery store) and Wal-mart, also open 24 hours.
Redwood Room: 11 PM weekdays, midnight weekends
Wendy's : 1 AM (drive-through only)
Greenmill
Baker's Square
Drink
Beetles Bar & Grill: 230 20th AVE SW, Phone (507) 529-9599 [http://www.beetlesbar.com]
King's Crossing Bar& Grill: 915 21st Ave SE, Phone (507) 289-1690
Sand Trap: 3342 19th St. NW, Phone (507)536-7768
Newt's 216 1st Ave SW, Phone (507)289-0577 [http://www.newtsbar.com]
Kathy's 300 South Broadway
Whistle Binkies. E location near Chateau theatre and South broadway location. Both locations have an excellent pub atmosphere with dozens of beer selections to choose from. South Broadway location has outdoor seating during the summer months. Both locations serve from a good variety menu. Because of the pub atmosphere, not for romantic evenings or business talk.
Sleep
Due to the large number of visitors to the Mayo clinic, and their unique needs, there is a wide range of sleeping arrangements to fit almost any budget or need, from low-end to high-end, from short-term to long-term, from standard hotel rooms, to rooms with kitchenettes, to fully furnished apartments. While there are some hotels spread-out through-out the city, most of the hotels are grouped downtown (by the clinic), along SW second street (by Saint Mary's), and along South Broadway (where most of the cheaper, non-chain ones are located).
Below are only a sample of the available hotels. Most of the cheaper, non-chain hotels are not listed.
Mayo Clinic
The following downtown hotels are connected to the clinic, and to the rest of downtown, via a network of above-ground enclosed skyways and below-group passages (called subways). This is very useful in the winter!
'''Holiday Inn Express''', 220 South Broadway, Phone: ''+1 507'' 252-8200, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hd/rstdt]. Note that the Holiday Inn Express is downtown and is fancier than the Holiday Inn. '''However''', starting December 2006, they have been involved in a labor dispute after the new owners fired all the union workers and hired non-union ones. If this matters to you, avoid this place.
'''Kahler Grand Hotel''', 20 SW Second Avenue, Phone: ''+1 507'' 280-6200, Fax: ''+1 507'' 285-2701, [http://www.kahler.com/grand/index.html] Old hotel, lots of character. Many like it for the character and not looking like every other hotel, others don't like it due to being older.
'''International Hotel''', 20 SW Second Avenue, [http://www.internationalhotelmn.com/]. Rochester's only AAA 4 diamond hotel. Actually the upper two floors of the Kahler Grand. Gets consistently excellent reviews, but pricey.
'''Kahler Inn and Suites''', 9 Third Avenue Northwest, Phone: ''+1 507'' 285-9200, Reservations: ''+1 800'' 533-1655, Fax: ''+1 507'' 282-4478, [http://www.kahler.com/executive/index.html]. Not to be confused with the Kahler Grand, this hotel is not as nice. But it is convenient to Mayo.
'''Marriott''', 101 First Avenue SW, Phone: ''+1 507'' 280-6000, Fax: ''+1 507'' 280-8531, [http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/rstmc-rochester-marriott-mayo-clinic-area/].
'''Oakwood Broadway Tower''', 15 1st Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904, Phone: ''+1 507'' 424-4200, Fax: ''+1 507'' 424-4201, [http://www.oakwood.com/] High-end long-term stays. Currently also allowing shorter term stays, reviews have been very positive.
Radisson Plaza. 50 South Broadway.
Downtown
'''Residence Inn''', 441 West Center St NW, ''+1 507'' 292-1400, Toll-free: ''+1 877'' 623-7775, Fax: Phone: ''+1 507'' 536-5020, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/RSTRI].
'''Best Western Soldiers Field Tower and Suites''', 401 6th Street SW, Phone: ''+1 507'' 288-2677, Toll-free: ''+1 800'' 366-2067, Fax: ''+1 507'' 282-2042, [http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=24061].
Hilton Garden Inn. 25 South Broadway. In downtown, but not connected to skyway
By Saint Mary's
'''Courtyard Rochester St. Mary''', 161 13th Ave, Phone: ''+1 507'' 536-0040, Toll-free: ''+1 800'' 504-1035, Fax: ''+1 507'' 536-0050, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/RSTCY].
Fiksdal Hotel And Suites. 215 Southwest Second Street.
'''SpringHill Suites''', 1125 2nd Street SW, Phone: ''+1 507'' 281-5455, Toll-free: ''+1 800'' 678-9894, Fax: ''+1 507'' 285-9641, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/RSTSH].
'''Staybridge Suites''', 1211 Second St. Sw, ''+1 507'' 289-6600, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/sb/1/en/hd/rstmn].
South Broadway
Country Inn and Suites. 7 Wood Lake Drive SE.
Econo Lodge South. 850 South Broadway. Two story Motor Inn (no internal hallways), clean basic accommodations.
'''Hampton Inn''', 1755 South Broadway, Phone: ''+1 507'' 287-9050, [http://www.hamptoninnrochestermn.com].
Other locations
'''Microtel Inn''', 4210 Hwy 52 North, West Frontage Road, Phone: ''+1 507'' 286-8780, [http://www.microtelinn.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=182]. Cheap rates for Mayo patients. Free shuttles to Mayo, free long distance, free breakfast and free internet. [http://microtelinn.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=182]
'''Motel 6''', 2107 West Frontage Road, Phone: ''+1 507'' 282-6625, Fax: ''+1 507'' 280-7987, [http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=0180].
Ramada. 517 16th Street Southwest. Small indoor warterpark, otherwise mixed reviews. Recently (2007) changed from being a Best Western, so undergoing many changes.
Contact
Many many places offer free internet access
'''Public Library'''. Free computer use, free wi-fi.
'''Caribou Coffee'''. All five locations offer free wi-fi.
'''Dunns Brothers'''. Both locations offer free wi-fi and free computer use.
'''Panera Bakery'''. Both locations offer free wi-fi.
Get out
Minneapolis / Saint Paul. ttp://wikitravel.org/en/Twin_Cities. About a 90 minute drive north on Highway 52, the Minneapolis / Saint Paul area offers all activities of a big city without being overwhelming. Including, of course, the Mall of America.
Whitewater Park. ake highway 14 to St Charles, then North on Hwy 74. Located 3 miles south of Elba. About 45 minutes drive from Rochester. ttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_and_recreation/state_parks/whitewater/index.html. beautiful park with many miles of hiking trails.
Winona, Lake City, Red Wing, Wabasha. ttp://www.exploremississippibluffs.com/. Cute cities on the Mississippi River
National Eagle Center. n Wabasha. ttp://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/. Chance to see our national bird up close and learn more about them. Recently (Spring 2007) renovated.
Spam Museum. ttp://www.spam.com/games/Museum/default.aspx. Yes, really. Hormel is headquartered in Austin, MN, about 45 drive from Rochester. For an experience you can't get anywhere else, give this one a try.
Tour SE Minnesota. ttp://www.rochestermntours.com/. The Rochester Tour Company provides private tours of the areas best scenic areas.
Forestville / Mystery Cave. ttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_and_recreation/state_parks/forestville_mystery_cave/index.html. Historic Forestville is a restored 1800s village operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, complete with guides in period clothing and activities. Mystery Cave is an underground cave.
Niagara Cave. ttp://www.niagaracave.com/default.asp. Very impress underground cave
Lanesboro. ttp://www.lanesboro.com/. Historic village in a beautiful valley. Old-town main street with unique shops and restaurants. Many outdoor activities. Near a fish hatchery where you can feed hundreds of fish with one toss.
Bluff Country. ttp://www.bluffcountry.com/. Beautiful area in SE Minnesota