Planning a visit to Rochester, MN? Don’t miss these local landmarks near Broadway Plaza and Mayo Clinic.
For the history buff visiting Rochester, Minnesota, or the person looking to learn more about the community – there are many to explore the city’s past. From the days of the settlers to the beginning of Mayo Clinic, there’s much to discover.
Rochester Broadway Plaza is in the heart of Rochester’s downtown, just steps away from Mayo Clinic restaurants, shopping, and many of the city’s most popular historic sites.
Whether you’re in Rochester for a short visit or now calling it home, here’s a list of some historic sites you can explore to better understand the city’s history.
Assisi Heights
Located in northwest Rochester, Assisi Heights can be seen on a hill that overlooks downtown. Within its halls are the Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester, Minnesota—a congregation that has played a large role in the local community.
After a group of 25 Franciscan Sisters arrived in 1877, the city was devastated by a tornado in 1883. The Sisters provided care to victims, and after seeing the need for healthcare, Mother Mary Alfred Moes insisted Rochester needed a hospital. She approached Dr. William Worrall Mayo to make it happen. Saint Marys Hospital was established in 1889. The Sisters built the hospital and Dr. William W. Mayo served as its director.
Take a tour of Assisi Heights: Tours are available on Mondays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., and on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and can be made by calling 507-282-7441. There is no cost, but donations are accepted.
Learn more about Assisi Heights and the Sisters of Saint Francis on the Sisters of Saint Francis website.
Heritage House Victorian Museum
Step back into the Victorian Era and see how people lived in Minnesota during the 1800s at the Heritage House Victorian Museum. Now located just blocks away from Broadway Plaza, this Italianate-style home was built in 1875 and survived the 1883 tornado.
The house was moved to Central Park in 1972 and was authentically restored to showcase what life was like in Rochester’s early days.
Tour Information: Tours are available during the summer and early fall on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Learn more about the Heritage House Victorian Museum website by clicking here.
History Center of Olmsted County
Step back in time and learn about the early days of Olmsted County. The grounds of the History Center of Olmsted County include the Hadley Valley Schoolhouse (built in 1885) Dee Log Cabin (built in 1862), and the George Stoppel Farmstead (built in 1861).
Inside the museum, explore the stories of the people of Rochester and Olmsted County. Currently, the exhibits include The Zumbro River Fiber Arts Guild, A Lasting Legacy: The Story of the Mayo Family, Across the Decades, among others.
Admission: Free for everyone through August.
Visit the History Center of Olmsted County website for details.
Historic Chateau Theatre
With its iconic, sparkling marquee, the Historic Chateau Theatre stands proudly in Peace Plaza. Built in 1927 for plays, movies, and concerts, it now serves as a venue for arts and entertainment.
Visit the historic theatre by attending an event, or if you are walking by and see the open sign out – head on in to explore. More information is available on the Chateau Theatre website.
Mayo Clinic Heritage Hall
If you have time between appointments while at the Mayo and Gonda buildings, visit Heritage Hall in the Mayo Building. It serves as both a museum and welcome center. The hall is open to employees, as well as patients and their companions.
While you can only visit the display on days where you have appointments, there is a virtual tour available on the Mayo Clinic website.
Historic Mayowood
Located on the edge of Rochester, Mayowood was once the home of Dr. Charles Mayo and his son, Dr. Chuck Mayo.
The 23,000-square-foot, 38-room house was built in 1910 and was the first concrete construction in southeast Minnesota.
Inside, get a look at the Mayo family story through artifacts from their travels and notable guests they hosted.
Tour Information:
- Regular season: Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.
- Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 3–12.
- Tours not recommended for children under 3.
- Special Christmas tours take place in November and December.
In November and December, the special Christmas tours take place. Visit the Mayowood website for seasonal schedules and details.
Plummer Building
One of the most iconic structures in Rochester’s skyline, the Plummer Building was home to the offices of Dr. William J. Mayo and Dr. Charles H. Mayo. Patients can visit the Mayo Clinic Historical Suite, open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Can’t visit in person? There is a virtual display online.
Plummer House
Once the home of Dr. Henry Plummer, an early Mayo Clinic physician, and his wife Daisy, this 11-acre estate is now managed by the Parks and Recreation Department.
The landscaped grounds, bird trail, and water tower are now part of a park that is open from sunrise to sunset when the house isn’t reserved for a private event. The grounds are free to visit.
Interior tours:
- Wednesdays from February to November, noon to 6 p.m.
- Cost: $10 per person (no tickets required).
Visit the City of Rochester website for more information.
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
The Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial honors service members from Southeast Minnesota. Located on the north end of Soldiers Field Park, it includes a Wall of Remembrance, Walk of Remembrance, and Trees of Remembrance.
The memorial is open daily and free to the public.
Want to see several sites in one tour?
The Rochester Trolley and Tour Co. is a great option. Look for their brochures in our lobby or visit their website here for details on their history tours.
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