30 Parks In & Around Rochester, MN
Rochester, Minnesota is a great central location in Southeast Minnesota to access many wonderful outdoor activities throughout the year. Minnesota offers several well-maintained & beautiful state parks & trails that are perfect for exploring. Below is a list of parks in Rochester, MN & state parks near Rochester, as well as state trail. All of which are less than 2 hours from Rochester.
How Many Parks are in Rochester, MN?
According to the Rochester Parks & Recreation website there are over 100 city parks in Rochester, MN with more than 3500 acres. With 100+ parks, there’s something to do for everyone!
Parks in Rochester, MN
There is a wide variety of parks in Rochester, MN with different activities & amenities – making thesm great for everyone to enjoy during any season!
1. Central Park
Central Park is located in downtown Rochester. Although this park is smaller than the rest, it has a lot to offer & is also known as a historical site. You can find a water fountain, picnic area, & horseshoes. This park is truly a great place to stop & enjoy being outside while listening to the water fountain!
2. Northern Heights Park
Among the many parks in Rochester, MN – Northern Heights Park is one of the first parks and also, one of the most popular. Northern Heights Park offers several activities for visitors. Opting between taking walks through any number of natural areas or playing a game on one of their many fields, you really can’t go wrong!
3. Essex Park
If you’re looking for a place that feels like it’s deep in the woods and totally secluded, try Essex Park. With 160-acres & unpaved trails that make it perfect to explore on foot or bike; there are also trees as far as the eye can see! People say you may catch a glimpse of whitetail deer along one of those winding hiking paths too!
4. Silver Lake Park
This is one of the best parks in Rochester, MN! If you want to spend some time with nature, Silver Lake Park is the perfect place. You can stroll along the water or take your bike on one of many trails in this basin-like setting. If you’re looking for something more active than just walking around, there are kayaks, bicycle, canoe, & paddleboard rentals are available as well!
8. Soldiers Memorial Field – Wooden Castle Park
A visit to the Wooden Castle Park at Soldiers Memorial Field in downtown Rochester is a unique experience. There’s a large sand play area & a wooden castle features: slides, bridges, swings! You can also enjoy reading about some of the local heroes’ stories inscribed onto nearby granite walls.
5. Foster Arend Park
Foster Arend Park has everything you could want and more. With 18 acres of beautiful lakefront area this park has two playgrounds, expansive fishing & so much more! The fishing area is also complete with a wheelchair-accessible pier where you could possibly catch bass, rainbow trout, or a bass from the shoreline’s edge.
6. Slatterly Park
Slatterly Park provides a welcoming, open space with many different activities to enjoy. It is perfect for those who enjoy walking or playing games such as disc golf and/or baseball/softball. This park also includes Bear Creek which runs through the grounds & delves deep into a beautiful open space before emerging near either side edge of Slattery Park!
9. Cascade Lake Park
Cascade Lake Park is one of many great parks in Rochester, MN but what makes it is one of Rochester’s’ most recent additions to their parks system. This park offers several interactive opportunities with it’s natural playground, a great swimming area , a peaceful water fountain & beach space along with a picnic shelter. It’s such a creative, clean, & fun park!
7. Indian Heights Park
Indian Heights Park in Rochester, MN is a location for nature lovers to go and get away from the busy city. The 40-acre park is situated nearly 3 miles north of downtown off Elton Hills Drive boasting gorgeous views with trails that one can hike or snowshoe on during their visit such as those who love birdwatching will be at home here too!
10. Allendale Park
Like many parks in Rochester, MN – Allendale Park offers a playground, baseball & softball fields, tennis courts, & an open playing field; however, park is especially great in the winter months! Offering a great space for outdoor hockey as well as a warming shelter for those cold Minnesota winter sports.
11. Chester Woods Park
Although this park is not directly located in Rochester, it is many times associated with Rochester because it is close. Chester Woods Park is an expansive, undeveloped area where natural habitats and trails abide. This park has 15 miles of hiking trails, a great beach for swimming, watercraft rentals, camping & so much more!
State Parks Near Rochester, MN
Minnesota State Parks are so unique, diverse, & simply- a wonderful way to get outside & explore the nature around the Midwest.
Interested in visiting other Minnesota State Parks not on this list? Check out the full list of all Minnesota State Parks.
12. Whitewater State Park
Whitewater State Park is notably one of the best state parks in Southeast Minnesota & a favorite among many. You will find many beautiful viewpoints, trails of all difficulties & lengths, a swimming area, waterways with crossings, picnic areas & more. One of the most popular trails is the hike to Chimney Rock which takes you up a step flight of stairs allowing for a view of the entire park.
15. Rice Lake State Park
Once, American Indians harvested wild rice from Rice Lake in Minnesota and the shallow waters are still attractive to many animals. From migratory waterfowls to campers looking for a more secluded experience, visitors enjoy picnicking with friends or camping under the tall hardwoods while they soak up spring’s beautiful flowers.
14. Carley State Park
Although Carley State Park is a smaller Minnesota State Park, don’t let that fool you! There are many great trails, an abundance of wildlife, campsites, picnic shelters, & a few water crossings as well. Not to mention, this park is only a 10 minute drive from Whitewater State Park!
15. Frontenac State Park
Frontenac is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts. Located along the Mississippi River, it’s a haven of diverse habitats that will keep any birdwatcher happy. Lake Pepin provides scenic views and many opportunities to explore this beautiful wooded river valley by hiking or skiing on its trails, fishing in its waters, or taking boat tours up close with wildlife like waterfowls and shore birds as your guide.
16. Forestville – Mystery Cave State Park
Who doesn’t love a good cave? Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is the perfect place for those who are curious about geology, or just enjoy being underground. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves and learn more about how they were formed! Hiking in this area will give you views that only nature could create while you may spot wild turkeys, ruffed grouse drumming, & other magnificent rock formations.
17. John A. Latsch State Park
John A. Latsch State Park is one of the smaller State Parks near Rochester, MN – but don’t let that fool you! This park is simply incredible as it overlooks the Mississippi River from the tops of the bluffs & you may be able to see Wisconsin. You will have to earn this view though, with 592 steps to get to the top of the bluff you will certainly get a good workout in!
18. Great River Bluffs State Park
Great River Bluffs has a variety to offer visitors ranging from hiking trails on King’s and Queen’s bluff with sweeping views of the Mississippi Valley to exploring different types trees that reside in this beautiful park. It is home to several tree species that are unique in their own ways such as the Cottonwood Tree which has been said by Native Americans “to be one teacher among many.”
19. Myre – Big Island State Park
The Myre – Big Island State Park has an abundance of trails that take visitors through wet lowlands, oak savanna and grassland. The park’s marshes attract many waterfowl during migration season with one of the more unique aspects being 116-acre Big Island covered in maple/basswood forest.
20. Afton State Park
Afton State Park features rolling hills with remnants of prairie flowers, deep ravines to climb up on the bluffs overlooking scenic St Croix River in one view or make your way down into them by taking advantage of their hiking trails. Nature lovers can take leisurely walks along old-growth forests as well as swimming at the beach and camping sites!
21. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
In the spring, wild flowers are blooming in this park. You can relax by Hidden Falls during summer time and enjoy all of the colors that come with autumn when you visit again in fall. If winter comes while your visiting, then explore trails through picturesque woods for some fun activities like hiking, snowshoeing or even snowmobiling!
22. Beaver Creek Valley State Park
In southeastern Minnesota, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is known for its clear streams fed by “The Big Spring.” This crystal-clear water creates a lush and fertile landscape that supports an amazing variety of plant life. During the spring months migratory songbirds flock to the park’s woodland hillsides blanketed in wildflowers. There are also many opportunities here for outdoor recreation like hiking or fishing.
23. Lake Louise State Park
This park’s trails, open meadows, and lush hardwoods provide ample opportunities to hike or horseback ride through its paths. Paddlers can get an up close look at nature from their kayaks as they explore rivers and lakes where there are many great fishing spots such as swimming holes available too!
24. Minneopa State Park
From the falls of Minneopa Creek to Seppmann Mill and prairie hiking, there are plenty of outdoor adventures awaiting you. The word ‘Minneopa’ is from the Dakota language and means “water falling twice,” referring to these stunning waterfalls in a limestone stairway down into the valley below. Get out for some fresh air at either of these locations for a fun adventure!
25. Sakatah Lake State Parks
Sakatah Lake State Park has inspired many visitors from around Minnesota with its tranquil setting that offers water activities such as fishing, paddling through the calm river and picnicking under cool shade trees near beautiful lakesides. You can also enjoy camping & exploring nature’s wonders including plants, animals and geologic features found at nearby Mill Creek Discovery Center Nature Preserve.
26. Fort Snelling State Park
This park spans 2,800 acres in the heart of Minnesota. You can explore through forests and meadows on trails that link to an expansive regional system or relax by a lake with fishing allowed for all ages! There are also interpretive exhibits at the Thomas C Savage Visitor Center which provide not just information about this beautiful spot but history as well.
Minnesota State Trails near Rochester, MN
State Trails are perfect for those who enjoy running, walking, & biking because of how long these paved and/or unpaved paths are. Many of these trails wind through small towns, historical areas, & give way to several great natural areas which provide for a wonderful adventure!
27. Douglas State Trail
This 12.5 mile, multi-use trail developed on an abandoned railroad grade that was once considered to be the most expensive and high profile project in Minnesota history. The paved section of this trail spans from Rochester through Douglas all the way out into Pine Island. This path offers convenient access for bicyclists, hikers or horseback riders as well as snowmobile enthusiasts.
28. Great River Ridge State Trail
The Great River Ridge State Trail is a 15-mile long paved trail that runs through the southeastern Minnesota river valley. The rolling hills provide beautiful views of lush landscapes and rivers, making it an excellent place for hiking or biking. Built on old railroad bedding, this easy ride offers 13 miles past Plainview to Eyota with plans in place for more extensions as work progresses over time!
29. Blazing Star State Trail
The Blazing Star State Trail is a six-mile paved trail that connects Albert Lea Lake with Myre Big Island Park. The state park has been designed to connect the city’s trails system and will be 20 miles long when finished, making it possible for any user of this resource—whether road bike rider, cross country runner or pedestrian.
30. Root River State Trail
This 42-mile long paved trail allows you to ride past many quaint towns and pretty countryside without ever having to leave your bike! The eastern segment between Vinegar Ridge and Houston may not be suitable for all users, but it’s worth checking out if you’re up for the challenge thanks in part of its steep half mile stretch.
Where can I run in Rochester MN?
Absolutely, almost all of the parks in Rochester, MN have paved and/or unpaved trails that would make for a great place to run!
How much is Whitewater State Park?
Just like any Minnesota State Park – for a day pass it is $7.00, but an annual pass is only $35.00. You can purchase a Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit on the Minnesota DNR website. Looking to explore Whitewater State Park? Check out my Top 3 Trails at Whitewater State Park post.
Are Minnesota state parks open for camping?
Yes, all Minnesota State Parks are open for camping. Be sure to reserve your site beforehand & keep in mind that not all camping areas are open all season long due to winter weather & operation.
What is the most visited state park in Minnesota?
Believe it or not, according to the official Minnesota DNR website Gooseberry Falls State Park is the most visited followed by Fort Snelling State Park.
Does Minnesota have any National Parks?
Minnesota is home to 1 of the United States 63 National Parks. Although Voyageurs National Park may be small compared to other famous parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite – it has tons of natural wonders that make up its 218k acres including forests mixed with exposed rock ridges, cliffs and wetlands as well as streams connecting them all together seamlessly
Best Things To Do In Rochester MN
Looking for something else to do in Rochester other than it’s park? Check out downtown Rochester – there are many shops & a wide variety of restaurants to try!
Overview: 30 Parks In & Around Rochester, MN
Whether you live in Rochester or are here for the clinic, there’s always something to do. This list is by no means exhaustive and I’m sure that if you explore the city more, you’ll find even more hidden gems. With the wide variety of parks in Rochester, MN & nearby there is something for everyone to enjoy!