Rochester MN Guide to Outdoor Winter Sports

Posted updated January 2025

Look no further if you’re looking for creative ways to truly experience a Rochester MN winter. We have a guide packed with places to snowshoe, cross-country ski, sled, ski or play outdoor hockey. Luckily, the Rochester, MN area allows for quite a few months for area residents and visitors to truly explore and spend time playing in the frozen wonderland!

Snowshoeing 

New to snowshoeing? Rochester MN and Olmsted County have multiple trails available for you to complete on your bucket list. Snowshoeing is typically more strenuous than hiking, and is a great aerobic workout! The Rochester Parks & Recreation Department maintains groomed ski trails. Snowshoe equipment rental is available at Quarry Hill Nature Center and by calling Quarry Hill Nature Center at 507-328-3950 for ski rental hours and rates. If you’re looking to get outside of town a few miles, yet stay in Olmsted County, make sure to check out Oxbow Park, Chester Woods Park, and Root River Park.

Locations:

• Eastwood Golf Course – 3330 Hwy 14 East, Rochester MN
• Quarry Hill – 2100 9th Street NE, Rochester MN
• EssexPark – 5455 West River Road NW, Rochester MN
• Oxbow Park – 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron MN
• Chester Woods Park – 8378 14 Highway Southeast, Eyota, MN 55934
• Root River Park – 4012 80 St SE in Rochester, MN

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is a form of skiing where skiers rely on their own locomotion to move across snow-covered terrain. The Rochester Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with RASC (Rochester Active Sports Club) maintains groomed trails. Ski equipment rental is available at Quarry Hill Nature Center.  Call the Nature Center at 507-328-3950 for ski rental hours and rates. If you’re looking to get outside of town a few miles, yet stay in Olmsted County, make sure to check out Oxbow Park’s cross-country ski trail.

Please check the winter sports map to plan your route.

Locations:

• Eastwood Golf Course – 3330 Hwy 14 East, Rochester MN
• Quarry Hill – 2100 9th Street NE, Rochester MN
• EssexPark – 5455 West River Road NW, Rochester MN
• Oxbow Park – 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron MN

QUARRY HILL NATURE CENTER CROSS COUNTRY SKI + SNOWSHOE RENTAL INFORMATION

• 4-hour Ski Rental: Adult $7.50, Child $5
• Full-Day Ski Rental: Adult $15, Child $10
• Weekend Ski Rental: Adult $25, Child $20

Snowshoe Rental Costs:

• 4-hour Snow Shoe Rental: Adult $5, Child $3
• Full-Day Snow Shoe Rental: Adult $10, Child $6
• Weekend Rental: Adult $15, Child $9

Sledding and Tubing

There are two fabulous sledding hills in Rochester MN. It’s a blast to get outside to enjoy the fresh air while burning off energy with your kids. Check out our Rochester MN Guide to Sledding and Tubing Hills for all the details!

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a traditional Minnesota pastime…no really! And it can be so much fun. For many, ice fishing is about the memories made, or the fun had, the good food eaten (lots of snacks!), not to mention the sense of accomplishment you get when you catch a fish. Ice fishing does take a bit of pre-planning.  For all the information details be sure to check out our Rochester MN Quickstart Guide to Ice Fishing.

Skiing & Snowboarding

If you’re looking for adventure in bright white snow, then skiing or snowboarding may give you a thrill with your friends or family. Can’t decide between downhill skiing or snowboarding? No problem, both are available within a short driving distance from Rochester MN

Locations:

• Welch Village – 26685 County 7 Blvd, Welch MN
• Coffee Mills Ski and Snowboard Area – 99 Coulee Way, Wabasha MN
• Afton Alps – 6600 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033
• Mount La Crosse – W5549 Old Town Hall Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601

Outdoor Hockey

In the “State of Hockey,” we in Rochester, MN are lucky to have 8 outdoor hockey rinks scattered throughout the city. Many of which have warming houses and lights, to boot (closed for 20-21 due to Covid)! So gather up your friends, neighbors or family to have a friendly hockey competition on the outdoor rinks. It’s sure to be a grand time and provide loads of memories. Don’t forget to check out our Guide to Ice Skating in Rochester, MN for complete information!

Locations:

Allendale Park: 1895 Allendale Park Lane NW (Lights)
Rink Size: 80’x160′

Manor Park: 4238 Manor Park Drive NW (Lights)
Rink Size: 70’x160′

Lincolnshire Park: 5276 Members Parkway NW (Lights)
Rink Size: 70’x160′

Viking Park: 2550 2nd Avenue NW (Lights)
Rink Size: 70’x160′

Northern Heights Park: 900 22nd Street NE (Lights)
Rink Size: 70’x160′

Withers Sports Complex (2 rinks): 2021 Mayowood Road SW (Lights)
Rink Sizes: 80’x200′ & 60’x150′

Soldiers Field Park (2 rinks): 450 Soldiers Field Drive SW (Lights, Skate Rental from 12 PM – 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, Warming House on the East Side of the park only during skate rental)
Rink Size: 80’x200′

Outdoor Ice Rinks – No Hockey

For those of you who are looking for a little less competition, yet still, time on the ice, make sure to stop by the one outdoor rink that does not allow hockey. Family and friends can gather here to enjoy the fresh winter air on the smooth ice!

Location:

Cook Park: 722 7th Street NW (NO Lights) | NO HOCKEY ALLOWED

Curling

Rochester Curling Club

Founded in 2017, the is a volunteer organization devoted to bringing back the sport of curling to the city! The club has created numerous classes, leagues, bonspiels, and social gatherings to add hype to the popular pastime. This all-inclusive sport comes with a culture all its own. Come experience competition brewed with kindness, sportsmanship, and equality in one of the various curling opportunities in our great city!

Broomball

Broomball is a uniquely Minnesotan winter pastime, blending the state’s love for ice sports with a quirky, niche twist that perfectly suits its snowy culture.

Broomball Leagues offered by Rochester MN Parks & Recreation provide an exciting way to stay active and embrace winter fun in Rochester, Minnesota. Played on ice but without skates, broomball combines elements of hockey and soccer, making it accessible and enjoyable for participants of all skill levels.

The leagues cater to adults and feature recreational and competitive options, fostering camaraderie and spirited competition in a fun, social environment. Games are held at local outdoor rinks, and players use special broomball sticks and a ball to score goals. It’s a great way to enjoy the cold season, stay fit, and connect with the community.