Looking to take a little Day Trip? The southeast MN area offers an abundance of things to see and do all within a perfectly manageable drive from Rochester! Why not take a journey to a place you have yet to visit…and some you might not have thought about! Our contributors have put together ideas for day trips and field trips from Rochester MN. Some of these trips can easily be done in one morning and others would benefit from a full day or even a weekend. Click each image to be redirected to that post. Enjoy!
Have a place you’d like to see on this list? Email us! info@rochesterlocal.com
DAY TRIPS AROUND THE ROCHESTER AREA
A Day Trip to Waseca, MN: Where Small-Town Charm Meets Big-Time Fun
Looking to mix things up with a mini adventure that’s not too far from home?...
Day Trip: Big Stone Mini Golf | Minnetrista, MN
Big Stone Mini Golf is located in Minnetrista on the far west of the Twin...
Day Trip: Elm Creek Swim Pond
The Elm Creek Swim Pond in Maple Grove is a unique Minnesota park. Unlike other...
Field Trip Friday: Nerstrand Big Woods
Updated June 2025 It was a rainy week, and I knew my kids were...
Day Trip: Lavender Bluff Farm, Stockholm WI
Tucked against the river bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin in the picturesque village of Stockholm, Wisconsin,...
Day Trip: Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo are such treasures for our region. Nestled in a valley...
Field Trip Friday: Lark Toys
The family owned and operated business is where magic, childhood and fun all combine into...
Carley State Park | Your Spring Wildflowers Destination
Carley State Park in Minnesota is a hidden gem bursting with natural beauty, particularly in...
A One-Day Itinerary to Show Off Rochester
Here is my general itinerary for when my dearest friends come to Rochester MN for...
Hidden Treasures Along the Wisconsin Great River Road
Here are some of the unique and interesting sites and towns along Wisconsin's Great River...
Day Trip Idea: The National Eagle Center
The National Eagle Center is definitely worth a trip- at least once. The Eagles are...
Field Trip Friday: Adventure Day
This trip is so easy to do as it's a short 45-minute drive from Rochester....
Field Trip from Rochester: Berry and Bloom Farm
Berry and Bloom Farm is located just outside of Rochester, MN. This special farm is...
Field Trip Friday: Franconia Sculpture Park
The fact that several of the sculptures at Franconia encourage play is a bonus for...
Field Trip Friday: Carley State Park
Southeastern Minnesota is FULL of beautiful state parks and hiking trails. When my family wants...
Field Trip Friday: Eau Claire
In our first of our Field Trip Friday posts, check out all of our recommendations...
Field Trip Friday: Decorah, Iowa
Decorah is a charming small town with options for everyone in the family. Whether you...
Field Trip Friday: Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota
You know you've found a gem of a place when you buy a membership to...
Field Trip Friday: The Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum was a total hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Not only is...
Field Trip Friday: Minnesota History Center (St. Paul, MN)
Last updated June 2023 This is not your typical history museum! No roped-off areas where...
Field Trip Friday: Alma / Buena Vista Park
If you are looking for a socially distanced, not too physically taxing, child friendly trip...
Field Trip Friday: Blue Earth
The small town of Blue Earth has so much to show off, and has so...
Field Trip Friday: Bell Natural History Museum and Planetarium
Besides the prehistoric animal exhibit, which highlights animals that roamed our state, there are multiple artistic...
Field Trip Friday: Elba Fire Tower
The Historic Elba Fire Tower is your ticket to touching the clouds. This is the...
Day Trip: Whitewater State Park
Whitewater State Park is popular for many reasons including its giant limestone bluffs and deep...
Field Trip Friday: Minnesota Zoo
What better place to recharge his batteries than at the Zoo, looking at and learning...
A Day Trip to Welch | Not Just for Skiing!
If you're not into skiing or snowboarding, Welch is still for you! I was excited...
Field Trip Friday: Excelsior Minnesota and Tonkadale
Excelsior, Minnesota is a darling waterfront town nestled into the southern shores of Lake Minnetonka....
Field Trip Friday: Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store
It’s a challenge to concisely write all that awaits you at Minnesota's Largest Candy Store...
