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
Guide to St. Paul’s European Christmas Market
First held in December 2014, the European Christmas Market in St. Paul is a beloved...
11 Jolly Holiday Activities Near Rochester MN to Enjoy This Year
For many (me included!), the holidays are the most magical time of the year. Whether...
7 Hallmark-Ready Christmas Towns Near Rochester MN
Do you know what always puts me in the holiday spirit? Watching a Hallmark...
8 Best Christmas Markets Near Rochester MN
The holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, enjoying festive food...
Guide to SE Minnesota Area Caves
Cave exploration, in my opinion, is the perfect family summer adventure-it has natural air conditioning and...
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...
Art + Nature Unite for the Lost Creek Fungi Hunt
The Bluff Country Hiking Club is collaborating with local fiber and crochet artist Lydia Hansen...
Rochester MN Guide to Area Pizza Farms
Dining outdoors is more than just eating. It's an experience! We've rounded up the Rochester...
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...
Sterling Home & Toys: Your Games, Toys, and Creativity Destination
Sterling Home & Toys is filled with bright colors, beautiful displays, and a broad selection...
Rochester MN Nearby State Parks
Within a short drive of Rochester MN, there are multiple opportunities to make lasting memories...
Rochester MN Guide to Ice Skating
Bundle up and burn off some energy! Here are all of the best places to...
12 Small Town Shops Near Rochester MN
Looking for a truly unique gift for someone on your list? Check out these small...
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: 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
Last updated June 2023 It was a rainy week, and I knew my kids...
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: Austin, MN
My family loves to hop in the car and go on an adventure. After commuting...
Field Trip Friday: SeaQuest
SeaQuest is a highly interactive experience full of opportunities to get up close with some...
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: Stillwater
Welcome to my hometown! Stillwater is the birthplace of Minnesota and a gorgeous historic town...
Day Trip: Lake City, Minnesota
Lake City is a jewel of a town that is just 40 minutes north of...
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...
Day Trip: Big Stone Mini Golf | Minnetrista, MN
Big Stone Mini Golf is located in Minnetrista on the far west of the Twin...
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...
Day Trip: Northfield, Minnesota
Northfield, you sly little fox, you. Where did you come from, where have you been...
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: SEA LIFE at Mall of America
I absolutely love taking my family to SEA LIFE at the Mall of America. Although...
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...
5 Reasons to Book a Spontaneous Trip to The Wisconsin Dells
If you’re contemplating booking that stay for next week, here’s five reasons you should just...
Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
Oxbow should be on everyone's list of summer 'to do's'. It's got entertainment, a play...
Kid-Designed Spontaneous Road Trips
Our family goes on spontaneous road trips to keep a thirst for adventure alive. Here...
