There are endless ways for Rochester residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re walking, biking, playing sports or more. One of the newest outdoor opportunities in Rochester is Discovery Walk. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this community space.

What is Discovery Walk?

Discovery Walk is a newly completed linear parkway and part of the Destination Medical Center economic development initiative. It’s open to both pedestrians and vehicular traffic. There’s a wide variety of seating, public art and access to local businesses along its length.

Discovery Walk

Where is Discovery Walk?

Discovery Walk stretches along 2nd Avenue SW in downtown Rochester from Soldiers Memorial Field Park to Annenberg Plaza.

What is there to do at Discovery Walk?

Here are a few ideas of things to do while exploring Discovery Walk:

  • Look at art by local artists. Art is integrated into the design of Discovery Walk. Ayub HajiOmar’s “Poems in the Park” features a collection of poems designed to engage with those passing by. Sophia Chai’s “Punctuated Asymptote” is a series of 62 blue lights spanning the length of Discovery Walk.
  • Head to Soldiers Memorial Field Park. The south end of Discovery Walk takes you right to the north edge of Soldiers Field park, where there is a Veterans Memorial, paved walking/biking trails and the restaurant Townie’s Grill’d Philly Subs and More. In warmer months, take advantage of the tennis courts, golf course, playground, and newly renovated outdoor aquatic center. In the winter, go ice skating on the oval track.
  • Visit a local restaurant or store. There are several places to stop and shop or dine directly along Discovery Walk or just steps away. Café Steam, People’s Food Co-Op, Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria, Twigs Tavern & Grille and many more downtown restaurants and attractions are within walking distance.

Cafe Steam at Two Discovery SquareCafe Steam at Two Discovery Square

  • Grab food from local food trucks. Discovery Walk includes a mobile food zone on the west side of the 300 block of 2nd Avenue SW. Food trucks can serve food every day of the week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of October. There is plenty of seating nearby to enjoy your meal.

Discovery Walk blue lights

Looking for more? Discover more parks in Rochester, MN or explore Rochester’s walkable downtown here.