If you find solace in the midst of blooming flowers, the soothing rustle of leaves, and the vibrant hues of diverse plant life, then Rochester's gardens are a paradise waiting to be explored. Here are five breathtaking gardens worth visiting in Rochester, MN for plant enthusiasts and serenity seekers alike.
Mayowood Historic Home | AB-Photography.US
Mayowood is a 23,000-square foot, 38-room home built in 1910 and was once home to Dr. Charlie Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, and his son, Dr. Chuck Mayo. Today, the home offers visitors a glimpse into their lives and the history of Mayo Clinic through seasonal tours. The mansion is surrounded by a grand terrace overlooking the Zumbro River along with beautiful botanical gardens and an Oriental Tea House. For the latest hours and tour information, visit https://www.olmstedhistory.com/mayowood.
Plummer House | TJ Turner
Plummer House Gardens
Plummer House, a 49-room mansion in SW Rochester, was built by Dr. Henry S. Plummer, a founding physician of Mayo Clinic. This Tudor-style mansion sits on 11 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, consisting of formal gardens, bird trail, quarry, and water tower. The grounds are open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Tours of the home are offered during the summer months.
Mayo Clinic campus | @driftless.dani
Around the Mayo Clinic Campus
If you find yourself downtown, you still don’t need to travel far to find a beautiful garden. Mayo Clinic’s downtown Rochester campus is dotted with urban gardens filled with lively colors and refreshing sights. One great place to sit and enjoy the multitude of plants and flowers is Annenberg Plaza, located east of the Mayo Building and west of Peace Plaza.
If you’re in need of a quiet place to meditate, the Saint Francis Peace Garden, directly west of the Generose Building on the Mayo Clinic Saint Marys campus, offers a refuge for patients and visitors. It is open from dawn to dusk to during spring, summer and fall.
Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden | AB-Photography.US
Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden in SW Rochester features the work of the exceptional Rochester bronze sculptor in his home studio. The sculpture garden in the backyard is open during the summer months and features even more of his work among beautiful landscaping and scenery. Tours are offered and must be booked in advance here.
Butterfly Garden at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Just steps away from the Nature Center at Quarry Hill, the demonstration butterfly garden offers a refuge for caterpillars and butterflies, due to its sunny location, moisture, and ideal combination of plants and flowers. Walk through the garden and be on the lookout for a monarch!
Did you know? Rochester, MN offers more than 100 parks, as well as 85 miles of paved trails with amazing city and country views and recently finished surfaces. Find more outdoor adventure in Rochester here.