Rochester, Minnesota
Top Spots in and near Rochester
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Saint Charles, Minnesota
Camp at Whitewater State Park
Whitewater State Park is at the cusp of bluff country, straddling the Whitewater River, a small tributary of the Mississippi. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit. In Spring you'll hit wildflower season when the forest glades in the depths of the valley folds are literally carpeted with ...Read more -
Minnesota City, Minnesota
Climb Mt. Charity at John A. Latsch State Park
5.01 mi / 500 ft gainJohn A. Latsh State Park is directly off of Hwy. 61 a few miles north of Winona. Begin your hike at the parking lot, following the signs for the Riverview Trail. The hike itself is a short, but steep climb on a series of steps up the side of the Mt. Charity Bluff. Winding through verdant valley f...Read more -
Stockholm, Wisconsin
Hike to the Top of Maiden Rock Bluff
5.01 mi / 400 ft gainIt's easy to spot Maiden Rock Bluff as you drive along Highway 35: the 400-foot-tall limestone cliff extends for nearly a mile. Getting to the top is also easy. Begin by turning onto County Road E - a twisting, narrow road that leads straight up. Once you're at the top, keep an eye out for Long L...Read more -
Red Wing, Minnesota
Hike Barn Bluff
3.02.05 mi / 340 ft gainBarn Bluff in Red Wing, Minn., is an enjoyable and easily-accessible hike. Even at a slow pace, it takes just 30-45 minutes to reach the peak.There is ample parking on 5th Street near the Barn Bluff sign. Take the stairs to the trail head. From there, you'll have a few trail options:1) South Trai...Read more -
Fountain City, Wisconsin
Explore the Mississippi River at Fountain City
Just off Highway 35, on the south side of Fountain City, you will find an easy access boat landing with ample parking and suitable ramps to launch your kayak, canoe or motor boat. Coming from central Wisconsin, we drove 95 that runs the ridges of the driftless region and offers beautiful views of...Read more -
Nerstrand, Minnesota
Hike Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park
3.311 miCurious about what Minnesota looked like in pre-settlement times?Then spend the day hiking through Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, a botanical reserve for the temperate hardwood forest that once covered much of central Minnesota. Located 45 miles south of Minneapolis, the park offers the opportun...Read more -
Welch, Minnesota
Paddle the Cannon River
5.0If you want a quiet, secluded paddle, this may not be the adventure for you. The Cannon River is a very popular destination in the summer months for groups of canoers, kayakers and tubers. Drinking on the river is not discouraged.Book a reservation with Welch Mill. They provide shuttle service, l...Read more -
Welch, Minnesota
Bike the Cannon Valley Trail
4.019.7 mi / -115 ft gainThere are multiple entry points to the Cannon Valley Trail along the 19.7 miles of paved path that connect the towns of Cannon Falls and Red Wing. Because the trail requires a $4 daily pass, pick your entry point next to a Wheel Pass station. The most elaborate entry point is via the town of Welc...Read more -
Winona, Minnesota
Hike up to Garvin Heights Overlook
1 miPark on Huff Street on the bridge that divides Lake Winona (we parked in the lot by the Visitor Center). Walk on Huff St. towards the highway (14/61) and turn left on W. Lake Boulevard (be careful here, it’s a busy road). Continue on Lake Blvd. past Cty Rd. 44 . Before the first house on Lake ...Read more -
Faribault, Minnesota
Straight River Trail and Alexander Park Trail
0.67 mi / 20 ft gainStraight River Trail and Alexander Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Faribault, Minnesota.Read more -
Trempealeau, Wisconsin
Canoe the Voyageurs Loop, Perrot State Park
Perrot State Park, located in Wisconsin's Driftless Region, is home to many tall bluffs, including Brady's Bluff and Trempealeau Mountain. Many elevated hikes give you a wonderful view of the Mississippi River and its surrounding bluffs, but the real treasure is seeing this area from the water by...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota
Rochester / Marion KOA Journey
Did you say you wanted quiet and relaxing? It's hard to believe you're just 1/4 mile off I-90 when you pull into this country setting cam...
Hayward, Minnesota
Albert Lea / Austin KOA Journey
Come stay at this KOA and visit the famous Spam Museum, Mall of America, Diamond Jo Casino, Winnebago Industries and Cabela's. Or stay at...