Hidden Gems in Rochester that Everyone Should Know About
There are lots of cool places to visit around Rochester, MN. From restaurants to things to do, there's a lot going on in this big small town!
Some places are amazing, but somehow slip under the radar. Those kinds of places are, of course, hidden gems.
I wanted to know what places in town you think are great hidden gems that people should visit, so I asked on our Facebook page, and you had lots of suggestions!
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There was a wide variety of businesses and places that were mentioned, so I decided I wanted to focus on places that aren't restaurants or bars. There were just so many non-restaurants that were suggested, and I feel like that fits better with 'hidden gem', if that makes sense.
(By the way, I plan to get a list together of the most underrated restaurants in Rochester at some point, so that's likely where those restaurants that you called hidden gems will be featured. Keep an eye out!)
Whether you're looking for a place to relax, have some fun with friends and family, or need a place to wash your dog, I've got you.
Rochester, MN Hidden Gems
Art Heads Emporium in downtown Rochester offers all kinds of art classes for all age levels. Classes can range from painting to candle-making.
If you're looking for a place that sells ingredients specific to Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and SE Asian cuisines, Asian Food Store is the perfect place to check out. They have so many unique things that you won't find anywhere else.
Who doesn't love chocolate? Chocolaterie Stam in The Galleria sells incredible chocolates as well as gelato.
Danielle's Consignment Boutique
If you're looking for a fun shopping experience and a great deal on clothes and accessories, check out Danielle's Consignment Boutique.
Diatom Books is brand new to downtown Rochester. They specialize in science, technology, and society books and have an amazing collection of older books to browse.
Another great used book shop in Rochester. It used to be a house, so different rooms hold different genres. You could spend a long time there.
Hermatige Farm Center for Healing
Hermatige Farm offers all sorts of holistic healing treatments. They have options from meditation to Reiki, aromatherapy to massage, just to name a few.
Yes, a place literally called Hidden Gem. They buy, sell, and trade computer parts and video games, but also gaming accessories, sometimes LEGO sets; it all depends on what is sold to them.
My husband and I actually visited the Izaak Walton Wetlands within our first few months of living in Rochester. It was amazing, and the hiking path is on the shorter end, from what I remember.
If you're looking for a good deal on outdoor gear and attire, check out Janky Gear. They have outdoor and workout attire, but they also have things like tents, kayaks, and camping accessories.
The swimming pool in The Kahler
The swimming pool at the Kahler Grand Hotel in downtown Rochester is the coolest! The ceiling is a big glass dome, and you have a super cool view of the Kahler sign. I'm pretty certain you need to have a room at The Kahler to use it, though.
Another consignment shopping option in Rochester is Kismet. They not only have clothes and accessories but furniture and decor, too. They also have a store for men's clothing right next door.
At The Machine Shed in Rochester, you can play old arcade games to your heart's content. They also sell used video games.
9/11 Memorial Stained Glass in the Mayo Civic Center
Inside the Mayo Civic Center, you'll find a stained glass window that's a memorial to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Mayo Civic Center says more than 400 adults and kids helped put the piece together, which was designed by local artists Stephanie and Mike Podulke. The piece features 3,021 stars, one for each victim. It was installed in 2002.
If you love vintage toys, clearly, Midwest Vintage Toy is the place for you. They buy vintage toys, too.
Comics, toys, collectibles, oh my! Nerdin' Out has it all.
Old School Entertainment has a large selection of old arcade games that you can play all day with a day pass. They also have axe-throwing! It's a really fun place to spend a day.
The lobby of the Plummer Building
The Plummer Building is incredible to look at from the outside, but indoors is just as cool. The lobby is a hidden gem you definitely have to see for yourself.
The oak savannah at Quarry Hill
Quarry Hill, in general, is a great place to visit, but the oak savannah is the specific hidden gem here. It's further into Quarry Hill than some people get, and up a pretty steep hill. It's totally worth it, though. The picture here just doesn't do it justice.
All year long, the Rochester Repertory Theater Company puts on shows at the Rochester Repertory Theater. They have a wide variety of shows, so make sure to check out what's now performing.
For an outdoor adventure in Rochester, hit up Skyline Raceway for their go-kart track, mini golf, and gemstone panning.
A ton of people said that U Do It Dog Wash is a big-time hidden gem. They say it's an awesome place to go wash your dog that makes it way easier than trying to do it in your bathtub.
The Yellow Monkey is a non-profit thrift and upcycle store that gives adults with disabilities a place to work and learn new skills.
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Gallery Credit: Troy Dunken
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