5 Favorite Hiking Trails and Parks Near Rochester, MN

December 18, 2020 · 3 min read

5_Favorite_Hiking_Trails_and_Parks_Near_Rochester_637435507272007080

Are you looking to get out of the house and hit the trail? There are plenty of hiking trails near Rochester, MN, suitable for all experience levels. Whether you hike in the open woods or take a stroll through one of the city's many unique parks, there is sure to be a great walk just around the corner.

1. Quarry Hill Nature Center

This nature preserve offers plenty of great hiking for all age levels. Located near downtown, the park is open year-round. There are miles of paved and unpaved trails for hikers and cyclists, and in the winter, visitors can rent skis or snowshoes.

While hiking, make sure to look out for fossils. In prehistoric times, the land here was covered by an ocean. Remains of plants and animals can still be found in the quarry.

2. Indian Heights Park

Another great location right inside the city limits is Indian Heights Park. Here, hikers will find trails that wind throughout protected savanna and prairie lands. Deer and other wildlife can occasionally be seen as the trails pass through the more heavily wooded areas.

A popular trail in the park is the 1-mile long Indian Heights Park Loop. The trail is ranked as easy though there is a bit of elevation gain. Views of both the city and the Zumbro river are highlights of this trail.

3. Oxbow Park

Located about 5 miles west of Rochester, Oxbow Park is a destination. The park is loaded with activities including camping, fishing, and hiking. No trip to Oxbow Park would be complete without a stop at the Zollman Zoo. Native wildlife such as wolves, coyotes, and eagles are some of the creatures who call the zoo home.

The park itself is spread over 600 acres with plenty of well-maintained trails. A great trail for seeing the entire park is the Oxbow Park Loop Trail. This 5-mile trail is ranked as moderate due to mild elevation changes and winds past the river through both forest and prairie.

4. Whitewater State Park

For those who need even more space to roam, we suggest heading east about 25 miles. Here you will find bluffs soaring above the Whitewater River and plenty of trails to hike. The popular Chimney Rock Trail will provide one of the best views of the river below.

History buffs will enjoy climbing to the top of the Elba Fire Tower or visiting one of the other facilities built in the 1930s. Many of these are included on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. Chester Woods Park

Locals looking for a fishing spot close to the city are sure to head to Chester Woods Park which is located near Bear Creek. However, this park has plenty of other options including 12 miles of trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds.

Enjoy the drive to your favorite park in a new or used Ford. Stop by Rochester Ford today and browse our inventory of great models. We'll get you into the car of your dreams and back on the trail in no time.

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Ford Expedition SUV in light blue parked in front of a modern home, showcasing its bold front grille and spacious full-size design.

Jul 30, 2026 in Activities in Rochester

What We Know About the 2027 Ford Expedition

If you drive or have looked at buying a full-sized SUV, you probably already know the Ford Expedition has built a strong reputation for capability, comfort, and versatility. While the previous model year laid the groundwork with a massive design overhaul, the 2027 Ford Expedition is here with a new off-road model, and exciting updates to celebrate its 30th year on the road. more The Expedition's Legacy of Power and Capability The 2027 Ford Expedition is engineered for buyers who need genuine hauling, towing, and cruising power in a highly refined package. Under the hood, Ford keeps the powertrain lineup robust with two variations of its proven twin-turbocharged engine, the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 that provides 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque or the available High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 (440 hp, 510 lb-ft of torque), both paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition can tow up to 9,600 lbs (or up to 9,300 lbs for the specialized Tremor trim). The Expedition has plenty of interior space, you can fold all the rear seats flat to unlock up to 108.5 cu. ft. of cargo space. Buyers can choose between the standard wheelbase and the extended Expedition MAX body style. The MAX adds an extra 11.8 inches of cargo length, giving you an impressive 36.1 cu. ft. of storage space directly behind the third row alone. 2027 Ford Expedition Trim Levels For the first time ever, the 2027 model year introduces a purpose-built off-road trim to the lineup: the Tremor. The 2027 Expedition trim levels are: Active: The everyday family champion, offering premium comfort and high value right out of the gate. It includes a 24-in panoramic display and 13.2-in center display, Power Ford Split Gate, and a trailer tow prep package. Tremor (All-New for 2027): This off-road beast features standard 4WD, a modified higher-ride suspension, Raptor-style underbody skid plates, 33-in all-terrain tires, a 3.73 electronic locking rear differential, and off-road tech like Rock Crawl mode and Trail Turn Assist. Platinum: The peak of modern luxury, offering leather-trimmed heated/ventilated seating and an available High-Output V6 upgrade. King Ranch: Showcases distinct southwestern style with premium Del Rio leather throughout the cabin and striking Sinister Bronze exterior accents. Celebrating 30 Years: To commemorate three decades of the Expedition nameplate, Ford is introducing a special 30th Anniversary Appearance Package f or 2027. It features exclusive styling, distinctive "30 YEARS" badging, and access to unique paint options. Ford Expedition Safety Technology You Can Count On Ford has made driver-assist and safety technology a priority across its lineup, and the 2027 Expedition is no exception. Ford Co-Pilot360 technology has been a standout feature, offering a suite of available driver-assist tools designed to help keep you confident behind the wheel. Features in this suite have included Pre-Collision Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Information Systems, And Lane-Keeping Support. Expedition Technology and Connectivity on Board The 2027 Expedition has one of the most advanced tech setups in the full-size SUV segment: 24-In Panoramic Display: Positioned high at the base of the windshield, this massive screen acts as a custom digital gauge cluster and media hub directly in your line of sight. 13.2-InTouchscreen: Positioned lower on the center console, this touchscreen handles your daily controls. It runs Google built-in software featuring Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. BlueCruise® Hands-Free Driving: E njoy stress-free highway driving with Ford's hands-free technology. Stay Ahead of the Curve at Rochester Ford The 2027 Ford Expedition is shaping up to be another strong entry in Ford's full-size SUV lineup, with the trim levels, safety technology, and connected features that today's drivers expect. If you're planning for a growing family or simply want a capable vehicle that handles everything life throws at it, the Expedition is worth a close look. The Ford experts at Rochester Ford are ready to help answer your questions about the 2027 Expedition and let you take the first steps toward driving this great new SUV.

Feb 12, 2026 in Activities in Rochester

The 2026 Ford F-250: A Super Duty Truck Built for Rochester, MN

The ultimate workhorse, the 2026 Ford F-250 arrives in Rochester, Minnesota with unrelenting power, purposeful technology to keep you connected, safe, and productive, and all with the durability to take on the worst weather, long-distance hauls with heavy loads, and off-road adventures. This Super Duty model continues Ford’s legacy of engineering excellence while incorporating modern features to enhance your driving experience. more Unmatched Performance and Capability Powertrain Options for Every Job The 2026 Ford F-250 offers 4 monstrous engines to handle the toughest tasks with ease. 6.8L V8 gas engine: Supplies 405 hp and 445 lbs.-ft. of torque. The “Godzilla” 7.3L V8: Generates a Best-in-Class 430 hp and 485 lbs.-ft. of torque. The Power Stroke® Turbo-Diesel: Delivering 475 hp and 1,050 lbs.-ft. of torque. The High-Output Power Stroke®: Takes the titles of Best-in-Class for both hp and torque at 500 hp and an astounding 1,200 lbs.-ft. Towing and Payload Superiority Best-in-Class power leads to Best-in-Class capability, and the 2026 Ford F-250 boasts both class-leading towing and payload capacities, making it ideal for both professional work and recreational activities. With advanced towing technologies like Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and an integrated trailer brake controller, this truck ensures that you stay in control, even when towing up to 40,000 lbs. or a with an 8,000-lb. payload. Cutting-Edge Technology for a Modern Drive Advanced Driver Assistance Features The 2026 Ford F-250 comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360® technology, offering an array of safety and driver-assistance features. From Adaptive Cruise Control to Lane-Keeping Assist, these systems are designed to enhance your driving experience and keep you safe on the road. Hands-free highway driving is also available through Ford’s BlueCruise™ technology, allowing you to navigate long stretches of controlled-access highways effortlessly. And with Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Trailering, you’ve got eyes all around. Connected Convenience With in-vehicle Wi-Fi® and the FordPass® app, the 2026 Ford F-250 keeps you connected wherever you go. Whether it’s streaming music, accessing navigation, or remotely starting your truck via the app, Ford’s connectivity features ensure that your driving experience is as seamless as possible. Rugged Design Meets Everyday Comfort Built to Last The 2026 Ford F-250 is as tough as they come, boasting a high-strength, military-grade aluminium-alloy body and a fully boxed steel frame. This rugged construction ensures the truck is durable enough to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining a refined appearance. Its bold exterior design and powerful stance make a strong impression on and off the road. Interior Comfort for Long Drives Inside, the 2026 Ford F-250 is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Premium materials, spacious seating, and intuitive controls create a welcoming environment for both work and leisure. Optional upgrades like heated, ventilated, leather-trimmed seats and a panoramic sunroof add a touch of luxury to the Super Duty experience. Discover The 2026 Ford F-250 In in Rochester, MN Ready to experience the power and versatility of the 2026 Ford F-250 for yourself? Visit Rochester Ford, to explore this exceptional truck and take it for a test drive. Our team is here to help you find the perfect configuration to meet your needs. Check out our inventory online at Rochester Ford and start your journey toward owning a top-tier Super Duty truck today!

Jun 05, 2025 in Activities in Rochester

Meet the 2025 Ford Maverick: The Compact Pickup Revolution

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Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price includes $350 Dealer Documentation Fee. Price excludes tax, tag, title, and registration. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (not in stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.