5 Favorite Hiking Trails and Parks Near Rochester, MN

December 18, 2020 · 3 min read

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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. 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.

Jun 05, 2025 in Activities in Rochester

Meet the 2025 Ford Maverick: The Compact Pickup Revolution

Reliable performance, modern looks, and cutting-edge technology are a few ways the 2025 Ford Maverick stands out. Read on to learn more about this compact SUV's big features. Meet the 2025 Ford Maverick: The Compact Pickup Revolution Smart Technology Today's drivers love the convenient technology features in the Maverick's cabin. Two front USB ports keep your devices charged, and there's a 12-volt powerpoint in the front and rear of the cabin. You can add two more USB ports to the back, and a wireless charging pad is available as well. A rearview camera provides a less obstructed view behind your truck, allowing you to back up with confidence. Safety monitoring technology adds even more peace of mind. Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking helps you avoid front collisions. Available upgrades include blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Sleek Styling Options The standard Maverick comes outfitted with a Black mesh grille with Black surround, LED reflector headlights, and 17-inch steel wheels with Sparkle Silver-painted covers. This style can be changed with options like a High Gloss Black-painted grille, a painted grille accent bar, or useful wiper activated LED headlights. You can also add sleek features with the Black Appearance package. This is available for the XLT and Lariat trims. Some highlights from this package include a Black painted roof and mirrors, dark appearance headlamps, and a Black edition decal on the hood. Striking 19-inch Black aluminum wheels add style and stability. Organize Your Gear You'll have plenty of places to organize your gear in the cabin and the cargo bed. Inside, you'll have spacious storage bins under the rear seats. You'll also have small storage opportunities like the custom-fit water bottle pocket in the driver's side door. The pickup bed measures 4.5 feet long. Repositioning the support cables allows you to lock the tailgate in a mid-position, fully upright, or open. Vertical and horizontal slots fit 2x4 and 2x6 boards, which can be uniquely arranged to create segmented storage spaces that fit your needs. Available accessories like bed extenders, tonneau covers, and bolt-in sliding tie-downs allow you to seamlessly customize the bed even further. Smooth Performance Under the hood of the Maverick, you'll find a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain paired with a continuously variable transmission. Gas-sipping front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available for those who prefer enhanced traction. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is also available. This powertrain comes standard in the new Lobo and Tremor trims. The Maverick's compact frame and impressive capabilities make it a versatile powerhouse. If you're looking for a truck that fits in on city streets and dirt paths, you've found it. Contact Rochester Ford in Rochester, MN to schedule a test drive.

Apr 10, 2024 in Activities in Rochester

3 Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Rochester, MN

Rochester, MN is home to a rich history and culture, perfect for travelers looking to explore during the summer months. We are confident that choosing this beautiful region as a stop during your summer travels is not a decision you will come to regret. Join us as we explore some of the many summer activities you can enjoy while you're in the area to make your stay all the more memorable. 3 Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Rochester, MN 1. UNRAVELED Escape Room This fun team-building activity, located at 4925 West Frontage Rd, is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. Gather your team of 4–10 people and choose from a wide selection of rooms based on your interests and skill level. Work with your team to escape King Tut's Tomb, in their most popular escape room experience, or ask about one of their newer rooms which are set to be open to the public very soon. 2. Quarry Hill Nature Center The Quarry Hill Nature Center, located at 701 Silver Creek Rd NE is the perfect stop for any nature lover. The center offers visitors free admission, and a number of fun activities to choose from. Their Good Natured Kids program for children as young as 3–4 years old is the perfect choice for your little one to learn more about nature in the great outdoors. For families with older children, check out their Bird Banding program to learn more about the wildlife that finds its home in the beautiful landscape of this state. If their many programs don't fit your summer day expectations, you can also explore Minnesota's natural beauty by taking a hike on one of their trails catering to hikers of all levels and ages. 3. History Center of Olmsted County This stop, located at 1195 W Circle Dr, Rochester is worth taking the time out of your day to visit if you want to learn more about this region's rich history. This stop offers free admission to any and all visitors during the summer months starting on June 1st and ending on August 31st. Visitors can have access to the Museum Gallery, Research Center, and History Center Campus free of charge. Enjoy the chance to learn more about American history through the lens of Minnesotan artifacts and exhibits. Grab all the essentials, and pack your bags into the backseat of your Ford Explorer to embark on an adventure up north to see all this amazing place has to offer for yourself. While you're at it, pay us a visit at Rochester Ford, located at 4900 US-52, to see all our deals and offers for explorers like you. We look forward to meeting you in person!

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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 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.