The Best Spots for Outdoor Fun in Rochester, MN

July 08, 2019 · 3 min read

Rochester, Minnesota combines the busy city center of a large city with the quiet suburbs and nature walks of the rural towns that surround it on every side. That means you don't have to look far to find ways to have fun in the Great Outdoors when you live in Rochester, or if you're one of the many visitors who end up in town thanks to the world-famous Mayo Clinic. Regardless of why you're here, there are definitely places to have some outdoor fun.

Quarry Hill

The Quarry Hill Nature Center takes its name from the old stone quarry that helped build some of Rochester's first buildings. You can still see the quarry if you decide to wander through the park, and you can follow the handy signs to find it. In fact, since those first buildings sat where downtown Rochester is today, you can easily walk to Quarry Hill from the center of town by following a paved nature walk that starts just east of the river.

Silver Lake

Silver Lake is just north of the skyscrapers but still well within the downtown Rochester area. Silver Lake is a human-created lake that was once used as a coolant reservoir for the local coal plant, and when the plant was in operation it kept the lake warm and made it a popular spot for Canada geese and other migrating birds. These days the coal plant is out of commission, but the lake is still a popular spot for both migrating birds and humans who want to enjoy a lovely walk or rent a boat to take out onto the water.

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo

If you head northwest out of town along Valleyhigh Road you'll come across Oxbow Park. Oxbow offers visitors a wilderness park that's still in shouting distance of Rochester, and they offer primitive camping sites you can reserve between May and October. The park is also the site of Zollman Zoo, a modest place that displays a few dozen wild animals native to Minnesota. The zoo is an active rehabilitation center, so the animals that stick around in the exhibits usually have permanent injuries or are too adapted to life in confinement to survive in the wild.

Cascade Lake

The Cascade Lake Park is a relatively new addition to the nature areas of Rochester, Minnesota. The area is an artificial wetland dug out while developers built some of the residential apartments in the area, and it offers some lovely views of the lakes and nearby homes. At the north end of the lake area you'll find the biggest pedestrian overpass in the city, and while you're on the bridge you'll see two highways, a frontage road, and a nature path that keeps going north until it meets up with the Douglas Trail, a 12.5-mile trail system. While you can surround yourself with busy streets and tall skyscrapers by walking down Broadway in Rochester, Minnesota, you don't have to walk far to find yourself in a great spot to have some outdoor fun. Image by Tony Asleson is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

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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

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. more 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.

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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.