Apr 14, 2023

With plenty of lakes, rivers, and beautiful nature reserves, the state of Minnesota is a wonderful destination to explore in your brand-new 2022 Ford EcoSport. If you happen to be a fan of boating or any other water activity, you will not have a hard time finding some beautiful spots for a weekend away from the city. Here are three great waterside destinations you can reach in less than one hour from downtown Rochester, MN.

3 Favorite Boating Destinations You Can Drive to From Rochester, MN

1. Cascade Lake Park

Located less than two miles northwest of downtown Rochester, Cascade Lake Park is one of the most popular spots among water lovers from the region. Open Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, this place is an authentic oasis of nature that regularly hosts all kinds of public events, fairs, and exhibitions.

Driving from the Rochester city center to Cascade Lake State Park takes just five minutes, making the place one of the easiest spots to take a break from the routine with your family. Some of the amenities you can find in this beautiful recreation area include public boat launching ramps providing access to Cascade Lake, picnic tables, a fishing pier, paved trails, and a small swimming beach.

2. Frontenac State Park

Providing public access to the waters of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River, Frontenac State Park is a well-known local destination among boaters, kayakers, and other water sports lovers. Although the main attraction of this park is a 430-foot-high bluff offering fantastic views of the surrounding areas, this place also features public boat launching ramps in its southern and northern sections.

Frontenac State Park is located about 45 miles north of the Rochester city center and can be reached in less than one hour via route US-14. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this place has been a popular place since it was established in 1957. Other activities you can enjoy here include swimming, fishing, hiking, and sledding.

3. Lake Zumbro

A 600-acre artificial reservoir created with the construction of a nearby hydroelectric dam, Lake Zumbro has only recently become a popular destination among water sports enthusiasts, with the first motorized boat launch established in 2020. With fishing piers and beautiful picnic areas in an adjacent public park, this lake can be reached in less than 25 minutes by car from the Rochester city center via route US-14.

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