Nov 5, 2021

Not sure what to do this coming weekend? Or wondering how to make the most of summer on a tight budget? Well, a picnic is your answer. Load up the kids in the family car and go create some unforgettable memories in one of the awesome picnic spots around Rochester, MN. We have rounded up the 6 best locations to make it easier for you to choose.

6 Great Picnic Spots in and Around Rochester, MN

1. Essex Park

Located on the north side of town, Essex Park is an awesome picnic location. The entire park is covered in lush green grass. This means you can either eat on the grass in the open sun or in the shade of a pavilion. The park also has bathrooms in case you need to freshen up.

2. Quarry Hill Park

This is a historical park in a natural area that offers a serene environment perfect for unwinding and romantic picnics. Notable features include a picnic shelter, tennis courts, playground for kids, horseshoes, baseball court, and an open playfield. The park is also one of the venues for seasonal cross-country skiing.

3. The Art Center

The art center is located downtown and it can be a great rendezvous for a quick lunch with colleagues, family, or friends during your lunch break. Behind the Art Center is the best spot to set up your picnic because of the river that flows past. If you have enough time, you can also explore the Art Center or pick some movies from the Rochester Library, which is right across the street.

4. Kutzky and Cooke Parks

Kutzky and Cook Parks are the perfect destinations for those who fancy eating on riverbanks. Cooke Park is on 722 7th street and it has soccer fields, pickleball courts, shelters, and a baseball diamond. Further down at 213 13th street is the Kutzky Park, which features picnic pavilions, bathrooms, on-site parking, volleyball courts, and basketball courts.

5. Foster Arend Park

This is a unique picnic location because the park has a lake that has an awesome beach with a swimming area. In addition to swimming, you can also play sand volleyball or just relax on the sandy beach. Other attractions include the unpaved and paved trails, an open playfield, horseshoes, a playground, and a rentable space. You can also come with your rod for some catch and release action.

6. Soldiers Memorial Field Park

This is arguably the best picnic destination in Rochester. There are two playgrounds for the little ones, a pavilion with picnic tables and a pool. If you are looking to burn off some energy, you can do some running on the track. There is also a wood-fired pizza establishment nearby for those who don’t fancy carrying packed food for their picnics.

A good family car can make it easier for you to take your family on day trips. If you are into fishing, you may want a car that has enough room to carry your gear as well. Visit us at Rochester Ford to see our inventory of new and used cars. We are sure you will find the car of your dreams!