Jan 6, 2020

Rain in Rochester, MNRochester, Minnesota, offers a variety of fun activities to enjoy throughout the year. However, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate and you end up with a rainy day. If you’re dealing with some dreary weather in Rochester, check out a few of these top indoor attractions worth exploring.

Apache Mall

If you want to do a little shopping on a rainy day, head to the Apache Mall. This is the largest shopping mall in the city, and it offers something for everyone. You can pick up some new clothes for the entire family at stores like Forever 21, H&M, and The Children’s Place. Then, stop by Country Bathhouse and 5th Grant Boutique to discover items for your home. You’ll also find a great selection of Minnesota-themed products at Love From Minnesota.

Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center is one of the best places to go on a rainy day. This contemporary arts center focuses on offering a rotating exhibition of local, national, and international art. Since it’s a non-collecting institution, you’ll always be able to see something new every time you visit. One of its popular programs is the Emerging Artist Series, which helps up-and-coming Minnesota artists develop and produce new artwork. In addition to the exhibits, the art center also offers workshops, classes, and tours.

Mayowood Mansion

The Mayowood Mansion was once the home of Mayo Clinic co-founder Dr. Charles H. Mayo. When the Olmsted County Historical Society transferred ownership of the mansion to the Mayo Clinic, the medical center opened it to the public for tours. While the mansion has stunning gardens that are worth viewing on a sunny day, you’ll still find plenty of interesting things to see inside the house. During a tour, you’ll be able to view some of the 38 rooms, an extensive collection of decorative art, and German, Spanish, French, and American antique furnishings.

Plummer Building

If you’re in downtown Rochester on a rainy day, consider spending a few hours at the Plummer Building. This iconic symbol of the Mayo Clinic was named after Dr. Henry S. Plummer who designed many of the medical procedures still in use at the clinic today. When you step inside the building, take note of the 16-foot-high bronze doors that always stay open to welcome patients. The building also houses the Historical Suite, which showcases artifacts from the clinic and is open for self-guided tours during the week.

Castle Community

The Castle Community is a unique shopping, arts, and dining destination in Rochester. It’s housed in the former Rochester Armory and gets its name from the building’s castle-like turrets. When you step inside, you can head to Queen City Coffee & Juice for an afternoon pick-me-up, unwind and stretch out at Yoga Tribe, do some shopping at Collective Books & Records, explore your creative side at Neon Green Studio, and grab a bite to eat at Cameo at the Castle.

Just because the weather isn’t cooperating doesn’t mean you’re stuck inside. Instead, check out these awesome ways to spend a rainy day in Rochester.

 

Image via Pixabay