Modern life is fast-paced. There’s work, the gym, soccer practice, and perhaps you have a painting class to go to today. You still have to shop for groceries, drop off clothes at the cleaner’s, get a haircut, go to the doctor’s — the list goes on and on. That’s why you need a car to accommodate your on-the-go lifestyle, and right now, no vehicle can do that better than the 2019 Ford Escape.
Below are some of the best features you’ll find on the Escape, a ride perfect for your fast-paced world.
Capability
With four trims to choose from — the S, the SE, SEL, and Titanium — there’s a model that fits your lifestyle. The Escape S comes standard with Ford’s 2.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine that puts out 168 horsepower.
With the SE, SEL, and Titanium trims, you can choose between the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers balanced power and efficiency. Or you may opt for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost with Twin-Scroll technology that harvests exhaust from two cylinders in alternating sequence for maximum torque and 245 horsepower.
All Escape models come with Ford’s six-speed SelectShift transmission that provides the convenience of auto shifting or the thrilling feel of manual shifting. The EcoBoost engine also sports the Auto Start-Stop technology. This feature allows the 2019 Ford Escape to automatically shut off when you come to a stop and then start back up when you press the accelerator. With this, the automobile will consume less fuel, saving you money.
The Escape also has an available Intelligent 4WD system that monitors road conditions and tire slippage. The system can deliver more power to the rear wheels when needed for maximum traction on all surfaces.
Convenience
Ford designed the Escape with your active lifestyle in mind. Features like the available Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start let you open the car with the key fob in your pocket before starting the car and locking its doors behind you.
Whether you’re going shopping at the big box store or loading up for a camping trip in the mountains, the Escape has plenty of cargo space. Rear seats fold down to provide 68 cubic-feet of storage, and you can open the rear door with the hands-free, foot-activated liftgate.
The standard Rearview Camera gives you a clear picture of what’s behind you. It’s very helpful in crowded parking lots or when avoiding that bicycle while backing out of your garage. And if you don’t see it, the Reverse Sensing System will alert you of an object is in your path.
Technology
The Escape is well equipped with driver-assist technologies, like the Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keeping Assist, and the Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support. The Enhanced Active Park Assist system can virtually steer itself into or out of a parking spot.
The Ford+Alexa system of the Escape allows you to access driving directions, music, and make phone calls or text with simple voice commands. Just say “Alexa” and state your instructions. Alexa does the rest.
There are so many features in the 2019 Ford Escape that will make your life easier. Come test drive one today and see which ones fit your on-the-go lifestyle best.
Best Asian Restaurants in Rochester, MN
There are so many restaurants to choose from these days when you go out for dinner. And when you crave Asian food, there are still plenty to consider. Here’s a look at three of the best Asian restaurants in the Rochester, Minnesota area.
Asia Fusion
When you’re looking for great food from the Orient, Asia Fusion is the place to go. Located on Commerce Drive NW, this breathtaking place has all your favorites. Start light with some fresh edamame, or cream cheese Wontons. If you want something more filling, try the spicy chicken wings, potstickers, or shrimp tempura appetizers.
Entrees like Roasted Duck or Crispy Duck, batter-fried and served over steamed broccoli and fried rice, are sure to please. Other notable classics include Korean Barbecue Beef and Shrimp Lemon Grass.
For the spice lovers, Asia Fusion has a zesty Panang Chicken in a Thai red curry coconut milk sauce. The Spicy Mussels are deliciously stir fried in basil. They also have a Red Curry dish of beef stir fried with red curry and bamboo shoots over rice.
For the noodle lover, you’ll enjoy the Ramen dishes, like Ramen Duck, Ramen Seafood, and Ramen Pork Rib. They also have a traditional Pho of beef and meatball.
Mango Thai
Located on South Broadway in Rochester, Mango Thai serves up some of the best authentic Thai food around. Signature starters like Mango Spring Rolls and Crab Avocado Rolls are a great beginning. Despite that, three soups on the menu – Tom Yum Chicken, Tom Yum Seafood, and Tom Kha Coconut Chicken – won’t make the choice easy.
For a great salad, try the Mango Shrimp Salad of grilled shrimp, mangoes, mixed greens, red onions, and strawberries tossed in a medium spicy red pepper herb dressing. You might also like the Pan-Grilled Tuna Wasabi Salad tossed in a creamy, spicy wasabi dressing.
Signature entrees like Red Curry Sea Bass, Green Curry Walleye, and the Lobster Tail in a pineapple shrimp curry sauce will get your taste buds screaming for more. Mango Thai’s entree staples like Cashew Chicken, Rama Spinach Peanut Curry, and Chili Mint with beef, chicken, or shrimp will keep you coming back for more.
This Rochester-situated restaurant also offers eight noodle dishes, from the classic Pad Thai Shrimp Tempura to the unique Pad Woon Sen Seafood made with cellophane noodles, shrimp, scallops, and calamari.
If you like curry, Mango Thai has a variety of curry dishes on the menu. Panang Curry, Massaman Curry, and Green Curry Mussels are just a few of their delicious options.
Wabi Sabi
If it’s sushi you’re after, Wabi Sabi is just the place for that. They offer a variety of the freshest sushi in Rochester. They have more than fifteen sushi rice bowls on the menu and over a dozen Ramen noodle, Udon noodle, and Pho noodle soups to choose from.
Their stir-fried dishes with beef, chicken, seafood, barbecue pork, or vegetables are sure to satisfy. You can find Wabi Sabi on 12th Street SE in Rochester.
The next time you crave great Asian food, check out one of these three restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you.
Question: Should I buy a 2019 Ford Escape? Answer: Absolutely.
The 2019 Ford Escape is a fantastic addition to this year’s Ford model lineup up. It’s loaded with the features you’d want in a compact crossover, plus a few you didn’t know you wanted until now. Take a look for yourself:
Best of all worlds
One of the reasons we love the 2019 Ford Escape is that it strikes the perfect balance between classes. It has the usable space of a larger SUV. It has the performance-minded features of a speedier sedan. It’s small enough to zip through city streets but big enough to never be ignored. The new Escape makes it apparent why the crossover class is sweeping the nation in popularity. It’s simply the best of all worlds.
Nimble Power
You get to choose how powerful of a crossover SUV you’d like with the Escape. The 2019 model’s three-engine lineup gives you a range of power levels. Go for the fuel-saving 2.5-liter inline-four for 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Or, put the pedal to the metal with the Titanium trim level’s turbocharged engine for 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a crossover that punches like an SUV and corners like a sedan.
Smarts
The 2019 Escape comes with enough technology in it to make any tech lover do a double-take. The dashboard-mounted touch-screen display lets you connect to your phone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use many of your favorite apps hands-free through your Escape. Equip your SUV with the mobile 4G Wi-Fi hot spot to stay connected wherever you go. Put a personal assistant in your cabin via Ford+Alexa, which can perform thousands of useful and entertaining tasks. In short, the 2019 Escape will keep you connected and entertained on every trip.
Driver Assist Technologies
The Ford Safe and Sound Package adds such a great spread of driver-assist technologies into your 2019 Escape that it will make your SUV its own co-pilot. This package includes features such as the lane-keeping system, automatic high beam headlamps, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System, adaptive cruise control, and more. Using sensors and radars, your Escape is constantly looking out for possible dangers to warn you about so you can react in time. With these great safety features, you can worry a little less, knowing Ford has your back as you roam the streets.
Customizable Cabin
Inside, you’ll find that Ford’s eye for design didn’t stop at the exterior. The 2019 Escape seats five people with plenty of wiggle room. If you need more room for gear than passengers, you can customize your seating arrangement to allow up to 68 cubic feet of cargo space. Find the perfect middle ground between passengers and gear to take who and what you want on your adventures.
When you’re ready to make the switch to the 2019 Ford Escape, come see us at Rochester Ford in Rochester, Minnesota. Let us show you how the new Escape can transform your trips into future ventures.
Best Ice Cream Shops in Rochester, MN
A great way to cool off in the summer is with a scoop or two of creamy ice cream, a cool sundae, or a palate-pleasing milkshake. When the craving for ice cream is teasing your taste buds, visit one of these Rochester, Minnesota parlors.
Flapdoodles
With two locations in Rochester, you’re never far away from the sweet delights scooped up and served at Flapdoodles. Just a few of the creamy flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth include cherry almond, maple nut, German chocolate cake, cherry, lemon, and blueberry cheesecake, key lime pie, caramel apple, butter brickle, coffee chip, and many more. Whether you desire a single scoop in a sugar cone, a double sundae, a triple banana split, or you need a delicious ice cream cake for a party, visit Flapdoodles for a cool treat. Dine in, go through the drive-thru, or check their online calendar for their ice cream truck route.
Carroll’s Cup
Your cup will overflow with sweet goodness with an order at Carroll’s Cup. At the shop, you have a choice to satisfy your taste buds with a menu of frozen yogurt with a choice of toppings or pick your favorite from multiple flavors of ice cream. The shop is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Chocolaterie Stam
Chocolates are definitely on the menu at Chocolaterie Stam, but the shop also serves generous portions of sweetness such as rich gelato such as double Dutch chocolate, flavorful sorbets, and a select menu of creative ice cream flavors. The shop opens at 9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon on Sunday.
Cold Stone Creamery
When you visit Cold Stone Creamery, you’ll be treated to hand-crafted made fresh and just the way you like it. Choose one of the signature creations such as the honey graham bowl, dough-lightful peanut butter, surrender to strawberry, mud pie mojo, and banana caramel crunch. You can also create your own masterpiece beginning with your favorite flavor ice cream and mixing in tasty tidbits such as blueberries or bananas. Ice cream, cakes, sundaes, yogurt, and sorbet is available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dairy Queen
Classic scoops can be expected at Dairy Queen that first opened its doors on June 22, 1940, in Joliet, Illinois. With multiple locations in Rochester, you’re just minutes away from scoops and cones of soft creamy flavors, signature items, classic goodies, specialty items like the cinnamon roll shake, pumpkin pie blizzard, and assorted sundaes and banana splits.
Take your next party to a level of extra goodness with one of DQ’s specialty pizza like the M&M Treatzza Pizza consisting of a fudge crunch cookie topped with a thick layer of vanilla soft serve ice cream, sprinkled with M&M candy, then drizzled with chocolate. Dairy Queen is open daily with dine-in or drive-thru service.
Whenever your taste buds are sending messages that an ice cream cone, a thick shake, or a gooey banana split with all the toppings is required to “make your day,” stop by one of Rochester’s shops for a cool treat.
Image by Dion Hinchcliffe is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
Top Amenities on the 2019 Ranger in Rochester, MN
Ford comes through year after year with trucks ready to take on any challenge. 2019 is no exception and you’ll understand why when you check out the durable, powerful, and versatile Ford Ranger. The Ranger, after close to 30 years, was discontinued in the U.S. in 2011 but is now returning in 2019 looking sharp, clean, and mean and ready for action.
Exterior (Trims)
The Ranger is available in three trims; the base XL, mid-level XLT, and the high-level Lariat. Each is available as a SuperCab or SuperCrew. The SuperCab has hinged rear back doors while the four doors of the SuperCrew are full-sized. Due to the Ranger having one wheelbase, the SuperCab provides a 6-foot bed while the SuperCrew has a 5-foot bed.
Exterior features enhance the look of the Ranger’s design, such as 16-inch painted steel wheels or 17- or 18-inch aluminum wheels, power-locking tailgate, black mesh grille, body-color front and rear bumpers, chrome grille, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Power and Performance
The 2019 Ranger keeps up the pace whether you’re negotiating city streets or navigating through traffic on the interstate. It boasts a turbocharged 2.4-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and is supported by a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
For performance, the rear-wheel drive Ranger won’t let you down, as it is quick to accelerate when you need it and handles with precision when you encounter twists and turns. The easy shifting of the 10-speed transmission adds to a quality driving experience.
When transporting heavy cargo is part of your routine, the durability of the Ranger’s cargo bed has an impressive payload capacity of up to 1,860 pounds. When fitted with a tow package, the Ranger can pull 7,500 pounds.
Interior
The interior is comfortable, with available features such as cloth upholstery, leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, four-way adjustable seats, overhead storage console, and plenty of gauges, displays, and multimedia systems to keep you connected, engaged, and headed in the right direction.
Some of the features, depending on the trim, provide driver support, such as a rearview camera, automatic headlamps, forward collision warning equipped with automatic emergency braking, remote keyless entry with anti-theft, navigation system, cruise control, halogen fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, Ford Sync with a 2.3-inch gauge display, and Ford Co-Pilot equipped with cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and blind-spot warning.
Available infotainment features include a six-speaker audio system, AM/FM radio, auxiliary jack input, USB charging port, 4.2-inch gauge display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, Bang & Olufsen stereo, and FordPass Connect which features a 4G LTE mobile wi-fi hot spot.
Packages
The 2019 Ranger provides several options and packages to enhance your driving experience. One option is upgrading the Lariat or the XLT trim with four-wheel drive. Several available packages include the 301A, 302A, 501A, Technology, Chrome Appearance Package, FX4 Off-Road, and the Trailer Tow.
For an all-in-one truck that combines versatility and durability with power and performance, take the time to visit your local dealer and take a test drive. You’ll be glad you did.
Best Wedding Dress Shops Near Rochester, MN
When that ‘special day’ is set, there’s no time to waste in making preparations, sending out invitations, and finding the perfect wedding dress. Consider perusing the gowns at these Rochester, Minnesota shops.
Mestads
Since 1980, Mestads has provided exceptional wedding gowns to Rochester brides. The staff is dedicated to finding the most beautifully designed and crafted gowns from around the world. From creative designers using top of the line fabrics to gowns equally detailed and moderately priced, chances are you will find the perfect fit when you walk down the aisle.
Mestads can take care of all your bridal party needs including exquisite bridesmaid gowns, tuxedos, and assorted accessories. Use the online form to schedule an appointment or call direct to speak with a bridal consultant.
The White Rose Bridal & Formal Wear
Located less than half an hour away in St. Charles, The White Rose Bridal & Formal Wear store has an impressive selection of bridal gowns. Knowledgeable staff is always available with tips and advice to help you make the best decisions regarding fit, fabric, style, do’s and don’ts issues, and how to stay on budget.
The shop also accommodates the needs of bridesmaids, mother of the bride, flower girls, and purchase or rental tuxedos for the groom and best man. You will also find a variety of accessories from belts and jewelry to veils and gifts. Their online form makes it easy to schedule an appointment.
Finery Bridal Chic
Personalized service, attention to detail, and dedication to getting to know you and what you want is standard procedure at Finery Bridal Chic. Every step of the way, the team’s focus is totally about the bride. With this approach before you even try on a gown, the staff is better prepared to offer tips and suggestions to make your wedding day one you will always remember.
The selection of gowns is curated to suit the tastes of a diverse clientele who have a vision for their special day. Whether you find the perfect gown or need a gown customized, designers are ready to make your gown the most stunning it can be. Along with gowns, you’ll also have access to white dresses, if that’s your preference, veils, and other accessories.
David’s Bridal
For one-stop shopping for bridal gowns and accessories, David’s Bridal has been providing exceptional services since 1950. The international company provides a large collection of bridal gowns for all seasons along with veils and trains to enhance and highlight your choice.
David’s Bridal also carries bridesmaid dresses from designers such as Vera Wang and Oleg Cassini, dresses for guests of the bride, flower girl, and mother of the bride dresses. Accessories include veils, gloves, shoes, hair accessories, tiaras, wraps and jackets, and more. You can even order your wedding invitations at David’s.
With help, guidance, and tips from knowledgeable and experienced staff available at shops dedicated to gowns and accessories, you’ll be the picture of perfection with a wedding gown that highlights you and your special day in every way.
Image by Office of Public Affairs licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
The 2020 Ford Explorer: A Mid-Size SUV With Power
When Ford introduced the Explorer in 1991, the powerful SUV immediately became popular with drivers. And no wonder, since it carries on the tradition of performance, style, and reliability that has made Ford famous. Fans of the Explorer have something extra special to look forward to with the 2020 model which gives it the first redesign in eight years. Let’s talk about what you can expect in the newest version.
New Trim Level
The 2020 Explorer lineup will include a brand new trim level, the ST. This sporty addition will come equipped with a 400 horsepower engine and a sport-tuned suspension. The STs exterior gets a redesigned grille, ST badging, available 21-inch high gloss black aluminum wheels, and red painted calipers. On the inside, you’ll notice the sport bucket seats upholstered in micro-perforated leather with City Silver stitching. You can expect the ST to fit right in with the powerful Explorer family.
Hybrid Model
Ford also plans to introduce a Hybrid Explorer to the 2020 lineup. With its 318 horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 engine, you won’t have to sacrifice power in exchange for sustainability. The V-6 engine will give the SUV a 500-mile range when combined with a battery pack. You can expect a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Explorer Hybrid’s design is intended to provide plenty of cargo space by placing the battery pack underneath the second-row of seating.
New Technology
You can expect the 2020 Explorer to come equipped with the latest technology. Ford Co-Pilot360, a system that assists drivers with avoiding collisions, is featured in the redesigned lineup. Upper trim levels will come equipped with adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition. If you opt for the Platinum or ST trim level, you’ll be able to customize the 12.3-inch gauge cluster to your liking. A standard tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control and E-Z entry second-row captain’s chairs will make riding in the 2020 Explorer particularly enjoyable for your passengers.
Increased Capabilities
The mighty 2020 Explorer will be able to handle tasks like no other Explorer before it. An available Class III Trailer Tow Package provides a 66% increase in towing capacity. Maximum cargo volume is increased to 87.8 cubic feet. A cargo management system and fold-flat second- and third-row seating allow for better organization. Cargo is easier to load thanks to an available hands-free foot-activated liftgate.
Safety Features
The 2020 Explorer will include more standard safety equipment than previous versions. An advanced blind-spot information system and pre-collision assist will be available in all trim levels. Reverse brake assist will alert you to oncoming traffic and pedestrians as you’re backing out of a driveway or parking space. It can even apply the brakes as needed. Side wind stabilization gives the Explorer more stability in windy conditions, making it safer to drive across bridges and open roads. LATCH child restraints are added to all second- and third-row seating.
These are just some of the features that Ford plans to include in the Explorer redesign. The 2020 model will soon be available to test drive, so stay tuned.
Experience Rochester, MN on a Budget
Whether you live in Rochester or you’re just visiting, if you’re on a budget, there are still several ways to enjoy the city. Let’s talk about some activities that offer maximum fun without breaking the bank.
Cascade Meadow
Cascade Meadow gives visitors a chance to learn about the environment, as well as explore it. The sustainably-constructed science center, situated along Cascade Creek, is home to several interactive exhibits that teach guest about conserving water, energy, and the wetlands. The sustainable building trail takes you through the process of how the center was constructed and how it uses storm water and energy. The center has restored 90 acres of surrounding wetlands, which you can enjoy as you hike the wetlands trail. Parking and admission to the center are free.
Quarry Hill Park
With 329 acres to explore, Quarry Hill Park offers something for everyone. Eight miles of hiking and walking trails, ranging from paved to rugged terrain, allow hikers of all skill levels to enjoy the park. The trails meander through a variety of habits, including restored oak savanna, limestone fossil quarry, and historic sandstone caves. You’ll see downtown Rochester in a whole new way as you gaze upon it from one of the park’s many scenic overlooks. Several species of birds call the park home such as Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Black-capped Chickadees.
As you hike through the park, be sure to try your hand at hunting fossils in the quarry. Any fossil you find is yours to keep. Also, stop by the Harry L. Buck pond, where you’ll spot frogs, ducks, muskrats, and other wildlife. It’s also an excellent fishing spot. And speaking of fish, you won’t want to miss the 1,700-gallon aquarium located in the park’s nature center. The center also features live animal exhibits and an indoor beehive. Admission to the park is free.
Movies in the Park
What could be more pleasant than enjoying a warm summer night while watching your favorite movie? At Historic Central Park in downtown Rochester, you can do just that. From June to September, the venue presents Movies In the Park, a series of family-friendly movies that kids and their parents can both enjoy. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of entertainment. While snacks are available to purchase, admission is free.
Thursdays Downtown
Thursdays Downtown is a celebration of Rochester’s arts and music scene. You can browse works of art from local artists, including sculptures, paintings, photography, and glassware. Dance the night away to music provided by favorite local bands. Not only is Thursdays Downtown a great way to enjoy local art, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to hang out with old friends and maybe make some new ones. While there are several vendors selling art, crafts, and food, admission to the event itself is free.
These are just some of the fun and free activities available in Rochester. No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to create some special moments and memories.
Image by Chris is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
4 Reasons You’ll Love Driving the 2019 Ford Mustang
If you’re looking to buy a new vehicle that’s sporty and fun, you can’t go wrong with the 2019 Ford Mustang. The legendary sports car turns every drive into an adventure, whether it’s your morning commute or a weekend getaway. Let’s talk about the features that make the Mustang fun to drive.
Powerful Engines
You’ll love the powerful feeling you get every time you take the wheel of the 2019 Mustang. The EcoBoost trim levels feature a 2.3-liter inline-4 engine capable of putting out 310 horsepower. A 460 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine powers the GT and GT Premium. Under the GT350s hood, you’ll find a 5.2-liter Flat Plane Crank V-8 engine. The Bullitt comes equipped with a 480 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine. This mighty engine produces 420 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful car in the Mustang lineup.
Performance Dynamics
The Mustang’s performance dynamics put you in control. An active valve performance exhaust lets you set the Mustang’s exhaust depending on your mood. The quiet start setting is perfect for driving into work, while the sport setting gives you an after-work pick-me-up.
You can also control driving dynamics through a range of selectable modes. With the flick of a switch, you can put the Mustang into normal, snow/wet, sport, track or drag strip mode. A 10-speed automatic transmission allows you to change gears with accuracy and quickness. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles will make you feel like you’re driving on a race track.
Technology
The 2019 Ford Mustang comes equipped with the latest technology to keep you entertained. The SYNC 3 system allows you to access your favorite music, apps, and navigation tools. You can also make calls and send text messages hands-free. With available SiriusXM radio, you can listen to the latest music, live sports, and news. You’ll also get the latest traffic and weather updates. No matter what you choose to listen to, it will sound fantastic when played over the Mustang’s B&O premium sound system.
The Mustang’s advanced technology also allows you to customize interior features. Not only can you choose the color of the gauges, but you can also rearrange them into a layout that makes sense to you. If you want to see how your Mustang is performing, you can use the Track Apps to view a variety of metrics.
Design
Perhaps the most fun feature of the Mustang is its sporty design. Ford offers several packages that allow you to customize the Mustang’s appearance to your liking. The California Package gives your Mustang GT 19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with high-gloss Ebony Black-painted pockets and front grilles featuring an offset tri-bar pony logo. The package also includes unique badging, side stripes, and Miko suede door and seat inserts. Other fun features include an electronic cloth convertible top, a wide selection of wheels to choose from, and LED front lighting.
These are just some of the features that make the Ford Mustang so enjoyable. Consider taking a test drive so you can experience it for yourself.
3 Fun Outdoor Places to Explore in Rochester, MN
Whether you live in the Rochester area or are just visiting, there are several natural wonders that you should take time to explore. Let’s discuss these outdoor spots and what makes them so fun.
Quarry Hill Park
The 329-acre Quarry Hill Park gives visitors an abundant space to explore, exercise, and play. The park’s eight miles of hiking and walking trails range from paved to rugged terrain, providing options for hikers of all skill levels. As you hike along the trails, you’ll journey through such diverse habitats as restored oak savanna, limestone fossil quarry, and historic sandstone caves.
You’ll also be treated to stunning views of downtown Rochester from a scenic overlook. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Black-capped Chickadees. If you find a fossil in the quarry, it’s yours to keep.
After your hike, stop by the Harry L. Buck pond. In addition to being a great fishing spot, it’s also the place to see wildlife such as frogs, ducks, and muskrats. During snow season, you can rent snowshoes and skis to travel across the park. Winter is also a great time to explore the nature center which houses a 1,700-gallon aquarium, live animal exhibits, and an indoor beehive.
Foster-Arend Lake
If you’re looking to enjoy nature in a relaxed and laid back atmosphere, you should pay a visit to Foster-Arend Lake. With its population of bluegill, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout, it’s a fantastic fishing spot. You can fish from the pier or take advantage of the lake’s boat access. During the warmer months, you can cool off at the swim beach and enjoy a picnic. In winter, the lake turns into a popular place for ice fishing.
Silver Lake Park
Silver Lake Park is a peaceful oasis right in the heart of downtown Rochester. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Children’s Adventure Playground. The park also features a wheelchair and handicapped accessible playground facility. The 1.8-mile loop around the lake is the perfect spot for jogging, biking, or just taking a quiet stroll. Be sure to keep an eye out for Canadian geese, ducks, and other shorebirds.
For excursions on Silver Lake, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are available to rent. Silver Lake is populated with bluegill, black crappie, and white sucker, making it a great spot to try your hand at fishing. While swimming is not permitted in the lake, the park contains a lifeguard-staffed swimming pool for public use.
If you’re looking to engage in some friendly competition, you can take advantage of the park’s soccer field, baseball field, or horseshoe pits. If you’re into skateboarding, rollerblading, or riding scooters, you’ll want to check out Silver Lake’s skate park. Make sure to pack a lunch as Silver Lake is the perfect spot for picnicking.
These are just some of the fun spots around Rochester that allow you to get outdoors and enjoy nature. No matter which one you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a great time.
Image by USFWS Midwest Region is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
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