10 Easy Road Trips From Rochester, MN: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Olmsted County
If you live in or around
Rochester, Minnesota, you already know it’s a great place to call home. But sometimes, you just need a quick change of scenery. The good news? Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find small towns, river bluffs, caves, and wineries that feel a world away from your daily routine.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Rochester, focused on nearby counties:
Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Mower, Wabasha, and Winona. Each one makes for an easy day trip or relaxed weekend getaway.
1. Kasson Aquatic Park & Small-Town Stroll (Dodge County)
Looking for a simple summer road trip from Rochester with kids? Head west about 20 minutes to
Kasson in Dodge County.
The big draw is the
Kasson Aquatic Park. It’s not a huge water park, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find:
- Twisting water slides
- A lazy-river–style current channel
- A zero-depth entry pool for little ones
- Plenty of space to stretch out and relax
After swimming, grab ice cream in town and walk a few blocks through Kasson’s quiet neighborhoods. On a hot July afternoon, this place feels like classic small-town America.
If you’re tired of busy Rochester pools, this is a low-stress alternative that’ll still wear the kids out before the drive home.
2. Mystery Cave & Forestville: Time Travel in Fillmore County
If you’re up for a slightly longer drive (about an hour south), head to
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park in
Fillmore County.
Here, you can explore
Mystery Cave, the longest known cave in Minnesota. Guided tours take you underground into cool, damp passageways where you’ll see:
- Strange rock formations
- Underground pools
- Echoing chambers that feel a little spooky—without being truly scary
Above ground, walk through the restored historic village of
Forestville. With its old buildings and quiet surroundings, it almost feels like stepping into the late 1800s.
Bring a light jacket—even in August, the cave stays around the same chilly temperature. It’s a great escape on a hot day and a fun road trip near Rochester if you like nature and history.
3. Lanesboro & the Root River Trail: Biking, Tubing, and Pie (Fillmore County)
Ask people in southeast Minnesota about the best small-town getaway, and you’ll hear the same name again and again:
Lanesboro.
This pretty town, tucked into the bluffs of
Fillmore County, is about an hour south of Rochester. It’s famous for the
Root River State Trail, a paved biking and walking path that follows the river through tree-lined valleys and rolling farmland.
You can:
- Rent bikes in town and cruise along the trail
- Float down the river in a tube or kayak on a hot day
- Grab a slice of homemade pie or a sandwich at a local café
- Browse small shops and art galleries
If you want a relaxed weekend, stay overnight in a bed-and-breakfast and wake up to the sound of the river. Lanesboro is one of the best
weekend getaways near Rochester if you love biking, small-town charm, and good food.
4. Red Wing: Bluffs, Boots, and the Mississippi (Goodhue County)
Head north about an hour from Rochester and you’ll reach
Red Wing in
Goodhue County, a classic Mississippi River town.
Start by climbing (or driving most of the way up)
Barn Bluff. From the top, you’ll see the river, bridges, and rolling hills stretching into Wisconsin. It’s one of the most iconic views in southeast Minnesota.
While you’re in Red Wing, don’t miss:
- Red Wing Shoe Company Museum – See the world’s largest boot and learn how these famous boots are made.
- Historic downtown – Stroll past brick buildings, antique shops, and cozy restaurants.
- Levee Park – Walk along the river, watch the barges, and let the kids burn off some energy.
Red Wing offers a nice mix of nature, history, and shopping—perfect for a full day away from Rochester without spending half of it in the car.
5. Welch & Cannon Valley Trail: A Scenic Ride Between the Bluffs (Goodhue County)
Just northwest of Red Wing lies the tiny village of
Welch, tucked in the Cannon River valley. This is a great spot for an active road trip from Rochester if you love biking or rollerblading.
The main attraction is the
Cannon Valley Trail, a paved path that runs about 20 miles between Cannon Falls and Red Wing. From Welch, you can head either direction and enjoy:
- Shaded stretches under tall trees
- Views of the river winding between high bluffs
- Wildlife sightings—watch for deer and eagles
If you don’t want to haul bikes from Rochester, check for rental options in the area. On a crisp fall day, this trail is stunning, with bright leaves reflecting in the water.
6. Austin: Spam Museum, Art, and Nature (Mower County)
About 45 minutes south of Rochester, you’ll find
Austin in
Mower County, a small city with one very unique claim to fame: the
Spam Museum.
Yes, that Spam. And yes, it’s actually fun.
Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits, vintage ads, and a surprising amount of history tied to this canned meat. Kids tend to love it, and adults usually walk out saying, “That was way more interesting than I expected.”
While in Austin, you can also:
- Walk or bike around the city’s trails and parks
- Visit the Hormel Historic Home
- Grab a bite at a local diner or café
Austin makes for an easy, low-stress day trip from Rochester, especially if you’re looking for something quirky and different.
7. Lake Louise State Park: Quiet Escape Near Le Roy (Mower County)
If you want a peaceful escape without big crowds, drive about an hour southeast to
Lake Louise State Park near
Le Roy, also in Mower County.
This park doesn’t get as much attention as some others, which is part of what makes it special. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for:
- Easy hiking trails through woods and along the Little Iowa River
- Picnic spots right by the water
- Birdwatching and wildlife
- Quiet, simple camping
Pack a cooler, bring some camp chairs, and spend the day reading, fishing, or just listening to the wind in the trees. Sometimes the best road trip near Rochester is the one where you do almost nothing at all.
8. Wabasha & the National Eagle Center (Wabasha County)
If you enjoy wildlife or you’re traveling with kids,
Wabasha in
Wabasha County is a must-visit. It’s about an hour northeast of Rochester, right on the Mississippi River.
The highlight here is the
National Eagle Center. You’ll get to:
- See live bald eagles up close
- Learn how they’re rescued and cared for
- Watch them feed or interact during daily programs
Afterward, wander the riverfront and look for wild eagles soaring overhead. In winter, the open water here attracts large numbers of them, but you can often spot eagles year-round.
Also consider:
- Strolling the small downtown area
- Grabbing lunch at a local café or bar and grill
- Driving along the Great River Road for more river views
Wabasha offers one of the best
family-friendly road trips from Rochester with a clear “wow” factor.
9. Lake City & Lake Pepin: Beach Day on the Mississippi (Wabasha/Goodhue Counties)
Just a bit north of Wabasha is
Lake City, sitting along
Lake Pepin, a wide, lake-like stretch of the Mississippi River shared by Minnesota and Wisconsin.
This is your classic “mini-vacation” destination:
- Walk along the marina and watch sailboats come and go
- Relax on the small beach areas and dip your feet in the water
- Enjoy ice cream or a burger with a river view
If you like being on the water, look into renting a boat or going for a cruise. On a sunny weekend, Lake City feels a bit like being at the ocean—without the long drive.
This is a great choice if you want an easy, scenic road trip from Rochester that still gives you that “on vacation” feeling.
10. Winona: Bluffs, Campus Vibes, and River Views (Winona County)
Head east about an hour and you’ll reach
Winona in
Winona County, another gem along the Mississippi River.
Winona might be one of the most beautiful small cities in Minnesota, thanks to its dramatic bluffs rising right above the town.
Be sure to check out:
- Garvin Heights Overlook – Drive up to the top and walk to the viewing area for a sweeping view of Winona, the river, and the Wisconsin bluffs.
- Lake Winona – Walk or bike around the lake, or rent a paddleboat or kayak in warm weather.
- Downtown Winona – Browse shops, grab coffee, and enjoy the mix of historic buildings and college-town energy.
If you like art, the
Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) in Winona is small but surprisingly impressive, with river views to match.
Winona works well as an all-day trip from Rochester, especially if you combine a hike, a museum visit, and a nice dinner before heading home.
Tips for Planning Your Rochester Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Rochester, MN, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check hours ahead of time. Museums, caves, and some trail centers have seasonal hours.
- Pack layers. Weather can shift quickly, especially near the river or in the bluffs.
- Bring snacks and water. Some small towns have limited options on Sundays or evenings.
- Keep it flexible. Part of the fun is pulling over at a random overlook or roadside stand.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourself:
Do I want more nature, more small-town charm, or more quirky attractions today? Then pick a spot from the list that matches your mood.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip From Rochester?
These are just a few of the many
things to do near Rochester, Minnesota outside Olmsted County. From caves and bike trails to river towns and quiet parks, there’s a lot to explore within an easy drive.
Have you visited any of these places?
Which road trip did you like best—and what did I miss?
Share your favorite
Rochester-area day trip ideas in the comments, and feel free to pass this guide along to friends or family who are looking for new weekend adventures.
Hit that share button and help more people discover the amazing getaways hiding just beyond Rochester’s city limits.
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