Southern Minnesota Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Canoes for rent in the summer on Lake Winona in Winona, Minnesota
Canoes for rent in the summer on Lake Winona in Winona, Minnesota
Sugarloaf trail....360 degree views from the top of sugar loaf of the Mississippi River valley. 28 routes for rock climbing to the peak....nice hiking trail to the base!
Pipestone National Monument is an incredible place. The historical and spiritual significance of the site is palpable. A place of deep reverence and peace. Visit when the sun is low in the west, lighting up the quartzite cliffs as they rise from the vast golden prairie surrounding them.
This enormous slab of red tinted rock contains Native American drawings that date back hundreds to thousands of years. The path allows visitors to walk onto this sacred rock and glimpse history first hand, incredible experience! #TroverDetour #localgem

Where to stay in Southern Minnesota

Skyline of Downtown Rochester, Minnesota, Looking Over the Zumbro River

Downtown Rochester

If you're spending some time in Downtown Rochester, Mayo Civic Center and Rochester Civic Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Rochester
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Kutzky Park

While there might not be top attractions in Kutzky Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and Mayo Civic Center.

Kutzky Park
Rochester which includes landscape views, a sunset and a lake or waterhole

Historic Southwest

While visiting Historic Southwest, you might make a stop by sights like Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and Plummer House.

Historic Southwest
Mural in Rochester MN

Slatterly Park

While Slatterly Park isn't home to many top sights, Rochester Art Center and Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial are some notable places to visit nearby.

Slatterly Park
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East Side Pioneers

If you're spending some time in East Side Pioneers, Rochester Art Center and Rochester Civic Theater are top sights worth seeing.

East Side Pioneers
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Folwell

Though Folwell may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and Apache Mall.

Folwell
Kahler Grand Hotel

Kahler Grand Hotel

3 out of 5
20 2nd Ave Sw Rochester MN
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rochester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,858 reviews)
NA

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

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Kahler Grand Hotel
AmericInn by Wyndham Rochester Near Mayo Clinic

AmericInn by Wyndham Rochester Near Mayo Clinic

3 out of 5
1625 Broadway Ave S Rochester MN
The price is ₹6,933 per night from 24 Jan to 25 Jan
₹6,933
₹7,982 total
24 Jan - 25 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Rochester. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,181 reviews)
Very helpful staff. Wasn't able to try breakfast due to my schedule

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

AmericInn by Wyndham Rochester Near Mayo Clinic
Hotel Indigo Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area by IHG

Hotel Indigo Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area by IHG

3.5 out of 5
220 S Broadway Rochester MN
The price is ₹8,455 per night from 24 Jan to 25 Jan
₹8,455
₹9,734 total
24 Jan - 25 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rochester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (914 reviews)
Love the restaurant… truffle fries are the best!!! Staff is great!!!

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Hotel Indigo Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area by IHG
See all 1,197 properties in Southern Minnesota
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Berkman

The Berkman

3 out of 5
217 14th Ave SW Rochester MN
Stay at this golf aparthotel in Rochester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (378 reviews)
The room was amazing, spacious, nicely decorated, super clean, complete kitchen, bedroom separated from living… High quality finishes. Very good location accross the street from Mayo.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

The Berkman
Broadway Plaza, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Broadway Plaza, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
15 1st Street Southeast Rochester MN
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Rochester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Shops University Square ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (168 reviews)
Very spacious, quiet, accessible via a 10 min walk to Mayo campus all indoors via well-marked skyway and subway. And connected to a City parking deck ($18/day) and many amenities like the Hilton Hotel, The Galleria, good views and more. Second bathroom is a nice touch and the full kitchen w d/w is ...

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

Broadway Plaza, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Big River Escape Parkside Bungalow

Big River Escape Parkside Bungalow

3 out of 5
717 Grand St Winona MN
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Winona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Huff Center and Altra Federal Credit Union ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
We had a wonderful time and would defiinitely stay again.

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025

Big River Escape Parkside Bungalow
See all properties in Southern Minnesota
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Winona State University

Winona State University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Winona State University during your trip to Winona. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's museums.

Winona State University
Lake Shetek State Park

Lake Shetek State Park

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Shetek State Park during your travels in The Lakes. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.

Lake Shetek State Park

Mayo Clinic

If Mayo Clinic is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Rochester.

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus

If Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Rochester.

Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus

Treasure Island Casino

Why not try your luck with a visit to Treasure Island Casino during your visit to Welch? Visit the area's casinos or simply enjoy its cafes.

Treasure Island Casino

Mayo Civic Center

Catch an event at Mayo Civic Center during your trip to Rochester. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's shops.

Mayo Civic Center

Cities near Southern Minnesota

Rochester which includes a garden, a city and a coastal town

Rochester

Quiet spot in the beautiful MN. #AquaTrove

Sleepy Eye

Century old pioneer Cemetary near Loon Lake. Urban legends tell of a witch's grave at this site. Those who trespass on it are said to be cursed for life.

Jackson

Pipestone National Monument is an incredible place. The historical and spiritual significance of the site is palpable. A place of deep reverence and peace. Visit when the sun is low in the west, lighting up the quartzite cliffs as they rise from the vast golden prairie surrounding them.

Pipestone

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