Things to Do in Rochester MN (2025)

Part taproom, part community hub, Forager pairs inventive, locally foraged beers with a scratch kitchen and patio concerts. Celebrated by Hop Culture and anchored by the city’s annual Foragerfest, it’s a can’t-miss snapshot of Rochester’s creative spirit.

An independent, chef-owned dining room known for seasonal menus and a lively oyster program. Regularly lauded by Rochester Magazine and profiled by the Star Tribune, it blends Midwestern produce with coastal finesse in a polished, playful space.

Born as a pop-up and now a vibrant downtown restaurant, Thai Pop stars chef Annie Balow’s Thai flavors, tropical cocktails, and a tucked-away speakeasy. Voted Best Asian and Best Dessert by Rochester Magazine; reservations often fill via OpenTable.

A welcoming taproom with a big outdoor yard, food trucks, trivia nights, and community events. Rochester Magazine readers praise its beers—The Doug even topped the 2025 list—while Trivia Mafia hosts regular themed nights.

A growers-only market that’s year-round—outdoors in summer and indoors on select winter Saturdays. Official market organizers and Olmsted County highlight rotating produce, live music, and community classes throughout the seasons.

Locally operated guides bring Rochester’s stories to life—history, Mayo family legacies, true-crime nights, and seasonal day trips. The 2025 schedule includes weekly city tours plus special outings across the region.

Family-run and minutes from downtown, Salem Glen pours estate and regional wines with vineyard views. The tasting room posts steady hours, with guided flights and occasional events that make a relaxed, local afternoon getaway.

A nonprofit storefront and program space showcasing 50+ local makers alongside exhibits, public art, and pop-ups. Featured in downtown Art Walks, Threshold keeps hours year-round and directly supports the city’s creative community.

A DIY-rooted record shop and micro-venue where you can dig for vinyl, browse vintage, and catch all-ages shows. Backed by Experience Rochester event listings and energetic calendars, it fuels the city’s underground music scene.

Chef Pasquale Presa brings Bari-to-New York flavors to downtown with crackly pies, cannoli, and Italian imports. Rochester Magazine’s 2025 Best Pizza winner, it’s a convivial, family-run stop between market strolls and museum visits.

Behind a bookshelf on Historic Third Street, this independent speakeasy mixes precise, spirit-forward cocktails. Recognized on Yelp’s Top 50 Speakeasies list and a perennial Rochester Magazine favorite, it anchors downtown nightlife.

A new 2025, locally owned tubing outfitter offering weekend floats on a mellow stretch of the Zumbro River, with shuttle service back to your car. Covered by local editors and perfect for warm-weather afternoons.