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Situated about 20 minutes southeast of Rochester, Chester Woods Park is a beautiful county park with camping facilities, hiking trails, and a lake for fishing and boating.
Located about 1.5 hours southeast of Rochester, Lake Pepin is all about water activities such as boating, fishing, and sailing. Visitors can find camping options in nearby campgrounds to take in stellar views of the lake.
One hour’s drive south of Rochester, this park offers camping facilities and guided tours of the famed Mystery Cave. Visitors can explore the park's historic buildings, hike the trails, and learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.
Located about 30 minutes west of Rochester, Myre-Big Island State Park offers camping facilities and recreational activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The park also has a golf course and archery range for extra fun.
Visiting Rochester is fun throughout the entire year with outdoor activities varying by season. Summer is the busiest season and for good reason—June through September offers great weather when RV parks and campgrounds are all open. Hiking, biking, and watersports are best during the summer and fall months as well. Experiencing the art centers, museums, and historic sites of the Rochester area can be done even in winter, when the town decorates and celebrates the holiday season. Snowshoe and cross country ski trails are excellent for snowy escapes, and the town embraces winter sports like hockey and ice skating too.