Despite being in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Rochester has ZERO natural lakes. So strange, isn't it?…read moreSilver Lake is a man-made lake. I guess due to the scarcity of natural water, the Canada Geese here flock to this park to enjoy the water and the delicious, tender grass. Seriously, I've never seen this many geese swarming before. They're quite docile, unless they're nesting. Anyway, the trail to make a look around the lake is very nice. You pass by a playground, and a lot of benches to take in the view. Public washrooms are very near the walkway. If you're into something different, Silver Lake Boat & Bicycle Rentals will let you rent out paddle boats, kayaks, single person bikes, tandem bikes, child bikes and even child trailers so that you have multiple ways of enjoying this park. You even pass by multiple informational panels so you can get some learning in on the way.

Although this place is amazing, very beautiful, but this place is so shady and so insecure for…read morepeople last night when we went there with the family the moment we parted, there was a huge bunch of people who came in different cars mostly African-American. People are not US based Somalians or somewhere from that side of the country Because I could not hear them talk properly. They were dealing with illegal drugs and the park was so dirty and nasty that you could see used condoms all over the place. If you're going with the family I strongly recommend you avoid this side of the park because it's not very safe. We feel really insecure and left that place although the park is very pretty we could have stayed longer, but we didn't feel safe with the amount of people coming in there with the law-enforcement can make rounds in this area. They can have a good check on what's going on in there

Wonderful escape into nature! We were in town visiting family and looking for something fun to do,…read moreand were so happy to have found Quarry Hill. We got out of the heat exploring the nature center - lots of fish and reptiles, and other educational exhibits to explore with lots of opportunities for kids (and adults) to learn. Then we ventured out on the trails and were surprised by the diversity in gardens, terrains, and environments that you could enjoy in such a small area. This place has something for all ages and fitness levels. Depending on the season, this would be a lovely spot to enjoy blooming wild flowers or fall foliage. Unfortunately, we were not able to explore the quarry/cave. If that is something you want to do, make sure to call ahead - I was told the tours only happen on certain days and get booked weeks ahead.

Quarry Hill Nature Center has a nice assortment of picnic tables, trails, and local animals. It…read moreeven has a small nature center within. Tip: The signage here is sorely lacking, which is why I couldn't find the paved bike trail, and ended up totally on the wrong side of the park :-( Once I discovered that I was almost hopelessly lost, I wandered aimless in the woods for close to 40 minutes before I found a trail sign that set me back on the right path. Despite the major signage problems, this is a nice place - if you can figure out where to go....

Beautiful little lake surrounded by trees and nice public sandy beach. The inflatables are…read moreincredible and staff is super friendly!! Highly recommended!

This is one of our favorite parks here in rochester. Very clean and well taken care of. Very close…read moreby to downtown too ( maybe about 5-10 min drive). It has two play grounds, one for little kids and another for bigger toddlers and adolescents. What we also really love is the volleyball sand court! We've had so many good games there. There's also a shelter for groups to eat and sit around. We used it several times with friends for birthday parties and potlucks. Have I mentioned the lake yet? Really nive Lake with a little sand beach. You can swim there too. They do hold several sport events there for swimming during the year. People also bring fishing poles and go fishing there. During the winter, the lake is frozen and people come here to do ice fishing. I just love coming there and reading or chilling around sunset time.

I took my grandsons there and we had a great time at the Zollman Zoo. The park is free to visitors…read moreand houses over 30 species of wild animals native to Minnesota. Some of animals have physical injuries that prevent them from being released back into the wild, and are surplus zoo animals from other facilities. The zoo is clean and the animals seemed to be healthy and well cared for. We had a nice conversation with a man while he cleaned the porcupine cage. He was friendly and willing to tell us about the animals he cares for and the zoo.

Parking, cleanliness, presentation was 5 stars. However, the condition of some of the animals had…read moreme a little concerned. The bear we saw was pacing and panting back and forth. I'm not a zookeeper by any means, but considering the heat and kids screaming, maybe stress and hot! The same was for the mountain lion. He actually was pawing at his enclosure door to get out of the sun, but seemed unable to do so. Other animals were even seen pawing at empty bowls, which again, assuming this to be for water. I grew up on a farm, not a zookeeper, but the animals looked very uncomfortable.

Such a lovely beach a few minutes out of Rochester!! Visited this area before but didn't realize…read morethey had a whole beach (only saw the areas where boats would go in) The water was pretty clear considering there was plenty of people there. Also saw some small fish. The sand does have rocks in it, so just be aware. They have showers, restrooms and a place where you can rent gear. The campground seemed clean (just drove by it), and they had a playground for the kiddos. There are trails nearby too but didn't explore them. So happy to revisit this place and will definitely be visiting again!

Watercraft (canoe, paddle board, kayak) rentals are affordably priced and in good condition. The…read moreriver was beautiful to paddle on and the birdwatching is excellent. I only wish they were open later than 6 during the summer!

It's nice to see a more robust tribute to the military in a place called Soldiers Field than what…read morewas here years ago. The track is nice, the golf course is okay, but this makes a fitting remembrance. Rochester really did a nice job in creating a memorial wall honoring veterans and the military. Made of etched granite, the wall briefly depicts in pictures and words major military actions since the Revolutionary war. It has the names of deceased veterans from SE Minnesota beginning with the Civil War. The pictures of the major conflicts etched into the granite are striking. Visually it's almost too much to process in a short visit. As you walk in, there are paving stones with names of veterans and allies. Around the memorial are trees, one representing each state, or benches dedicated to specific families or people. There's a book from the dedication listing the names on the wall or stones, and giving directions to locate it. It's nicely done. Unique among most memorials, this was built by donations instead of tax revenues. While the names are focused on SE Minnesota, this site really honors all veterans. It's an easy walk from the Mayo Clinic and on a nice day is a quiet respite from the nearby traffic.

First, I must apologize for the tardiness of this review. How could I have overlooked it?…read more A few months ago while visiting Rochester, I took a short 10 minute ride on a free Centerstone Plaza Hotel shuttle from the nearby Mayo Clinic to Soldier's Field. While Soldier's Field may not compare to some of the other National Memorial Parks and Cemetaries around the country, it was still a humbling experience nonetheless. The first and most obvious sight you'll see, is The Wall of Remembrance. The Wall of Remembrance was created to honor Veterans from Southeast Minnesota who died while fighting for our country. More than 3,000 service men and women are honored here. As you stroll along, look down at The Walk of Remembrance. It is made up of approximately 6,000 tiles honoring US Veterans and Allies for their service. Last, but not least, The Trees of Remembrance. The trees line the open grass area of the field, and each of the 50 trees represent every state in the United States of America. I was here at just about the start of Spring. It was overcast, cold, and the trees were still pretty bare. But I loved how still and serene everything was. The grounds are well maintained, and of the other pictures I've seen, it looks beautiful during different times of the year too. So if I make a return visit, perhaps it'll be when I can see The Trees of Remembrance when they are full and green. If you plan to drive over, there's plenty of free parking directly in front of the field.

I Love this trail! As a runner, I was so happy that my new home is just down the road from such a…read morebeautiful trail. I run here several times per week and from what I'm told the county even plows the trail in the winter. The trail itself is about 12.5 miles long so it's perfect for runners, hikers, cyclists, and even horses (riders of horses are asked to use the side trails for obvious reasons) The trail will take you through forests, prairies, farm land, and over creeks. Very rarely do you have to cross a public road, and when you do it tends to be rural, so you probably won't even have to stop. It's beautiful here! You are surrounded by wildflowers most of the time, under a canopy of trees and the scenery takes your mind off a grueling run. Plus, if you have to pee there is always a tree to jump behind. Two words of advice: 1, skip the 'outhouse' at the beginning of the trail. It's truly dreadful. 2. when you get to the farm with the big red barn prepare to hold your breath for a couple hundred yards. Damn cows. I can't wait to run here year round. I shall return.

Nice trail system and great views from all around the city, well maintained and safe as far as I…read morecan tell, bikers tend to speed by fast so beware!

This is an awesome dog park!…read more We stopped here twice while visiting and both times were enjoyable. There's plenty of space for the dogs to run/play, as well as lots of places for owners to sit. We attempt the jumping posts but our dog was not having it- cool for the dogs who figured it out! If you keep walking to the back of the dog park you'll see another gate. Go through the gate and follow the path for a couple of minutes and you'll find a creek. It's a nice area for dogs to be able to run and get wet. The walking trail is always nice if you're dog free but looking for a way to get some fresh air.

Park was clean and spacious. There were lots of other dogs there and there was plenty for all of…read morethem to do!! Also love the location and that it is connected to other trails and areas.