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Fun Things to Do in Rochester, MN in Winter

Between snowy days, the holidays, and drinking hot chocolate, the wintertime is already magical as it is, but even so, the winter is even more spectacular when you're living in the Rochester, MN area. If you're living in Rochester, there are so many things to do in the wintertime. Whether you're looking for recreational events, outdoor activities, or food-related things to do, you're sure to find some incredible winter activities in Rochester. Because there are so many things to do in Rochester in the winter, we thought we'd give you a guide. Here's a list that explains some fun things to do in Rochester, MN, in the winter!

Visit a Skating Rink

Whether you're a novice skater or someone who's been skating for years, you can have a great time at an ice-skating rink in the Rochester, MN area. One of the best ice rinks in the Minnesota area is the Soldiers Park Ice Rink, which is located right here in Rochester. This rink is open long hours, so if you're looking to have fun with friends after a long day of work in the wintertime, it's the place to visit. There's nothing more classic than ice skating in the winter, so hone your skills at the Soldiers Park Ice Rink.
a person with white shoes standing on ice

Go Sledding at a Local Park

Rochester is home to several different parks, and after a big snow, many of these parks have great hills that are perfect for sledding. The good news is that it snows a lot in Minnesota, so you're likely to be able to spend many days sledding in the wintertime. What's more fun than that?  Here is a list of local parks that we love—you can sled at all of these. We recommend you explore the town and check out all these parks so you can find what hill is your favorite!

Relax at a Warm Indoor Restaurant

There are so many great indoor restaurants in the Rochester, MN area. So, if you're looking to get a bite to eat after you go sledding or skating, you can visit one of our top-notch restaurants in the winter. We recommend you visit a restaurant like Bleu Duck Kitchen, Red Cow Rochester, or Five West. At all of these restaurants, you can get hearty food and delicious drinks. Food and drinks are crucial parts of the wintertime, so embrace delicious cuisine by exploring all the food that Rochester has to offer in the wintertime.

a cup of coffee on a table with a christmas tree

Attend the Winter Market at the Barn

Right outside Rochester, MN, there is a yearly event hosted each winter called Winter Market at the Barn. You'll be able to get all your holiday shopping done if you visit Winter Market at the Barn because there are tons of vendors that come out to this event each year. Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit quite like taking a trip to Winter Market at the Barn, so we encourage you to come out to see all the creative products and artwork that artists, small business owners, and artisans based in Rochester, MN, and beyond have made this year. 


Go Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing

If you're someone who loves winter sports, then you're going to want to check out the convenient cross-country skiing and show-shoeing spots in Rochester. You can rent the gear you need to go cross-country skiing and the gear you'll need to go snowshoeing at Quarry Hill Nature Center. There are even plenty of trails for you to use at Quarry Hill Nature Center!

two people are skiing in the snow in the woods

Check out Social-ICE

Rochester loves to host yearly winter festivals, so another winter activity you should check out is social-ICE. This event is hosted on a different date each year, but it's always a blast! You can drink hot cider and eat delicious cookies, and there are historical activities for guests to participate in. There are even sleigh rides! If you're looking to learn a little bit about the history of Rochester while getting into the festive spirit, then Social-ICE is the right activity for you. History lovers and people who want to learn about Rochester will enjoy this event all the same!

two horses pulling a man on a sleigh in the snow

Look at Holiday Lights

Each year, local businesses and residents put up spectacular holiday lights in the Rochester area. There is typically a guide to local holiday lights posted each year, so each year, use that document as your guide to the city's holiday lights. It's so fun to travel around town and see all the beautiful lights. There's nothing that will put you into the holiday spirit more than looking at lights, so bundle up and start your light tour! It gets cold in Rochester, but that doesn't have to dampen the warmth and joy that comes with the holiday season!

Enjoy Winter in Rochester at Our Olympik Village Apartments

Come join us for wintertime fun in the Rochester, MN area! You can't beat living in Rochester, so we recommend you come live with us at our comfortable Olympik Village Apartment Homes in Rochester, MN. At our apartments, we include heat in your monthly rent price for your convenience. We encourage you to join our community who enjoy living in the Rochester area, so for more information about leasing with us, contact our team to learn more.