Rochester, Minnesota#Transportation

Several indigenous peoples such as Dakota, Ojibway, and Ho-Chunk inhabited the Rochester area.{{Cite web | title=History of Rochester {{!}} Rochester, MN | url=https://www.rochestermn.gov/about/history-of-rochester | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327102947/https://www.rochestermn.gov/about/history-of-rochester | access-date=2025-02-25 | archive-date=2021-03-27}} The area developed as a stagecoach stop between Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Dubuque, Iowa near the Zumbro River. The community was founded by George Head and his wife Henrietta who built a log cabin named Head's Tavern in 1854 and named the city after his hometown of Rochester, New York.{{cite web| title=History of Rochester| url=https://www.rochestermn.gov/about/history-of-rochester| website=City of Rochester Minnesota| access-date=October 11, 2021}} When the Winona and St Peter Railroad initiated service in October 1864, it brought new residents and business opportunities and spurred growth. In 1863, William W. Mayo arrived as the examining surgeon for Union draftees in the Civil War.

File:1910StMarysHospitalRochesterMNcopyrightCarlAHolland.jpg

On August 21, 1883, the Great Tornado demolished much of Rochester, leaving 37 dead and approximately 200 injured. As there was no medical facility in the immediate area at the time, Mayo and his two sons worked together to care for the wounded. Donations of US$60,000 (US$1,932,562 in 2022) were collected and the Sisters of St. Francis, assisted by Mayo, opened a new facility named St. Marys Hospital in 1889.{{cite web |url=http://www.mayoclinic.org/tradition-heritage/tornado-saint-marys.html |title=Tornado Strikes Rochester |publisher=Mayo Foundation for Medical and Educational Research}}

File:SkylineRochesterMNreflectected.JPG

Rochester lies alongside the South Fork of the Zumbro River which is {{Convert|57.6|mi|km}} long{{cite web| title=Zumbro River State Water Trail| url=https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/zumbroriver/index.html| website=Minnesota Department of Natural Resources| access-date=October 11, 2021}} and is ringed by gentle hills and largely surrounded by farmland within a deciduous forest biome. The Zumbro Watershed flows through {{Convert|1,422|mi2|km2}}{{Cite web| url=https://zumbrowatershed.org/watershed-resources/| title=Watershed Resources| website=Zumbro Watershed Partnership| language=en-US| access-date=January 9, 2019| archive-date=January 10, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110013842/https://zumbrowatershed.org/watershed-resources/| url-status=usurped}} of agricultural and urban lands. Located in southeast Minnesota, the City of Rochester lies at the western edge of the Driftless Area, a region that was never glaciated and contains deeply-carved river valleys. The rugged terrain is due both to the lack of glacial deposits, or drift, and to the incision of the upper Mississippi River and its tributaries into bedrock. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|54.75|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|54.59|sqmi|sqkm|2}} of it is land and {{convert|0.16|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |website=United States Census Bureau |access-date=November 13, 2012}} The city is located {{convert|85|mi|km}} southeast of Minneapolis–Saint Paul.Faruque, p. 1.

Rochester is in Olmsted County, one of only four counties in Minnesota without a natural lake. Artificial lakes exist in the area, including Silver Lake, a dammed portion of the South Fork Zumbro River just below the convergence with Silver Creek near the city center. Silver Lake was once used as a cooling pond when the coal-burning power plant was operated by Rochester Public Utilities at the lake. When operational, the RPU coal plant's heated water output prevented the lake from generally freezing over during the winter months, attracting large numbers of migrating giant Canada geese. Large murders of crows are known to flock to Rochester during winter, including the Rochester cemetery downtown.{{cite news| url=https://www.npr.org/2019/12/05/784728412/this-minnesota-city-has-a-bird-poop-problem-but-the-crow-patrol-is-on-it| title=This Minnesota City Has A Bird Poop Problem, But The Crow Patrol Is On It| date=December 5, 2019| first=Catharine| last=Richert| work=Morning Edition| publisher=NPR| access-date=October 11, 2021}}

Rochester has an extensive parks system, the largest of which are Silver Lake and Soldiers Field in the central part of the city. A major flood in 1978 led the city to embark on an expensive and successful flood-control project that involved altering many nearby rivers and streams. The Zumbro River flowing through the center of the city is presently being readdressed for increased development and use as part of city planning in conjunction with funding from the Destination Medical Center project.

With a slightly higher altitude and without the same Urban heat island effect as the Twin Cities, the climate is warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb), which is cooler than the Twin Cities, despite being further south, with warm summers and cold winters.{{cite web| url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=44627&cityname=Rochester,+Minnesota,+United+States+of+America&units=metric| title=Rochester, Minnesota Köppen Climate Classification| website=Weatherbase| access-date=May 20, 2019}} The city features four distinct seasons. Rochester sees on average {{convert|33.02|in|mm}} of rainfall and {{convert|51.9|in|cm}} of snowfall per year. Significant snow accumulation is common during the winter months. Spring and fall are transitional seasons, with a general warming trend during the spring and a general cooling trend during the fall. However, it is not uncommon to see some snowfall during the early month of spring and the later month of fall. Rochester is the second windiest city in the United States, with wind speeds averaging {{Convert|12.6|mph|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite web| url=http://www.weather.com/tv/shows/amhq/news/10-windiest-large-cities-america-20140408?_escaped_fragment_| title=America's Windiest Cities| last=Erdman| first=Jon| date=November 17, 2014| website=The Weather Channel| language=en| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206084205/http://www.weather.com/tv/shows/amhq/news/10-windiest-large-cities-america-20140408?_escaped_fragment_| archive-date=December 6, 2014| access-date=May 20, 2019}} January to April are the windiest months on average, according to The Weather Channel. Rochester has been hit by two F4 tornadoes since 1950 (the first on May 10, 1953, and the other on September 16, 1962).{{cite web| url=http://www.tornadohistoryproject.com| title=Tornado History Project: Maps and Statistics| website=www.tornadohistoryproject.com| access-date=February 12, 2022| archive-date=January 17, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117024312/http://www.tornadohistoryproject.com/| url-status=usurped}} The city has also been hit by two tornadoes in the past decade. On June 17, 2010, a tornado hit the city's northwest side, damaging or destroying several homes and businesses around the Lincolnshire neighborhood.{{cite web| url=https://www.weather.gov/arx/jun1710 |title=Severe Thunderstorms of June 17, 2010| website=NOAA}} Another tornado struck the city on June 4, 2019, causing damage to parts of Southwest Rochester.{{cite journal |url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-weather/tornado-touched-down-in-rochester-national-weather-service-confirms |title=Tornado touched down in Rochester, damage survey confirms| journal=Bring Me the News| date=June 7, 2019| access-date=October 11, 2021}}

{{Weather box

|location = Rochester International Airport, Minnesota (1991–2020 normals,{{efn|Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.}} extremes 1886–present)

|single line = Y

|collapsed = Y

|Jan record high F = 58

|Feb record high F = 63

|Mar record high F = 82

|Apr record high F = 92

|May record high F = 106

|Jun record high F = 105

|Jul record high F = 108

|Aug record high F = 100

|Sep record high F = 100

|Oct record high F = 93

|Nov record high F = 77

|Dec record high F = 64

|year record high F = 108

|Jan avg record high F = 40.9

|Feb avg record high F = 44.1

|Mar avg record high F = 62.3

|Apr avg record high F = 79.0

|May avg record high F = 87.3

|Jun avg record high F = 90.7

|Jul avg record high F = 89.7

|Aug avg record high F = 87.5

|Sep avg record high F = 86.1

|Oct avg record high F = 79.9

|Nov avg record high F = 62.8

|Dec avg record high F = 45.3

|year avg record high F = 93.0

|Jan high F = 22.5

|Feb high F = 26.7

|Mar high F = 39.9

|Apr high F = 55.3

|May high F = 68.0

|Jun high F = 77.6

|Jul high F = 80.3

|Aug high F = 78.0

|Sep high F = 71.8

|Oct high F = 57.9

|Nov high F = 41.7

|Dec high F = 28.0

|year high F = 54.0

|Jan mean F = 14.7

|Feb mean F = 18.7

|Mar mean F = 31.7

|Apr mean F = 45.2

|May mean F = 57.6

|Jun mean F = 67.5

|Jul mean F = 70.5

|Aug mean F = 68.2

|Sep mean F = 61.1

|Oct mean F = 47.9

|Nov mean F = 33.6

|Dec mean F = 20.8

|year mean F = 44.8

|Jan low F = 7.0

|Feb low F = 10.7

|Mar low F = 23.4

|Apr low F = 35.1

|May low F = 47.1

|Jun low F = 57.5

|Jul low F = 60.8

|Aug low F = 58.3

|Sep low F = 50.4

|Oct low F = 38.0

|Nov low F = 25.6

|Dec low F = 13.6

|year low F = 35.6

|Jan avg record low F = −16.6

|Feb avg record low F = −11.1

|Mar avg record low F = -0.7

|Apr avg record low F = 20.0

|May avg record low F = 33.3

|Jun avg record low F = 45.2

|Jul avg record low F = 50.5

|Aug avg record low F = 48.4

|Sep avg record low F = 35.4

|Oct avg record low F = 22.0

|Nov avg record low F = 7.0

|Dec avg record low F = −9.8

|year avg record low F = −19.6

|Jan record low F = −42

|Feb record low F = −35

|Mar record low F = −31

|Apr record low F = 5

|May record low F = 21

|Jun record low F = 31

|Jul record low F = 40

|Aug record low F = 32

|Sep record low F = 22

|Oct record low F = −6

|Nov record low F = −24

|Dec record low F = −33

|year record low F = -42

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 0.99

|Feb precipitation inch = 1.02

|Mar precipitation inch = 2.02

|Apr precipitation inch = 3.52

|May precipitation inch = 4.35

|Jun precipitation inch = 5.35

|Jul precipitation inch = 4.19

|Aug precipitation inch = 4.12

|Sep precipitation inch = 3.60

|Oct precipitation inch = 2.43

|Nov precipitation inch = 1.80

|Dec precipitation inch = 1.28

|year precipitation inch = 34.67

|Jan snow inch = 12.2

|Feb snow inch = 10.7

|Mar snow inch = 8.6

|Apr snow inch = 3.3

|May snow inch = 0.5

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.9

|Nov snow inch = 4.5

|Dec snow inch = 12.4

|year snow inch = 53.1

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 9.4

|Feb precipitation days = 8.0

|Mar precipitation days = 10.2

|Apr precipitation days = 12.2

|May precipitation days = 13.3

|Jun precipitation days = 12.5

|Jul precipitation days = 10.5

|Aug precipitation days = 10.0

|Sep precipitation days = 9.3

|Oct precipitation days = 9.5

|Nov precipitation days = 9.2

|Dec precipitation days = 9.6

|year precipitation days = 123.7

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan snow days = 8.8

|Feb snow days = 7.3

|Mar snow days = 5.6

|Apr snow days = 2.6

|May snow days = 0.1

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 0.8

|Nov snow days = 4.5

|Dec snow days = 8.7

|year snow days = 38.4

|Jan humidity = 76.6

|Feb humidity = 76.1

|Mar humidity = 74.8

|Apr humidity = 68.3

|May humidity = 66.8

|Jun humidity = 68.9

|Jul humidity = 72.2

|Aug humidity = 74.6

|Sep humidity = 75.2

|Oct humidity = 71.5

|Nov humidity = 77.4

|Dec humidity = 80.0

|year humidity=

|Jan dew point C = −14.5

|Feb dew point C = −11.7

|Mar dew point C = −5.3

|Apr dew point C = 0.8

|May dew point C = 7.0

|Jun dew point C = 12.7

|Jul dew point C = 15.8

|Aug dew point C = 14.7

|Sep dew point C = 10.1

|Oct dew point C = 3.3

|Nov dew point C = −3.4

|Dec dew point C = −10.8

|source 1 = NOAA (relative humidity and dew point 1961–1990)

{{cite web

| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=arx

| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data

| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date = June 24, 2021}}

{{cite web

| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00014925&format=pdf

| title = Station: Rochester INTL AP, MN

| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020)

| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date = June 24, 2021}}

{{Cite FTP | url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP3/72644.TXT

| server = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| url-status = dead

| title = Rochester/Municipal, MN Climate Normals 1961–1990

| access-date = September 4, 2020

}}

}}

;Notes:

{{notelist}}

{{US Census population

|1860= 1424

|1870= 3953

|1880= 5103

|1890= 5321

|1900= 6843

|1910= 7844

|1920= 13722

|1930= 20621

|1940= 28312

|1950= 29885

|1960= 40663

|1970= 53766

|1980= 57890

|1990= 70745

|2000= 85806

|2010= 106769

|2020= 121395

|estyear=2023

|estimate=122413

|estref={{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/rochestercityminnesota/PST045223|date=May 17, 2024|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Rochester city, Minnesota|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=May 17, 2024}}

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|website=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 9, 2014}}
2020 Census

}}

File:Race and ethnicity 2020 Rochester, MN.png

As of the census of 2020,{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census: Rochester city, Minnesota |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2754880&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=13 July 2022}} the population was 121,395. The population density was {{convert|2,187.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 53,210 housing units at an average density of {{convert|958.8|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 73.2% White, 8.9% Black or African American, 7.9% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.9% from other races, and 6.6% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 6.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In terms of ancestry, the 2005–2007 American Community Survey found German Americans to be the largest single ethnic group in Rochester, making up 35.5% of the city's population. Norwegian Americans made up 15.9%, while Irish Americans contributed to 11.6% of the city's populace. English Americans made up 8.2% of the population and Swedish Americans were 5.0% of the city's population. In the mid-1980s Rochester had fewer than 40 Hmong persons. The 1990 United States census counted 200 Hmong persons in Rochester. This increased to 300 by 1998. Cathleen Jo Faruque, author of "Migration of Hmong to Rochester, Minnesota: Life in the Midwest," wrote in 2003 that there was "every indication that this trend will continue".Faruque, p. 2.

There were{{when|date=July 2022}} 43,025 households, of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.6% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age in the city was 35 years. 24.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.4% were from 25 to 44; 24.8% were from 45 to 64; and 12.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

As of the 2011–2015 American Community Survey, the median household income was $68,023.{{cite web| url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/27109| title=Population estimates, July 1, 2015, (V2015)|website=United States Census Bureau| language=en| access-date=January 20, 2017}}

Mayo Clinic forms the core of Rochester's economy. As of 2016, it employs 51,000{{Cite web | title=Minnesota Top Companies and Employers / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development | url=https://mn.gov/deed/data/economic-analysis/top-companies/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001210020/https://mn.gov/deed/data/economic-analysis/top-companies/ | access-date=2025-02-25 | archive-date=2022-10-01}} people and draws more than 2 million visitors annually.[http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/facts-statistics/minnesota Mayo Clinic Facts.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623002146/http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/facts-statistics/minnesota |date=June 23, 2017 }} Retrieved June 28, 2017. The clinic's many facilities, along with hotels, restaurants and retail stores, comprise nearly all of the city's downtown. Excluding the state government, Mayo Clinic is the largest employer in Minnesota.{{cite web |url=http://www.uwlax.edu/careerservices/downloads/MinnesotasLargestEmployers.pdf |title=Minnesota's Largest Employers |publisher=University of Wisconsin – La Crosse |access-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-date=May 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518151024/http://www.uwlax.edu/careerservices/downloads/MinnesotasLargestEmployers.pdf |url-status=dead }} Other care providers, including the Rochester Federal Medical Center, are significant employers.

File:IBM Rochester photo.jpg campus]]

The Rochester Technology Campus is a sprawling 2.56 million sq. ft. leasable facility with uses ranging from office space, manufacturing, warehousing, data centers, and laboratories. It has been home to several technology companies. This is where IBM designed and produced its midrange computer series.{{cite web |url=http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/rochester/rochester_profile.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070318090506/http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/rochester/rochester_profile.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 18, 2007 |title=IBM Archives: Rochester profile |date=January 23, 2003 |website=IBM |access-date=January 14, 2010}} It was also the home of the first Blue Gene prototype and contributed the servers for Roadrunner.[http://www.top500.org/system/9485 Roadrunner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721155802/http://www.top500.org/system/9485 |date=July 21, 2008 }}. Top500 Supercomputing Sites.

The economy of Rochester is also influenced by the agricultural nature of the region. There are multiple dairy producers that are active in the area. In addition, Kerry Flavours and Ingredients, a subsidiary of the global Irish company called Kerry Group, maintains a production plant in Rochester that specializes in fermented ingredients, found in breads, meats and other processed foods.

File:RochMN-Hilton.jpg, completed in 2019, is one of the first major DMC projects.]]

In 2013, Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill known as Destination Medical Center (DMC). It intends to increase Minnesota's tax base, and promote business and economic growth throughout the state.{{cite web| url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/destination-medical-center-dmc| title=Destination Medical Center (DMC)| website=Mayo Clinic}} Because of this legislation, The Mayo Clinic will invest in $3.5 billion to upgrade patient rooms, add additional workspace, and build research and administrative buildings.{{cite web| url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2013/05/23/business/mayo-clinic| title=Mayo Clinic celebrates state funding approval, but questions remain on expansion details| first=Elizabeth| last=Baier| date=May 23, 2013| website=Minnesota Public Radio News}}

The main developments of this plan will be in the DMC sub-districts. The Downtown Waterfront district will cover The Government Center, The Civic Center, and most areas near the Zumbro River. The Central Station district includes Central Park and most of Civic Center Drive, aimed to become a transportation hub of the city. St. Marys Place will cover St. Marys hospital and St. Marys Park, as well as most of 2nd Street. The Heart of the City will feature the Mayo Clinic campus and major residential, commercial, and retail companies. The Discovery Square area will include scientific and technology research facilities. Lastly, The UMR and Recreation district will feature Soldiers Field and the University of Minnesota Rochester campus.{{cite web| url=http://dmc.mn/maps/#umrRec|title=DMC Sub-District Map| website=Destination Medical Center}}

A number of Rochester buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the historic Chateau Theatre, which the city purchased in 2015 for preservation, and Avalon Music, formerly a hotel important in the local civil rights movement.{{cite news| title=Rochester to buy, preserve historic Chateau Theatre| date=March 16, 2015| work=Minnesota Public Radio News| first=Elizabeth| last=Baier| url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/03/16/chateau-theatre-rochester-minnesota| access-date=October 11, 2021}} In 2019, after renovations and a public RFP, the Chateau Theatre has re-opened as an exhibition venue.{{Cite web| url=https://www.medcitybeat.com/news-blog/2019/edg-contract-city-chateau-theatre| title=5 things to know about the city's agreement with the new Chateau operator| website=Med City Beat| date=August 21, 2019| language=en-US| access-date=September 16, 2019}}

Founded in 1946, the Rochester Art Center is located downtown, just south of the Mayo Civic Center. In 2017, the Rochester Art Center's financial troubles{{cite news| title=Audit: Rochester Art Center in deep financial trouble| date=March 28, 2017| last=Richert| first=Catharine| work=Minnesota Public Radio News| url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/03/28/audit-rochester-art-center-in-deep-financial-trouble| access-date=October 11, 2021}} brought a renewed focus on the need for both formal and informal arts spaces in the city.{{ cite news| title=What's wrong with Rochester's art scene?| last=Stolle| first=Matthew| date=May 17, 2017| newspaper=Post-Bulletin| location=Rochester| url-access=subscription| url=https://www.postbulletin.com/magazines/507/what-s-wrong-with-rochester-s-art-scene/article_14876f38-3b25-11e7-9520-b7f776e11888.html| access-date=October 11, 2021}}

In the summer from June to the end of August, every Thursday the city puts on Thursdays Downtown {{cite web| url=https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/events/tof| title=Thursdays on First & 3rd| website=www.downtownrochestermn.com| access-date=January 9, 2019| archive-date=January 10, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110014558/https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/events/tof| url-status=dead}} where local restaurants and artists can set up booths all along First Avenue downtown Rochester. There are two stages where bands perform and provide entertainment. There are also a number of street musicians sitting on walls or standing on the sidewalks.

The oldest cultural arts institution in the community, Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale was founded in 1919 as a professional performing arts organization called the Rochester Orchestra. Its earliest ensemble, the Lawler-Dodge Orchestra, was founded in 1912 as a volunteer orchestra, driven by Daisy Plummer, wife of Mayo Clinic physician, Dr. Henry Plummer, and directed by Harold Cooke. In the early years, the Orchestra appeared in the former Chateau Theatre where they performed background music for silent movies.

The Gray Duck Theater, an independent movie theater, opened in 2019.{{ cite news| title=Minnesota couple raise the curtain on 66-seat microtheater in Rochester| date=May 24, 2019| newspaper=Star Tribune| location=Minneapolis| url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-couple-raise-the-curtain-on-66-seat-microtheater-in-rochester/509483832/| last=McKinney| first=Matt| access-date=October 11, 2021| url-access=subscription}}

Rochester also houses the Rochester Public Library near the Civic Center. It is one of the largest libraries in the area and has been awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2018.

{{Main|Sports in Minnesota}}

File:RochesterMNbikepath2006-06-03.JPG

Rochester's city park system has more than 100 sites covering {{convert|5|sqmi|km2}}, including parks located along Bear Creek and South Fork Zumbro rivers. The city also maintains {{convert|85|mi|km}} of paved trails.{{cite web| url=http://www.ci.rochester.mn.us/departments/park/trails/index.asp| title=Recreational trails| website=City of Rochester, Minnesota| access-date=January 14, 2010| archive-date=February 21, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221005844/http://www.ci.rochester.mn.us/departments/park/trails/index.asp| url-status=dead}}

The city also maintains four public golf courses: Northern Hills, Eastwood Golf Club, Hadley Creek, and Soldiers Field Golf Course located downtown.{{cite web| url=https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/parks-and-recreation| title=Parks and Recreation| website=City of Rochester}} In addition, a number of private courses are located in the Rochester area, including Willow Creek Golf Club, Oak Summit Golf Club, and the Rochester Golf and Country Club along with a number of courses in smaller surrounding communities. The city of Rochester has also started the bike share program for its community members where the registered members and visitors can rent a bike for free through one of its bike share locations at Rochester Public Library, Peace Plaza or Rochester City Hall.{{cite web| url=https://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/activities-classes/bike-share| title=Rochester Bike Share Program| website=City of Rocheste| access-date=October 11, 2021| archive-date=October 3, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003034048/https://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/activities-classes/bike-share| url-status=dead}}

The foundation of Rochester State Hospital began in 1875 as the Minnesota Inebriate Asylum funded by a tax on liquor dealers. Land was purchased in 1876 and construction began in 1877, including the building of a hospital and the park nearby which was used by the patients and their families. In 1965, the park was transferred from the hospital to the state for the use of general public and since then there have been various developments in the park including the laying of paved trails. The {{convert|329|acre|ha|abbr=on|adj=on}} park contains over {{convert|8|mi|km|abbr=on}} of paved and hiking trails, a pond, and a historical sandstone cave carved in 1882. This soft St. Peter sand stone cave was dug in the late 1800's to store food for the patients of the state hospital. The cave was later abandoned with the invention of modern refrigerators, and is now a historic site.

Quarry Hill Nature Center is the center stone of the Quarry Hill Park in Rochester. The Nature Center opened in 1973, and was expanded in 1990. In 2017, the facility added additional nordic skiing. These facilities include modern educational facilities, and a 19th-century prairie style home where skis and snow shoes could be rented.{{cite web| url=https://www.qhnc.org/history.html| title=History| website=Quarry Hill Nature Center| access-date=October 11, 2021}}

{{wide image|Quarry Hill Savanna.JPG|800px|Quarry Hill Oak Savana}}

{{See also|List of mayors of Rochester, Minnesota}}

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Rochester is governed by a mayor-council government with a seven-member city council.{{cite web| url=http://www.rochestermn.gov/government/city-council| title=Rochester City Council| website=City of Rochester, Minnesota}} The current mayor is Kim Norton.{{cite web| url=http://www.rochestermn.gov/government/office-of-the-mayor| title=Office of the Mayor| website=City of Rochester, Minnesota}} As of January 2021,{{cite web| url=https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/city-council/council-members| title=Council Members| website=City of Rochester| access-date=January 9, 2019}} the city council comprises: Brooke Carlson, City Council President; Patrick Keane, 1st Ward; Mark Bransford, 2nd Ward; Nick Campion, 3rd Ward; Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick, 4th Ward; Shaun Palmer, 5th Ward; and Molly Dennis, 6th Ward.{{cite web| title=Council Members| url=http://www.rochestermn.gov/government/city-council/council-members| website=City of Rochester}}

All municipal elected offices in Rochester are non-partisan, as stated in the city's charter.{{cite web | title=Rochester Code of Ordinances - CHAPTER III. - ELECTIONS; ELECTED OFFICIALS; OFFICERS - SECTION 3.01. - (Elections; general provisions; ballots) | url=https://library.municode.com/mn/rochester/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTICH_CHIIIELELOFOF_S3.01ELGEPRBAx | access-date=January 25, 2021 | archive-date=January 30, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130071439/https://library.municode.com/mn/rochester/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTICH_CHIIIELELOFOF_S3.01ELGEPRBAx | url-status=dead }}

File:2020 United States Presidential Election in Rochester, Minnesota.svg

Rochester is the seat of Olmsted County, run by a seven-member elected county board, each representing district residents.{{cite web |title=List of Olmsted County Commissioners |url=https://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/boardofcommissioners/Pages/default.aspx |website=Olmsted County |access-date=December 6, 2017}} The County Board of Commissioners oversee county operations and address citizen concerns. When a commissioner is elected, they are elected to serve a 4-year term. When that term ends, the commissioner can run for re-election if they so desire. The County Attorney and the County Sheriff are also elected to 4-year terms and can run for re-election when the term expires if they choose. Each of these elected officials acts as the director for his/her office, and are accountable to the residents of Olmsted County.{{cite web |title=Elected Officials |url=https://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/yourgovernment/electedofficials/Pages/default.aspx |website=Olmsted County |access-date=December 6, 2017 |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206204530/https://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/yourgovernment/electedofficials/Pages/default.aspx |url-status=dead }}

Rochester falls under the Olmsted County District Court within the Third Judicial District of the State of Minnesota.{{cite web |title=Minnesota District Courts |url=http://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Olmsted.aspx |website=State of Minnesota}}

The city includes parts of Minnesota state legislative districts 25 and 26.{{cite web |url=http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/cityclerk/officials/electedofficials.asp |title=Your Elected Officials |website=Rochester City Clerk |access-date=August 24, 2010 |archive-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705034719/https://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/cityclerk/officials/electedofficials.asp |url-status=dead }} In the Minnesota House of Representatives, District 25A is represented by Duane Quam (R), District 25B is represented by Andy Smith (DFL), District 26A is represented by Tina Liebling (DFL), and District 26B is represented by Nels Pierson (R). In the Minnesota Senate, Rochester is represented by Liz Boldon (DFL) and Carla Nelson, (R). Rochester is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Brad Finstad, a member of the Republican Party.{{cite web | url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3598486-republican-rep-brad-finstad-sworn-in-to-finish-hagedorns-house-term/ | title=Republican Rep. Brad Finstad sworn in to finish Hagedorn's House term | date=August 12, 2022 }}

Rochester continues to trend Democratic in local and federal elections which has resulted in Olmsted County also seeing a shifting electorate.{{cite news |title=As Olmsted County shifts left, political observers see battle brewing over control of a complicated electorate |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/05/07/olmsted-county-political-veterans-see-battle-brewing-over-control-of-a-complicated-electorate |access-date=18 May 2024 |work=MPR News |date=7 May 2024 |language=en}} In the 2020 presidential election President Joe Biden obtained nearly 60% of the vote in the city, the highest vote total for a Democratic candidate in history.

{{Hidden begin|titlestyle=background:#ccccff|title=Presidential election results 1960–2024}}

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File:Rochester johnmarshallhighschool 1.jpg

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Rochester Public Schools enroll 16,300 students in 23 public primary and secondary schools.{{cite web |url=http://www.rochester.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi |title=District 535 at a Glance |publisher=Rochester Public Schools |access-date=December 22, 2010 |archive-date=September 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906011809/http://www.rochester.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi |url-status=dead }} The city is divided into three public high school attendance zones: John Marshall, Mayo and Century. Private schools in the city include Lourdes, [https://schaefferacadamy.org Schaeffer Academy], and Rochester Central Lutheran School amongst various smaller private religious schools. Studio Academy, a fine arts-focused charter school operated for 10 years in Rochester and closed its doors in 2011 upon losing its charter.{{cite web |url=http://www.schaefferacademy.org/ |website=Schaeffer Academy |title=Homepage}}{{cite web |url=http://www.studioacademy.org/www.studioacademy.org/Home_Page.html |title=Homepage |website=Studio Academy Charter High School}} The Rochester STEM Academy opened in 2011, occupying the former Studio Academy building.

Higher education in Rochester had been concentrated around the former University Center Rochester in the city's southeast outskirts, where Rochester Community and Technical College shares a campus with a branch of Winona State University.{{cite web |url=http://www.roch.edu|title=Homepage |website=Rochester Community and Technical College |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921150747/http://www.roch.edu/ |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |url-status=dead}} The University of Minnesota offered degrees through UCR until 2007, when the University of Minnesota Rochester was established downtown.{{cite web| url=http://www.r.umn.edu/about-umr/growth/index.htm| title=Growth of UMR| website=University of Minnesota Rochester| access-date=December 22, 2010| archive-date=December 26, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226023325/http://www.r.umn.edu/about-umr/growth/index.htm| url-status=dead}} Branches of Augsburg University and College of St. Scholastica are also in Rochester, as are branches of Winona State University and St. Mary's University. The Mayo Clinic offers graduate medical education and research programs through the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

According to the United States Census Bureau 2011–2015, the number of high school graduates or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+ was 94.1%. The number of bachelor's degree or higher percent of persons age 25+ was 41.3%.

{{See also|Media in Rochester, Minnesota}}

The city newspaper is the Post-Bulletin, an afternoon paper which publishes Monday through Saturday. The Post-Bulletin company also publishes Rochester Magazine, a monthly features periodical.{{cite web| url=https://www.rochestermagazine.com/| title=Rochester Magazine| website=Post-Bulletin Company}}{{cite web| url=https://www.postbulletin.com/news/austin/| title=Austin P-B| website=Post-Bulletin Company| date=October 17, 2019| access-date=October 11, 2021}}

There are four television stations based in Rochester: KTTC channel 10.1 (NBC), KTTC-(CW) channel 10.2, and KXLT-TV channel 47 (Fox) are a virtual duopoly. The stations share studios as part of a special agreement between Gray Television and SagamoreHill Broadcasting. ABC affiliate KAAL (channel 6) and CBS affiliate KIMT (channel 3) are also based in Rochester. Channel 15 KSMQ (PBS) in Austin and channel 24 KYIN (PBS) in Mason City are among the stations that serve the market. KAAL is licensed to Austin and KIMT is licensed to Mason City, but have a studios in Rochester. KIMT opened a studio in Rochester in late 2017, which now serves as the main setting for their newscasts.

The Rochester area is provided cable service by Charter Communications, which holds a monopoly in the area. Indiana-based Metronet is currently in the process of developing the fiber-optic network to provide cable service to Rochester.{{cite web| url=https://www.medcitybeat.com/news-blog/2019/metronet-franchise-agreement-city-of-rochester| title=MetroNet to challenge Charter in Rochester| website=MedCity Beat| date=February 4, 2019}}

File:Bike rack on Rochester City Bus.jpg

Rochester is served by three U.S. highways (U.S. 14, U.S. 52, and U.S. 63), and the southern edge of Rochester is skirted by Interstate 90 and State Highway 30. Olmsted County Highway 22 is also a main highway in the city. A combination of skyways and subterranean walkways link most downtown buildings, which residents often use to avoid harsh winter weather conditions. Public bus transit is run by Rochester Public Transit. Its operations are carried out by First Transit. The City of Rochester encourages biking through its numerous trails and to facilitate the biking program all the city buses have bike carriers for easy transportation of bikes.

Rochester International Airport is located {{Convert|7|mi|km|spell=in}} south of downtown. The airport is the second busiest commercial airport in Minnesota.[http://www.flightstats.com/go/Airport/airportDetails.do?airportCode=rst (RST) Rochester International Airport]. Flightstats.com. Retrieved September 20, 2013. It has direct flights to Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis, with occasional charter flights servicing Riverside Resort in Laughlin, Nevada.{{cite web| url=https://flyrst.com/flights/route-map/| title=Destinations| website=Rochester International Airport Routes| access-date=October 11, 2021}} Nonstop flights to Phoenix and Fort Myers were scheduled to begin in early 2022.{{cite web |title=Sun Country adding direct flights from RST to Fort Myers and Phoenix |work=KAAL News |url=https://www.kaaltv.com/rochester-minnesota-news/sun-country-adding-direct-flights-from-rst-to-fort-myers-and-phoenix/6087829/?cat=10151 |date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=October 11, 2021}}

Rochester has a shuttle service connecting to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport by Rochester Shuttle Service and Groome Transportation (formerly Go Rochester Direct).

Rochester's last passenger rail service, to Chicago to the southeast and Rapid City, South Dakota to the west, ended when the Chicago and North Western Railway's Rochester 400 streamliner ended service in 1963. The closest Amtrak station is at Winona, Minnesota, {{Convert|45|mi|km}} to the east. Travelers are able to purchase tickets from Amtrak for a shuttle bus that connects with the daily Empire Builder at La Crosse, Wisconsin.{{cite web |title=Getting to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/getting-here |website=Mayo Clinic}}

Rochester is planning a {{cvt|2.6|mi|km}} bus rapid transit line known as Link. The route will have seven stations along 2nd Street SW and is expected to open in 2025. It will be the first bus rapid transit line in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities.{{cite news |last1=Peterson |first1=Randy |title=Rochester launches brand for rapid transit project with model of proposed station |url=https://www.postbulletin.com/news/government-and-politics/7192474-Rochester-launches-brand-for-rapid-transit-project-with-model-of-proposed-station |access-date=September 14, 2021 |newspaper=Post Bulletin |location=Rochester |date=September 13, 2021 |language=en}}

• {{jct|state=MN|US|14}} – U.S. Route 14
• {{jct|state=MN|US|52}} – U.S. Route 52
• {{jct|state=MN|US|63}} – U.S. Route 63
• {{jct|state=MN|I|90}} – Interstate 90
• {{jct|state=MN|MN|30}} – Minnesota State Highway 30

{{Portal|Minnesota}}

• List of people from Rochester, Minnesota
• List of tallest buildings in Rochester, Minnesota

{{Reflist}}

• Faruque, Cathleen Jo. "{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100924151236/http://hmongstudies.org/FaruqueHSJ42003.pdf Migration of Hmong to Rochester, Minnesota: Life in the Midwest]}}" ({{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150202063306/http://hmongstudies.org/FaruqueHSJ42003.pdf Archive]}}). In: Hmong Studies Journal; 2003. 50 pages.

{{Sister project links|Rochester, Minnesota|wikt=Rochester|c=Category:Rochester, Minnesota|voy=Rochester (Minnesota)|d=Q486479}}

• {{Official website|http://www.rochestermn.gov/}}

{{Rochester, Minnesota}}

{{Olmsted County, Minnesota}}

{{RochesterMSA}}

{{Minnesota}}

{{Minnesota county seats}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities in Minnesota

Category:County seats in Minnesota

Category:Populated places established in 1854

Category:Cities in Olmsted County, Minnesota

Category:Rochester metropolitan area, Minnesota

Category:Zumbro River

Category:1854 establishments in Minnesota Territory