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History Center of Olmsted County, Rochester, MN
MuseumsHistory BuffLocal Gem

History Center of Olmsted County

1195 County Road 22 SW · Rochester, MN

Why you should go…

The History Center of Olmsted County preserves and exhibits the history of Rochester and surrounding Olmsted County, Minnesota, through museum galleries, a research library, and archives. Exhibits trace the area's settlement, agriculture, and the growth of Rochester alongside the Mayo Clinic.

  • #local history
  • #museum
  • #archives
  • #rochester
  • #olmsted county

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to History Center of Olmsted County, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Historic

    Historic Mayowood

    Under $25

    One-hour guided tours of the 38-room 1910 mansion Dr. Charles H. Mayo built outside Rochester, furnished with original family pieces and run by the county history center.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Quirky Fun

    SPAM Museum

    Free

    Learn the story of SPAM through interactive galleries, pop culture displays and free samples handed out by museum staff.

    33 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Wabasha

    Free

    A Mississippi River town in southeastern Minnesota and home to the National Eagle Center.

    35 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Niagara Cave

    Under $25

    A 200-foot-deep limestone cave near Harmony with an underground stream and 60-foot waterfall.

    41 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Winona

    Free

    A Mississippi River bluff town in southeastern Minnesota known for its lakes, limestone bluffs, and historic downtown.

    43 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Free

    Schubert Club

    Free

    Free music museum at Landmark Center in Saint Paul with hands-on instrument galleries and a historic keyboard collection.

    71 mi awayMore like this