The Wahpeton tribe were the first people to occupy the area that is now present-day Rochester, Minnesota before Europeans moved into that area. Near the Zumbro River, the white settlers developed a bus stop between Dubuque, Iowa, and Saint Paul, Minnesota. In 1854, George Head and his wife Henrietta established a community in that area and named it Rochester after his hometown of Rochester, New York. In 1863, Doctor William W. Mayo arrived in Rochester and served as the main examining surgeon for the Union draftees during the Civil War. In 1883, Rochester was hit by the Great Tornado that demolished most buildings and infrastructure. Thirty-seven people died, and approximately 200 were injured. Doctor William W. Mayo took care of the wounded with the help of his two sons. The collaboration of Doctor Mayo and his two sons led to the founding of St. Mary’s Hospital in 1889. Economic growth continued in the city, which led to an increase in population, and more doctors moved to the city because of its booming medical practice. By 1915, five more doctors joined the Mayo partnership, and by 1929, more than 386 physicians were working under the Mayo name. Rochester may have been a birthplace for the Mayo Clinic, but it has also become a center of technology and innovation after International Business Machine (IBM) bolstered its operations in the city.

After purchasing a house in Rochester, Minnesota, one of the things you can do is visit some of the well-known areas in the city to learn about your new home. The first place you should visit is the History Center of Olmsted County and Mayowood Mansion. You can learn about the history of Rochester and Mayo Clinic. You can also visit the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, which was built to honor the lives of all Minnesotans who served in various battles. You can also visit the Plummer House, a historic home owned by Doctor Stanley Plummer, a founder of the Mayo Clinic. You can also visit the Rochester Art Center and Quarry Hill Nature Center.

You can go shopping and dine at the Peace Plaza close to the Mayo Clinic. Located in downtown Rochester, the Peace Plaza has numerous boutiques, restaurants, and other businesses that offer different types of goods and services. The Peace Plaza also features a network of skywalks and underground walkways spread throughout the downtown area, making it easy for residents to access different businesses.

Rochester, Minnesota, usually hosts several annual events that you can attend for entertainment and participate in a wide range of activities. Rochesterfest is a week-long festival held every June and features many family-friendly activities. You can participate in or watch triathlons, treasure hunts, and parades, among others. Another annual event that you should look forward to is the Thursdays on the First & 3rd. Held between June, July, and August, the event features live music, an art display, and food vending. If you like eating fresh produce, you can attend the Rochester Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday throughout the year.