3 Best Hiking Trails in Rochester, MN

“Quarry Hill Nature Centre is a 329-acre park that includes 8+ miles of paved and hiking paths, a pond, and an 1882 sandstone cave. The elevation gain of the rail is 6 to 433 feet. The trail is generally considered an easy trail route. Cross-country skis and snow shoes are available for rent throughout the park during winter. The Quarry Hill Nature Centre building, which includes live animals and an accessible Exploration Hall, is staffed by the Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Centre. The friends of Quarry Hill Nature Centre's professional staff provide year-round seminars, day camps, expeditions, and recreation activities.”

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“Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo offers four distinct picnic spaces, six individual picnic shelters, playground equipment, and a two-acre natural playground. The park is home to around 30 different animal species, most of which have ailments that would prevent them from thriving in the wild. The animals are all native to Minnesota. Dr. Paul E. Zollman is honored with the naming of the zoo. Some of the most well-known animals in the area include wolves, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, river otters, bison, and cougars. Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo are open most of the year; you can see most of these species yearly.”

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“Indian Heights Park has many hiking trails and plentiful things to explore. The park spans 40 acres and has unpaved routes connecting the Zumbro River and Assisi Heights. The terrain has many challenges, including steep climbs, marshy areas, and great hiking trails for all skill levels. The Indian Heights Park Loop is a one-mile trail ideal for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. There are multiple paths to choose from within the park. However, please be mindful of the narrow trails and the drop-off stone walls along the way. The park's trails can be icy in winter and overgrown in summer. Indian Heights Park is a lovely park with plenty of paths and beautiful views, and the staff are working hard to restore the area to a natural state.”

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