Why go
- City in Minnesota, United States.
- Served by Rochester International Airport (RST).
History
Rochester is a city in and the county seat of Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States. It is located along rolling bluffs on the Zumbro River's south fork in Southeast Minnesota. The population was 121,395 at the 2020 census, and was estimated at 124,292 in 2025, making it the third-most populous city in Minnesota. The Rochester metropolitan area has an estimated 230,000 residents. The city is the home and birthplace of Mayo Clinic.
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 4 airlines, 3 direct destinations
- Allegiant Air G4 (A319) · 1 route: Mesa
- American Airlines AA (ERD, ERJ-145) · 1 route: Chicago*
- Delta Air Lines DL (CRJ) · 1 route: Minneapolis*
- US Airways US (ERD, ERJ-145) · 1 route: Chicago*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Rochester International Airport (RST); 16 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: RST has direct flights to 3 destinations on 4 airlines (incl. Chicago, Mesa, Minneapolis).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Rochester, Minnesota. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.