5 Best Day Trips from Rochester

Getting a little stir crazy? Need to get on the road and explore before we hunker down for winter? Even if you don’t have the budget for a week-long vacation, you can still get away! Kuehn Motors has a list of favorite destinations that are only a car ride away!

Emma Krumbee’s Apple Orchard
507 East South Street
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 45 minutes northwest.

Although it’s only a seasonal attraction, it’s one of our fall favorites! Open mid-August through October, Emma Krumbee’s Apple Orchard is packed with tons of family fun! The orchard features farm animals, Emma’s Mountain Slide, a wagon ride, U-Pick apples, pumpkins and berries and a Scarecrow Festival! While you are there, make sure to check out the General Store and Restaurant!


Lark Toys
63604 170th Ave
Kellogg, MN 55945
Distance from Rochester: 45 minutes northeast.

One of our family favorites! Lark Toys is unique, fun, and perfect for chilly days! With over 20,000 sq. ft. to explore, it’s sure to keep you busy for a whole day! Lark Toys is one of the largest family owned and operated specialty toy stores in the nation. The store is divided into different specialty sections and boasts an indoor carousel During the warmer months, you can check out Lark’s outdoor mini golf course, too!


Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 15 minutes north.

Another great year-round attraction, the Minnesota Zoo is truly a Minnesota gem! Almost 3,000 animals call this zoo their home in the outdoor and indoor exhibits. Children and parents alike can learn about how Minnesota farms operate and develop a sense of community in the popular Wells Fargo Family Farm. There is always something fun and interesting to see and learn at the zoo -- a great trip for all ages!


Mystery Cave State Park
21071 County 118
Preston, MN 55965
Distance from Rochester: 55 minutes south.

Love exploring? Head south in the summer months (and some fall dates!) and check out a guided tour of Minnesota’s longest known cave. The cave is a sight to behold at any age, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and beautiful underground pools, and a maze of interconnecting passages. Sound dangerous? It’s not -- modern lighting and walkways make the tours accessible to just about anyone!


Brown County Historical Society
2 North Broadway
New Ulm, MN 56073
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 53 minutes west.

More of a history buff? The Brown County Historical Society in New Ulm features exhibits including Century Farms, early settlement, The Art of Wanda Gag and award winning U.S.- Dakota War of 1862. The research library is one of the best in the state, boasting extensive family records and business and history files.