Seven ways to embrace spring in southeast Minnesota

The weather is warming. The sun is staying out longer. Easter and Opening Day are just around the corner. While a Minnesota snowstorm can’t truly be ruled out until around Memorial Day — anyone remember how May 2013 started? — as the calendar turns to April, it feels like spring is starting to arrive in Rochester.

It’s the perfect time to step outside and enjoy the best of what our region has to offer outdoors: not only because it’s warm enough, but with the pandemic still lingering overhead, it’s smart to still stay socially distant, whenever possible.

These are seven of our favorite options to embrace spring in southeast Minnesota.

Hop on two wheels

Rochester’s impressive municipal trail system is no secret, but it’s absolutely worth mentioning as a great way to get outside. Over 85 miles of trails connect nearly every corner of the city — the heart of downtown is directly connected to places on Rochester’s outskirts, like Mayowood, Essex Park, Bear Creek, or White Oaks Park. 

If you’ve done the city loop and are still looking for more, hook up to the Douglas Trail’s southern terminus off Valleyhigh Drive NW and head all the way to Pine Island — and if you’re feeling adventurous, head south to the Root River State Trail, which runs 42 miles between Fountain and Houston.

Explore the area’s state parks

Some of the best hiking and camping in Minnesota can be found just a short drive east from Rochester, directly in the heart of the Driftless Area. 

Whitewater State Park, near Altura, MN, is well-known for its picturesque bluffs and dynamite trout fishing — although don’t forget about the detour. Carley State Park is a little closer to home — watch for the bluebell flowers in May! — and Frontenac State Park, right on the Mississippi River between Red Wing and Lake City, is a must-see for birdwatchers during migratory season — which happens to be in full swing right now.

(Bonus: If you want to stay closer to home, there are options for you: the Olmsted County park system, which includes Chester Woods and Oxbow Park, is offering free admission through the month of April.)

Cast a line

While Minnesota’s trout season doesn’t start until April 17 and the famous walleye opener isn’t for another month after that, make no mistake: Rochester’s streams, lakes and reservoirs are open for anglers right now. Crappies, sunfish, perch, and most types of catfish are fair game year-round — just make sure you have your fishing license if you’re over 16 years old. 

Willow Creek Reservoir and Foster Arend Lake are popular spots to get started, but if you were asking my dad and his brothers — natives of southeast Minnesota and lifelong fishermen — they would say their favorite spots are tucked away along the Root River or Lake Zumbro.

(Can’t give away exact locations, though… it’s a family secret.)

Sign up for a city sports league

Rochester’s spring season, city-organized sports leagues are back in 2021, offering softball, kickball, and volleyball through the summer months. The city’s adult softball and kickball leagues are still accepting registrations, but don’t delay — the portal closes this Friday, April 2. (Volleyball fans have a little bit more time… registrations close April 16.)

First pitch for the softball and kickball seasons will come May 3 and 4, respectively. Volleyball starts May 25.

Get your hands dirty

Tending to a garden might be one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies to pick up — and a few Rochester organizations make it easy for anyone to try out their green thumb.

The Rochester Public Library offers free seeds to anyone through their Seed Library, and if you don’t have the outdoor space for a garden, no worries — RNeighbors operates four community gardens across town, and The Village Agricultural Cooperative is looking for volunteers to help tend their garden along 31st Avenue NW.

aim for the green

Golf’s popularity soared in 2020 after courses became the first private recreation option to come out of lockdown. Minnesota’s courses opened on April 18 last year — but thanks to a relatively early thaw in 2021, the quest to lower your handicap can start right now.

Willow Creek, Soldiers Field, Oak Summit, and Maple Valley courses have all opened for business, with Eastwood, Hadley Creek and Northern Hills planning to open later this week. Make sure to reserve a tee time ahead, and note most courses will be walking-only for a couple weeks.

enjoy a pint (or two)

There are five worthy options for grabbing a pint of locally-brewed beer in Rochester, and all of them have great outdoor patios. (Four of the five — Little Thistle, Forager, LTS, and Kinney Creek — are open already, and Thesis Beer Project plans to open their outdoor service in early April.)

The newest addition to the local beer scene, though, is a quick 15-minute drive from city limits. If you’re in the area, check out the outdoor patio at South by Southeast Brewing, right off Highway 52 south of Pine Island.

Isaac Jahns is a Rochester native and a 2019 graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism. He reports on politics, business and music for Med City Beat.

Cover photo: Frontenac State Park / MN Photos