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Best Medical Vacation Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN 🩺

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This is a comprehensive list of my favorites from my trips for colon cancer treatment and medical care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. We have had a total of seven trips with around 40+ days of treatment. We have grown to enjoy our medica...
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Activities

Here are the activities and things we found to do. Some items on this list are family and kid friendly which will be noted!

 
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Mississippi National River & Recreation Area has so many different things to do and a museum that is open even during winter. This is great for so many different activities for all. This is a kid friendly option.
Mississippi National River And Recreation Area Headquarters
 
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An awesome building with so many architectural views. Great place to go to see some glorious work. The building is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The Plummer Building - May…
 
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Such an awesome fun place to go and enjoy some fun time. This is the place to be and kiddos love build a bear. Go check it out with your family or on a date! Located in the Apache Mall.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
 
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This is truly a child's dream and such an interactive play place. SPARK offers so many learning and physical activities. Great for many ages. They even have toddler Thursdays! Located in the Rochester Apache Mall.
SPARK, Children's Museum
 
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Super cool historical examples and wonderful museum. Many displays with helpful descriptions. Great for the family too.
Museum Mayo Clinic Heritage Hall
 
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Rochester Art Center has a lot to offer. If you or a loved one enjoy art, this is a fantastic place to go. My husband loves to create and enjoy art so we decided to check out this place. So fun. Great for the whole family.
Rochester Art Center
 
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Many different shows are offered. Many great shows and classics too! This theater experience is wonderful and a fun break from all the appointments.
Rochester Civic Theatre

Food & Drink

These are the favorite food places we have frequented to keep us fueled on our long days. Favorite drink places we have found in the area you can get on foot or access pretty easily through the subway, or on the street, etc. Many different hours for ...

 
Hannah Shae profile picture
This has all the places to eat that you may be interested in or nearby while on the Mayo Clinic campuses.
Places to Eat near Mayo Clinic St. Mary's & Downtown Campus in Rochester, Minnesota
 
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This is a wonderful comprehensive list of all the food and eatery options in the Rochester area. Since so many of the clinic shops have strict hours, this list is so helpful to find exactly what you are looking for and may be craving!
Explore Eat & Drink in Downtown Rochester, MN
 
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List that is broken down into food or drink categories that are very helpful to find something specific you may be looking for.
Eat & Drink Downtown Rochester MN
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My husband and I would have this three times a day if we could (x This place is so delicious and a number one thing we look forward to on our trips!
Tea Time
 
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This Qdoba is a great option located in the central of downtown campus. Easy to access next to the Kahler Grand Hotel.
QDOBA Mexican Eats
 
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We love this place for happy hour appetizers and food in general! Great easy options you can grab to go or sit down to eat. Also has a bar if you can intake alcohol.
CB3 Burgers & Brews
 
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All I have to say is, yes, please! This is amazing food and fresh fish. I have enjoyed eating here. Such friendly staff and good food. Thankful for this spot!
Wabi Sabi Express
 
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Such delicious mediterranean cuisine that is so refreshing and fueling. This is exactly what is needed after a long day or for a midday meal. We have gone as we are leaving Rochester as a “yay, we did it! let us have one last meal and get out of town...
Nupa North
 
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Wonderful coffee that is super well made and has such a comfortable vibe in the store. They don't just have coffee but also tea, treats, and more! Something for everyone.
MOKA - Coffee. Espresso. Tea.
 
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This popcorn is delectable. If you are a popcorn lover and want to enjoy a nice treat this popcorn is awesome! You can smell the nommy popcorn through the hallway. Anyone I've heard who's ever tried loves it. I love the regular and cheddar popcorn!
Carroll's Corn

Lodging

All the lodging options in the area. Everyone has different preferences so I have listed different price ranges, locations, and options!

 
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Located just two blocks south east of the Rochester Mayo Clinic the classic Hilton Hotel offers a luxurious place to stay.
Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, Minnesota
 
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The Kahler Grand is located central of the downtown campus. This central location offers for incredible access to everything during your stay and for your appointments
The Closest Mayo Clinic Hotel The Kahler Grand Hotel
 
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This hotel is connected to the subway system and is in the north of the downtown campus. We personally favorite this hotel due to the staff, service, complimentary breakfast, price, and ease of access to subway for getting to appointments. Grateful f...
Downtown Rochester MN Hotel Kahler Inn & Suites
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Hotel Indigo is a great lodging option in the downtown area. Not too far from the downtown campus, this hotel is a great option for your stay.
Hotel Indigo Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area
 
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The second Hilton in the downtown area. This option is slighty closer to the clinic and offers great amenities.
Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown, Minnesota Hotel
 
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Located in the central east the Marriott Hotel connects to the subway allowing easy access to appointments or whatever you may need during your stay.
Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area
 
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Airbnb is always a great option when traveling. If Airbnb is your vibe, check out the options in the area!
Rochester Vacation Rentals - Airbnb
 
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VRBO offers such versatile options that feel comfortable like a home away from home. If you are needing a good place to stay that fits your needs, check out what VRBO has to offer in the Rochester area.
Rochester vacation rentals - Vrbo

Shopping

Shopping options on campus, nearby, or for delivery that is convenient for your stay.

 
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Such a cute homey small town vibe in the downtown area. So many awesome stores and places to window shop or actually shop!
Galleria at University Squ…
 
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Located at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center building in the west central of the downtown campus. This spa has so much to offer but is not covered by insurance. They have anything from manicures, to makeup, massages, body wraps, facials, and more...
Rejuvenate Spa At Mayo Clinic
 
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Nice mall that has so many different options. I am placing this in shopping and will list specific activities the mall has in the activity section!
Apache Mall - Shopping Mall in Rochester, MN
 
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Target is always a one stop shop that has anything you may need. As usual, on trips something may pop up or an item will run out so a Target run is our go-to option. Thankfully this is a nice little Target with a good sized parking lot so it is easy ...
Target
 
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As always, Wally-world, aka Walmart, has great prices, products, and variety. Walmart does offer delivery to almost all locations downtown, even the Kahler Inn and Suites (where some other stores do not deliver). We have needed to do a delivery from ...
Walmart Supercenter

Medical Locations

These are the main medical locations in the downtown campus. This will also include medical related stores like pharmacy, medical equipment, and self care.

 
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One of the many appointment buildings. Located in the northern area of the downtown campus. Can access a number of ways.
Charlton Building
 
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A building located in the northern right or northeast of downtown campus. Another appointment area. Accessible by subway or outside.
Jacobson Building
 
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Eisenberg building holds many appointment offices. Accessible in a number of ways. Near Charlton and below Jacobson. In the northern campus in the eastern side.
Eisenberg Building
 
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This is a very large building with so many appointment offices. Even has surgery and procedure rooms. Accessible from main entrance, subway, and offers valet parking. Located in the north central of the downtown campus.
Gonda Building
 
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Another very large appointment office building that is accessible in a number of ways. Located in the central southern downtown campus in Rochester.
Mayo Medical Sciences Buildi…
 
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Appointment offices and easily accessible. Located in the southern portion of the downtown Rochester campus.
Hilton Building
 
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Located in the southern most of the downtown Rochester campus. This building is another appointment office with subway and other access.
Guggenheim Building
 
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This is the employee and community health building for all. An appointment office with easy accessibility. Located in the southern (and slightly southwest) of the downtown campus.
Baldwin Building
 
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Appointment office that has ease of accessibility and is next to the Marriott & Kahler Grand Hotel. Located in the central east of the downtown campus.
Siebens Building
 
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Variety of offices and appointment spaces. Also is where the spa is located. Has workout spaces. Would very much recommend adding this chill and peaceful stop to your venture. Located in the far west central of the downtown campus.
Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center
 
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While you are receiving care, you may need refills or be prescribed new treatments. Having access to a pharmacy is crucial to making sure your needs are met. These pharmacies are located throughout the campuses.
Pharmacies
 
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Medical equipment and supplies can be such a necessity when traveling and in general. These stores have all you need for the medical supplies you require. Check out these stores if you are in need during your stay.
Medical Supplies and Equipment

Rest Areas

These are the places you can stop and rest during the chaos of all the running around the campus.

 
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The subway level has quite a few rest stops in a variety of areas. I would recommend going to an elevator or asking your transport escort to bring you to a rest area in the subway. There are different seating spots and a few near shops, cafes, or app...
Mayo Clinic Subway Level
 
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Absolutely beautiful little square and rest area. Even a good spot to stop in the winter. There are adjacent stores and great places to go explore.
Peace Plaza

Parking

Many parking options are available. My family prefers the Mayo Clinic parking ramps and buying a parking pass for multiple days to reduce parking prices!

 
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This is one of our favorite ramps to park at.  This usually still has spots. I have noticed almost all other ramps are close to full or filled by 7-9am CT. This ramp (as well as the Baldwin and Damon ramps) allow you to purchase multi day parking passes that reduce prices a lot.
Graham Parking Ramp
 
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Great option that is very close to the main appointment offices. This ramp does seem to fill up quite fast. This ramp (as well as the Baldwin and Graham ramps) allow you to purchase multi day parking passes that reduce prices a lot.
Damon Parking Ramp
 
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Great option for parking depending on where your appointments are. We like this location a lot and is one of our favorites. This ramp (as well as the Graham and Damon ramps) allow you to purchase multi day parking passes that reduce prices a lot.
Baldwin Parking Ramp
 
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Thankfully there is not only the three Mayo Clinic ramps (graham, damon, and Baldwin) there is many ramps and parking lots by the city of Rochester. These are wonderful for when all the other lots are full. Rates vary and some rates are pictured in t...
Public Parking Lots & Ramps in Rochester, MN