When you tell people you’re going to Rochester, there’s a tendency for them to look at you with concern. Because oftentimes if you’re “heading down to Rochester” it means a trip to the world-famous Mayo Clinic, which must mean you or someone you know is very sick. I spent my fair share of time at the Mayo when my mom was living through a terminal illness, and unfortunately because of those circumstances, I didn’t get to see much of the city beyond the Clinic and the treatment center she stayed at. However, like my coworker Chrissy wrote about last year, because of all the visitors who make the trek (from around the world!), Rochester is so much more than the Mayo. And one of those special sites worth a visit is the Mayowood Mansion.
Built by Dr. Charles Mayo himself in the early 1900s, the Mayowood has much significance to the city. It once sat on 3,000 acres of gardens and agricultural land, since Dr. Mayo was extremely interested in different phases of agriculture. The 38-room home was donated to the historic society in the 1960s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic society keeps the home to the same form as it was in the 1960s when the Mayo family lived there.
You can tour the mansion while in Rochester and learn about the lives of the doctor and his family.
Now through October 19
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
11 a.m., 12, 1 & 2 p.m.
Adults: $12
Holiday tours offered in November & December, too.
