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Recreation
Located a few blocks north of downtown, along the Zumbro River, Rochester’s Silver Lake Park is a wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors. The lake, which serves as a cooling source for the power plant, is ice-free during the winter months. As a result, thousands of Canada Geese stop here on their migratory route. Several of these giant birds reside permanently at the lake. Recreation activities include hiking, swimming, picnicking, and canoeing. Children will enjoy the newly built children’s Adventure Playground, an incredible play land for kids of all ages. For more details call (507) 281-6160.
With 270 acres of beautiful meadows and forest land, Quarry Hills Nature Center is the ideal spot for a little recreation. Quarry Hills provides five miles of trails for hikers, rollerbladers, and bikers. The Nature Center offers interactive displays and exhibits that showcase the area’s wildlife. Visitors can view the area’s native fish in the 1,700-gallon aquarium. Quarry Hills Nature Center is located at 701 NE Silver Creek Road. Call (507) 281-6114 for more information.
With 2,270 acres, Whitewater State Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Bird watching, hiking, camping, picnicking, and swimming are a few choices. Anglers enjoy fishing for brown, brook, and rainbow trout in the Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek. Whitewater State Park is located 3 miles south of Elba on Hwy 74. Call (507) 932-3007 for more information.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park provides visitors with a variety of unique experiences. Mystery Cave tours reveal a 48° environment complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. The park also offers a look into the area’s past with historic Forestville, a restored nineteenth century pioneer village. Visitors can also choose to hike, horseback ride, camp, or fish for trout at the park. For more details call (507) 352-5111.