Olmsted County, MN
Your Complete Community Guide
Government resources, healthcare, cities & towns, parks, golf, and local directories — everything you need to know about Olmsted County and the greater Rochester, MN area.
Explore SE Minnesota Towns
Click any local directory below to explore businesses, events, and community information for cities across Olmsted County and the surrounding region.
Olmsted County, Minnesota
Olmsted County sits in the heart of southeastern Minnesota, anchored by Rochester — the state’s third-largest city and home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Founded in 1855 and named for David Olmsted, the first mayor of St. Paul and a member of the original territorial council, the county spans 655 square miles of river valleys, bluffs, and fertile farmland.
The county is a rare blend of world-class urban medicine and quiet rural agriculture. Outside Rochester’s Zumbro River valley, small agricultural communities and townships dot the landscape — a defining characteristic that sets Olmsted County apart from sprawling metro counties in Minnesota.
The county is drained by three rivers — the Zumbro, Root, and Whitewater — all flowing toward the Mississippi, carving the scenic bluff terrain that defines the region’s character.
- County seat: Rochester, MN — Minnesota’s third-largest city
- One of only four Minnesota counties with no natural lakes
- Home to Mayo Clinic, a global leader in medicine and research
- Median household income: approximately $92,942
- Over 51% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area includes the entire county
Rochester, MN
Rochester is the economic, medical, and cultural center of southeastern Minnesota. With a population of approximately 123,000, it anchors the entire region and draws visitors from around the world — primarily because of the Mayo Clinic, one of the most respected medical institutions in history.
Beyond medicine, Rochester boasts a vibrant arts scene, a growing restaurant culture, excellent public parks, four municipal golf courses, a nationally recognized trail system, and a strong business community. The city sits in the Zumbro River valley, giving it a distinct natural character within an otherwise agricultural landscape.
Rochester is served by Rochester International Airport (RST) and is located on US Highways 14, 52, and 63, making it accessible from across the Midwest.
Rochester Quick Facts
- Population ~123,000 — MN’s 3rd largest city
- Home to Mayo Clinic, founded 1889
- Rochester International Airport (RST) serves the region
- 4 municipal golf courses operated by the city
- Extensive trail network including the Douglas Trail
- Annual Rochesterfest community celebration each June
- Home to IBM’s largest server facility outside Armonk, NY
- Strong arts scene: Rochester Art Center, Chateau Theatre
- Destination Medical Center (DMC) long-term investment initiative underway
- Located at junction of US-14, US-52, US-63
Olmsted County Cities & Towns
Olmsted County includes eight incorporated cities plus 18 townships. Here’s a look at each community in the county.
Rochester
County seat. Population ~123,000. Global medical hub, home to Mayo Clinic. Minnesota’s 3rd largest city, located in the Zumbro River valley.
rochestermn.gov →Byron
Population ~6,500. Growing suburb west of Rochester on US-14. Known for quality schools and family-friendly neighborhoods with easy access to Rochester.
byronmn.com →Stewartville
Population ~6,000. The county’s second-largest city, located south of Rochester on US-63. Known for Bear Cave Park and strong community identity.
stewartvillemn.com →Chatfield
Population ~2,800. Located at the southeast edge of the county on US-52 near the Root River. Known for outdoor recreation and small-town character.
cityofchatfieldmn.gov →Eyota
Population ~2,000. Small city east of Rochester on US-14. Quiet residential community with quick highway access to Rochester amenities.
Eyota MN Directory →Pine Island
Population ~3,200. Located on the Zumbro River in the northwest corner of the county. Known for its scenic river setting and relaxed small-town pace.
pineislandmn.com →Oronoco
Population ~1,500. North of Rochester on US-52. Famous for its annual Gold Rush Flea Market, one of the largest outdoor antique markets in the Midwest.
oronoco.govoffice.com →Dover
Population ~700. Small city in the southwest part of the county. Quiet agricultural community with an active local government and tight-knit residents.
dovermn.org →Olmsted County Government
Links and information for Olmsted County offices, services, and civic resources.
County Government
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners governs county operations, budget, and policy. The county serves approximately 167,000 residents across 8 cities and 18 townships.
olmstedcounty.gov →Elections & Voting
Olmsted County Auditor-Treasurer’s office handles voter registration, elections, and absentee ballots. Check your registration, find your polling place, and view election results.
Elections Info →Assessor & Property
Property tax information, assessments, homestead applications, and parcel data for Olmsted County landowners and prospective buyers.
County Assessor →Planning & Zoning
Building permits, land use applications, zoning regulations, and development review for unincorporated areas of Olmsted County. Contact: 507-328-7100.
Planning Dept →Public Health
Olmsted County Public Health provides immunizations, disease prevention, maternal and child health programs, environmental health, and emergency preparedness services.
Public Health →Sheriff’s Office
The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement, jail operations, civil process, and emergency management services for unincorporated county areas.
Sheriff’s Office →Human Services
Financial assistance, child protection, adult protection, disability services, housing support, and community assistance programs for Olmsted County residents.
Human Services →County Recorder
Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, property deed recording, and other vital records for Olmsted County residents. Located at the Government Center in Rochester.
County Recorder →Hospitals & Medical Care
Olmsted County is one of the world’s foremost healthcare destinations, anchored by Mayo Clinic. From world-class specialty care to local urgent care and primary care clinics, residents have exceptional medical access.
Mayo Clinic — Rochester
One of the most respected medical institutions in the world, Mayo Clinic in Rochester offers virtually every medical specialty under one roof. It sees patients from all 50 states and over 130 countries annually. The main campus is located in downtown Rochester and encompasses hospitals, outpatient clinics, and research facilities across millions of square feet.
mayoclinic.org →Mayo Clinic Health System — Southeast MN
Mayo Clinic Health System operates multiple regional hospitals and clinics throughout southeastern Minnesota, including facilities in Kasson, Austin, Owatonna, and other nearby communities — extending world-class care into rural areas.
mayoclinichealthsystem.org →Olmsted Medical Center
Olmsted Medical Center is a physician-owned, multi-specialty healthcare system serving southeastern Minnesota. With a main campus in Rochester and multiple regional clinics — including locations in Byron, Chatfield, Stewartville, and Pine Island — OMC provides primary and specialty care close to home.
olmmed.org →Mayo Primary Care — Kasson Clinic
Mayo Clinic Health System’s Kasson clinic offers primary and specialty care for residents of Kasson, Dodge Center, and the surrounding area — providing accessible care outside of Rochester for SE Minnesota families.
Kasson Clinic →Mental Health Resources
Olmsted County provides mental health crisis services, outpatient counseling, and community support programs. Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center both offer behavioral health services. For crisis support, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or Olmsted County Crisis Line: 507-289-2089.
County Mental Health →Urgent Care Options
Multiple urgent care locations serve Rochester and surrounding communities, including Mayo Clinic Urgent Care, Olmsted Medical Center Express Care, and other independent providers throughout the county. Many offer extended hours and same-day appointments.
Rochester City Site →Parks & Recreation
Olmsted County parks and Rochester municipal parks offer trails, camping, wildlife, swimming, fishing, and year-round nature programs for all ages.
Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
Located in Byron Township, Oxbow Park is one of the region’s most beloved natural areas. Home to Zollman Zoo — featuring river otters, coyotes, raptors, and other Minnesota wildlife — plus a nature center with year-round educational programming, hiking trails, and ski rentals in winter. Open daily 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; Nature Center 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Oxbow Park Info →Chester Woods Park
Olmsted County’s largest park, located east of Rochester. Features a swimming beach, fishing, hiking and mountain biking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, picnic shelters, and camping. Hosts the annual Employers of Olmsted Light Festival (E.L.F.) holiday drive-thru display in December. Open daily 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
Chester Woods Info →Root River Park
Located in the scenic Root River corridor near Chatfield, this county park offers fishing access, hiking, and quiet natural surroundings along one of southeastern Minnesota’s premier trout streams. Open daily 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
County Parks →Lake Zumbro Park
Formerly White Bridge Pier, Lake Zumbro Park offers fishing access and recreational boating on one of the area’s most popular recreational lakes. Open daily 5 a.m.–10 p.m. A popular destination for anglers and kayakers throughout the summer season.
County Parks →Quarry Hill Nature Center
A year-round indoor nature center and exploration hall located in Rochester’s Quarry Hill Park. Features live animals, nature exhibits, hiking trails through bluff terrain, a restored quarry pond, and programs for families and school groups. Open seven days a week.
qhnc.org →Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
Located in the heart of Rochester alongside Soldiers Field Golf Course, this park honors veterans with a moving memorial and offers green space along the Zumbro River. A cherished Rochester landmark and peaceful outdoor gathering spot.
Rochester Parks →Douglas Trail
A paved recreational trail running from Rochester north through Pine Island to Zumbrota — one of the most popular rail-trail routes in southeastern Minnesota. Ideal for biking, walking, rollerblading, and cross-country skiing in winter along the scenic Zumbro River corridor.
MN DNR Trail Info →Graham Park & Fairgrounds
Home to the Olmsted County Fair — held each August — Graham Park features year-round venue spaces including Floral Hall, Aune Hall, and Crawford Hall, hosting weddings, graduations, trade shows, auctions, and more. Also home to the historic Biermann House and the Mayowood Mansion gateway.
County Parks →Golf Courses in Olmsted County
From historic private clubs to City of Rochester municipal courses and scenic public layouts, Olmsted County offers excellent golf throughout the season.
Soldiers Field Golf Course
One of four City of Rochester municipal golf courses. Classic layout along the Zumbro River near the Veterans Memorial. Part of the Rochester municipal golf pass — play all four courses for the price of one membership.
Rochester Municipal Golf →Northern Hills Golf Course
18-hole public course opened 1976. Rolling hills, sloped greens, and tree-lined fairways provide a fun yet challenging round. Features a driving range, putting and chipping greens, PGA-certified instruction, and a fully stocked pro shop.
northernhillsgc.com →Eastwood Golf Course
One of Rochester’s four municipal courses, Eastwood offers an accessible layout popular with players of all skill levels. Part of the city’s municipal golf program — tee time reservations available for twosomes, threesomes, and foursomes.
Rochester Municipal Golf →Hadley Creek Golf Course
The newest of Rochester’s four municipal courses, Hadley Creek offers a scenic and well-maintained layout. All four city courses — Eastwood, Hadley Creek, Northern Hills, and Soldiers Field — are accessible under one municipal golf pass.
Rochester Municipal Golf →Willow Creek Golf Course
Championship 18-hole semi-private course just minutes from downtown Rochester, plus Little Willow Executive 9-hole course — the only executive course in Rochester. Also features an event center for weddings, banquets, and corporate outings.
willowcreekgolfmn.com →Rochester Golf & Country Club
Historic private club established in 1917, designed by A.W. Tillinghast. 18-hole championship course at 3100 Country Club Rd SW, rated 71.5 with a slope of 125. One of the most storied golf clubs in southeastern Minnesota.
rgcc.org →Zumbro Falls Golf Club
Beautiful 9-hole public course 15 minutes north of Rochester on MN-63. Rolling hills, four ponds, and a vineyard alongside hole #6 make for a highly scenic round. Open Monday–Thursday with affordable cart rates. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner available seasonally.
zumbrofallsgolfclub.com →Maple Valley Golf & Country Club
Family-owned public course since 1964, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful public golf courses in southeastern Minnesota. Located 15 minutes southeast of Rochester, cradled on three sides by limestone bluffs and the Root River.
maplevalleygolf.com →
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