Need advice for Rochester, MN

[Hikerdogs]

When we travel to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, we always stay at Autumn Woods RV Park. In December, my husband has an appointment for just an X-ray so we're thinking that we'll take the car for a day trip and leave the RV in Madison, WI. Because we'll have the dogs with us, I'm looking for a place, like a city or county park, that will be open in December where I can wait in the car for a couple hours while my husband has his appointments.

Can you recommend a park what will be open and the roads plowed?

Thanks. Tracy

[Hikerdogs]

Thanks for great ideas. I never thought of the dog park. I know there is one south of downtown that we have been to before. I'll check out the Nature Center, too. Sounds interesting. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out. Thanks again. Tracy

[Flapper]

If you are looking to while away a couple of hours, try Quarry Hill Nature Center on the east side of town. Just a few minutes from any of the Mayo facilities. Of course it is winter, and it all depends on when it last snowed, but should be a good spot to do a short stroll (or longer, depending on weather). Dogs have to be leashed. Check out the old sandstone "caves" (actually old food storage for the old State Hospital).
You may want to give a call ahead about whether they have cleared some of the paved walking trails if it has just recently snowed.

https://qhnc.org/

[dedmiston]

You're smart to research ahead of time.

We had a day to kill last fall in Elkhart, IN when our RV was in for repairs. We were shocked to learn that their dog parks are "member only" and that it was going to cost us $30 to go to any of their municipal dog parks. Guess what were empty all day? Yes, the municipal dog parks.

We found a dog friendly bar instead and had a grand old time.

Not suggesting you find a bar for the day. Good luck to you and your husband.

[stickdog]

You could Google "rochester, mn. dog parks, open year round"