🌆 What to Expect When Visiting Mayo Clinic: A Local’s Guide to Rochester, MN

Visiting the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, can feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time in town. Between appointments, travel logistics, and finding a comfortable place to stay, there’s a lot to plan.

That’s where LIV Properties comes in. As a locally owned company offering furnished rentals near Mayo Clinic, we’ve helped hundreds of patients, caregivers, and medical professionals feel at home during their stay in Rochester.

Here’s a simple, local’s guide to help you feel more prepared and at ease.

✈️ Getting to Rochester

Most visitors arrive through one of two airports:

• Rochester International Airport (RST): Just 10 minutes from downtown.

• Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP): About 75 minutes north by car or shuttle.

Transportation Options:

• Rochester Shuttle Service or Groome Transportation offer reliable transfers from MSP.

• Rental cars and ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) are easily available.

• Mayo Clinic provides patient shuttles between campus buildings and local lodging partners.

🏠 Where to Stay Near Mayo Clinic

Your accommodations can make a huge difference during treatment or extended visits.

Furnished rentals near Mayo Clinic — like those at LIV Properties — offer the best mix of comfort, privacy, and convenience. You’ll have a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and modern furnishings, all just minutes from downtown.

Benefits of staying with LIV Properties:

• 6 blocks from Mayo Clinic

• Turn-key, fully furnished condos

• Covered parking and in-unit laundry

• Quiet, residential setting

• Flexible leases (short or extended stay)

“LIV” means life in Swedish — and that’s our goal: to help you live comfortably while you’re here.

☕ Local Favorites Near Downtown Rochester

When you’re not at appointments, Rochester offers plenty of relaxing places to unwind, grab a bite, or enjoy nature.

Coffee & Breakfast:

• Colorway Coffee – inside Café Steam, a local favorite steps from Mayo

• Cameo Café – creative breakfast and lunch menu in the heart of downtown

Lunch & Dinner:

• Chester’s Kitchen & Bar – upscale comfort food with a warm atmosphere

• Nupa Mediterranean – quick, healthy meals near Mayo

• Forager Brewery – craft beer and wood-fired pizza in a cozy setting

Parks & Trails:

• Quarry Hill Nature Center – peaceful walking trails and wildlife exhibits

• Silver Lake Park – scenic views and walking paths right near downtown

• Peace Plaza – outdoor public area surrounded by restaurants and shops

🛍 What You’ll Find Downtown

Downtown Rochester is compact and easy to navigate, with skyways and underground walkways connecting Mayo Clinic to nearby shops and restaurants — especially helpful in colder months.

You’ll find:

• Grocery stores and pharmacies

• Boutique shopping

• Local cafés and bakeries

• Weekly Downtown Farmers Market

💬 Tips from Local Hosts

• Book early: Mayo Clinic stays often overlap, and the best furnished rentals book months in advance.

• Ask about parking: Downtown parking can be limited — LIV Properties includes covered parking at no charge.

• Plan for downtime: Bring books, Netflix, or a hobby — quiet time is part of recovery.

• Explore nearby: Even short nature walks can make a big difference in your comfort and mindset.

🌿 Stay with LIV Properties

We know what Mayo visitors need most — a peaceful, clean, and comfortable home base during their time in Rochester.

If you’re planning a visit and want to be close to the clinic, LIV Properties offers several beautifully furnished rentals just six blocks away.