Downtown Rochester, MN

Secrets for Shopping and Dining with Ease

This summer brings an explosion of changes to the scenery in Downtown Rochester, MN.  With the many extensive building and construction projects throughout the city streets and Mayo Clinic campuses, it is easy for one to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or inconvenienced.  So we have compiled Louise's 3 most valuable secret resources (as well as a few bonus tips) to help our valued customers navigate these changes as they continue to evolve. 

1. Louise's Secret Spots for Parking

This is a number one concern for our local customers and those traveling to us in vehicles. Where to park??

There are 2 parking ramps that Louise reccomends - Ramp 5 (aka the Second Street ramp) and Ramp 6 (attached to the Hilton Hotel and Broadway Plaza). Here's why:

• • Easy navigation - finding your way to (or from) these ramps is simple, and away from heavy traffic or road construction.
  • Proximity - both ramps are relatively close to everything in the heart of the city.
  • Easy access - via the skyways or pedestrian sidewalks.

Image #1 shows how to access these ramps coming from South Broadway. Image #2 shows you how to access them coming from North Broadway.

For additional guidance, check out these short videos about Easy Access Parking Options

2. Secret Roads & Walks - Updated Often!

Another concern we have heard expressed is how to know what streets and sidewalks are open/closed. Well Louise has the perfect solution to that! There is a website dedicated specifically to providing the most up-to-date, easy to understand information. There are printable/downloadable maps for the streets, as well as for pedestrian and bike traffic. There is even a virtual map so you can target specific portions of the downtown area. Here is the link for that website:

For Printable/Downloadable Construction Maps:

https://www.downtownrochesterconstruction.org/#findyourway

For the Virtual Construction Maps:

Downtown Rochester, MN Virtual Construction Maps

3. Louise's Secret Walking Path:

    Mayo Clinic, Gonda - to - Peace Plaza & Galleria Mall.

Check out this Facebook Live recording where Louise gives you walking directions through the skyway and subway system to the Galleria Mall. Facebook Live - With Louise & Sarah

(OR)

Watch this video and discover a secret path from the Mayo Clinic, Gonda Building. We will lead you through the easiest path and the shortest distance to the Peace Plaza and Galleria Mall (and The Nordic Shop!)

4. Who to Ask for Help?

If you still have questions, or you just need to hear it from a human, do not hesitate to pick up the phone. We are happy to help with any of your navigation concerns and provide any additional information that we can. We will do our best to make shopping in downtown Rochester as pain free as possible. 

Our friendly staff is available to answer your questions during regular business hours:

Weekdays 10am - 7pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm

(507) 285-9143

Louise's BONUS TIPS!!

Make sure to check our Facebook and Instagram pages, or our YouTube channel for videos on how to navigate the skyways and subways! 

Facebook ~ #nordicshoprochester: https://www.facebook.com/nordicshoprochester

Instagram ~ @nordicshoprochester: https://www.instagram.com/nordicshoprochester

You Tube ~ @thenordicshop602: https://www.youtube.com/@thenordicshop602

Find additional navigational resources on Mayo Clinic and Downtown Rochester, MN websites below:

Mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide

https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/campus-buildings-maps

Mayoclinic.org/Rochester-construction

https://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester-construction

Downtown Rochester, MN

https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/

©The Nordic Shops, Inc., June 2025