Top 10 Photography Locations in Rochester, MN
As a photographer, most clients turn to me for guidance on location. There are locations for every style, season, and client. My first question is typically "Do you want something more urban or more natural?" from there I can narrow down one or two options for them to choose from. Of course, I always recommend checking out a location a day or 2 before just to make sure it's still accessible and looks the way you want it to look. Don't forget to look around the time of day you will be shooting! So without further ado here are my top 10 photography locations in Rochester, Minnesota!
Quarry Hill Park
Quarry Hill Park is extremely accessible and is one of my favorites for families with really young kids who may require a stroller or wagon to move from spot to spot. It's only about 10 minutes from downtown Rochester making it an easy commute for most locals. It can be a bit busy, especially during those peak photography seasons but there's still plenty of room to spread out.
Oxbow Park
Oxbow Park is a short 15-20 minute drive west of Rochester. It offers rows of soaring pine trees, tall grassy fields, natural paths, and a quaint stream if you're feeling adventurous enough to get your feet wet. I don't recommend trying to navigate strollers or wagons at this spot since most of the paths are not paved.
The Plummer House
The Plummer House is a historic English Tudor home located in downtown Rochester. The grounds are immaculately maintained and it offer a beautiful architectural backdrop with natural elements. It's a very easy location to navigate with big groups and families. The house and grounds are available to rent for events which can make it a difficult spot to access on the weekends since they close the grounds to the public if it's hosting a private event.
Silver Lake
If you want a little bit of the downtown area in the background, Silver Lake offers a lot of great photo spots. I like to recommend it if people are looking for a quick mini-session or they can't decide between a more urban or natural look. There are 3 stone arch bridges, a skate park with graffiti, and areas to capture the downtown skyline in the background.
Center St. Parking Ramp
If you're looking for something a little more urban. Center St. Parking Ramp is a great place to drop by. It's also convenient to park and take the ramp elevator down to Peace Plaza. You'll be able to capture the iconic Kahler Hotel neon sign in the background at the top of the ramp. Be very cautious of cars driving through the ramp!
Civic Center / Rochester Art Center
If you are looking for more architecture I highly recommend a stroll around the Civic Center and Rochester Art Center. You'll find many interesting backdrops in one convenient location. Bonus if you're looking for blossoming trees in the spring! You can park in the civic center parking ramp or over by Mayo Memorial Park.
Chester Woods Park
If I had to choose a favorite, Chester Wood Park would be it. It really is a one stop shop. Just 20 minutes east of Rochester the sprawling 1330 acre park offers a lake, bridges, docks, a variety of stunning prairies and more! I could go there a million times and find new spots every time. If you have your heart set on photos on the fishing dock during the summer I suggest trying to go on a weekday.
Allis Park
Allis Park is a hidden gem about 10 miles north of Rochester. It's a small area making it ideal if you don't want to do a lot of walking but it it's a beautiful backdrop with the bridge and stream running through it. Oronoco State Park is conveniently located if you want to change the scenery up.
Oronoco Prairie SNA
I discovered this spot 2 years ago. It's a nature preserve so the trails aren't maintained year around, so I really only utilize this location in the fall when they mow down the trail making it walkable. If you're dreaming of rolling hills and golden tall grasses in the fall, this is your spot.
Whitewater State Park
If a 30 minuet drive doesn't intimidate you, Whitewater State Park is a stunning location. It has anything and everything you could want and it's magical in the fall. There are areas of the park that are extremely easy to navigate and areas that would require some hiking if you're looking for views over looking the bluffs.
