Mayowood Historic Home — Attraction in Rochester

Visiting the Mayowood Historic Home in Rochester, Minnesota, was like stepping back in time to the early 20th century. The moment I arrived, the grandeur of the 38-room mansion and its beautifully landscaped grounds took my breath away. Built in 1910 by Dr. Charles H. Mayo, one of the co-founders of the Mayo Clinic, the home is not only an architectural gem but also a treasure trove of history.

The guided tour was a highlight of my visit. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Mayo family to life with engaging stories about their personal lives, their groundbreaking work in medicine, and their contributions to the community. The mansion’s interiors are stunning—rich wood paneling, ornate fixtures, and well-preserved furnishings give a vivid picture of what life was like for the Mayo family. Seeing Dr. Mayo’s study and family photos was a personal touch that made the experience feel intimate.

The gardens surrounding the mansion were equally impressive. Walking through the pathways, I admired the lush greenery, colorful flowers, and unique sculptures. The view from the grand terrace overlooking the Zumbro River was a peaceful moment that I’ll always remember. The Oriental Tea House tucked away on the property added a charming and unexpected element to the tour.

What struck me the most was how thoughtfully preserved everything was. It felt like a living piece of history, offering a glimpse into a world where innovation and elegance coexisted. If you're planning to visit, I’d recommend checking the schedule in advance, as tours can fill up, and it’s best to book ahead. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you want to explore the gardens after the tour.

Overall, my visit to the Mayowood Historic Home was both inspiring and educational. It’s a must-see for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the legacy of the...

The tour itself was good and our tour guide was informative.

The reason for 2 stars is for the hostility of some of the staff and poor handicap accessibility. They explicitly told us we could not drive through the handicap accessible parking area unless we had handicap parking. My husband told them he only had to drop me off since I cannot walk a far distance or climb stairs. They did not let go of the issue until my husband disclosed the my diagnosis. I got lost after being dropped off, and the staff refused to let my husband find me and rejoin me until he paid first for tickets. Then, the website wasn't working on his phone and on their laptop. Their clever solution was, "You should step outside and see if it works NOT on wifi." We tried to pay on my phone as well and it still didn't work. Eventually after the tour was over they figured out how to get it to work and we were able to pay.

My husband also asked if there was a wheelchair available for use and they ignored his request completely and didn't bother to answer his question. Since no wheelchair was available, I needed to sit frequently, and there were a couple times when the same staff member questioned what I was doing.

I absolutely would not recommend this tour, solely because of the poor treatment we...

My mother-in-law bought tickets for a tour and invited me along. I love historic homes and this one was definitely a treat!! The home has been beautifully restored and it is very well taken care of. You can tell the home is loved by it's caretakers. Any changes made were explained - for example, the fire suppression system (fire sprinklers) were added much later as required. Most historic homes I've been to could never afford something like this so it was wonderful to see it done so well and with care to the home. Our tour guide, Grace, was excellent. I felt roped in by the way she explained each room and it's history - I bet she used to teach! I absolutely will be back for another tour in the future. Thank you for...