Rochester Mayo Family & Mayowood Guided Tour

Explore Rochester through the story of the Mayo family and the institution that shaped the city. Ride a narrated trolley tour, then step inside the former home of Dr. Charles H. Mayo.

• Discover the Mayo family's legacy and the founding of the Mayo Clinic
• Travel through downtown Rochester and historic neighborhoods by trolley
• Explore the preserved interiors and family stories of Mayowood Historic Home
• Learn how Rochester grew into a major destination for medicine

Itinerary

📍 9:00 AM – Depart UMR Student Center

Board the trolley and meet your guide as your journey through Rochester's remarkable medical history begins.

🏥 9:05 AM – Narrated Rochester History Tour

Travel through downtown Rochester and historic neighborhoods while learning the incredible story behind the city that changed medicine forever.

Highlights include:

• The inspiring legacy of the Mayo family
• The founding and growth of the Mayo Clinic
• Historic landmarks and significant medical sites
• Rochester's transformation into a world-renowned healthcare destination

Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories, local history, and little-known facts throughout the tour.

🏡 10:45 AM – Guided Tour of Mayowood Historic Home

Arrive at the beautiful Mayowood Historic Home, the former residence of Dr. Charles H. Mayo and his family.

Your guided mansion tour includes:

• Original architecture and beautifully preserved interiors
• Family history and personal stories of the Mayo family
• A unique glimpse into life beyond the Mayo Clinic

🚋 12:20 PM – Return to Downtown Rochester

Relax aboard the trolley as you return to downtown Rochester. Your guide will conclude the tour with additional stories and answer any remaining questions.

📍 12:35 PM – Tour Concludes

Return to the UMR Student Center with a deeper appreciation for Rochester's remarkable history, the Mayo family's legacy, and the people who helped shape one of the world's leading medical institutions.

What's Included

• Narrated trolley transportation
• Local guide
• Mayowood Historic Home admission
• Guided Mayowood mansion tour

Important details

• Arrive 10 minutes before scheduled departure
• Requires about 1½ hours aboard the trolley and about 1 hour of walking and standing during the mansion tour
• Keep food and beverages out of Mayowood Historic Home
• Follow History Center of Olmsted County staff instructions while at the property; removal from the tour is not refundable and requires arranging your own transportation