Rochester Mayo Family & Mayowood Guided Tour
Explore Rochester's medical history and tour the Mayo family's Mayowood home
Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Includes
Trolley tour, Mayowood admission
Highlights
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
Cancellation Policy
Full refund when canceled at least 24 hours before departure. No refund for later cancellations or no-shows; one transfer to another available date may be offered. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather.
Product ID: THN5AP
FAQs
Follow all History Center of Olmsted County staff instructions. If staff ask you to leave the property or tour, you will not receive a refund and must arrange your own transportation.
Bring light snacks and beverages aboard the trolley, and dispose of all trash before leaving. Keep all food and beverages out of Mayowood Historic Home.
Participation grants permission for Rochester Trolley & Tour Company to photograph or record you and use the images or recordings for promotional purposes without compensation.
Meeting details
UMR Student Life Center, 150 Broadway Avenue South, Rochester, MN 55904
