Best Locations for a Photo Session in Rochester, MN

You are looking for the best place in Rochester, MN, to take portraits. As a local wedding and commercial photographer, I have discovered a lot of places I am happy to share with you.
Given I’m specialized in wedding photography, this article might be oriented for engagement sessions, but I will also try to take into consideration places for other kinds of portraits (family sessions, events, seniors, maternity). First, let’s see if you need a special location, define what a perfect place is, and why, and then check the list to select your favorite location.

List of the top locations for a photo shoot in Rochester, MN

To make it short, the three outstanding parks in Rochester MN is Chester Woods, Quarry Hills and Oxbow Park. Now, we can go more into detail and see all the options available. I might miss some. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you don’t see your preferred location.

• Chester Woods Park
• Quarry Hills
• Soldier Fields
• Oxbow Park
• Silver Lake Park
• Rochester Downtown
• Parking Rooftop
• The Plummer Building
• The Peace Plaza
• The RAC
• The Rochester Golf & Country Club
• Mayowood Mansion
• The Mayo Stone Barn
• The Plummer House
• Northwoods Orchard
• Sekapp Orchard
• Willow Creek Reservoir
• Gamehaven Reservoir
• Silver Creek Reservoir
• Eastside Wildlife Management Area
• Root River Park
• Oak Summit Golf Course
• Oronoco Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (SNA)
• Oronoco City Park
• The Woodside Park

Chester Woods Park

Chester Woods is probably the largest park in town. It’s a county park, and is spreading on several miles, and offers a large diversity of landscapes if you are ready to walk 20 min. Discover the session here.

In the middle, you can find an artificial lake (artificial water damming ) surrounded by hills covered by forest. There are several water decks on the shore, and during summer we can even enjoy a sand beach.

The lake would allow you to take pictures in your boat or go canoeing. And in winter, you can walk on the frozen. Actually, the top of some old-oak tree remains emerged, creating a fascinating landscape.

On the western part of the park side, you can find the high grass and meadow, which are perfect for pictures.
When walking south, you would arrive at the top of the bluff with breathtaking scenery of the forest below. This is an outstanding spot in the afternoon and evening to take advantage of the sunset.

Below, the river flows from the dam. The river is crossed by two wooden bridges. Those bucolic areas, but the light could be tricky.

If you ride a horse, you might be happy with the horse trails. The very southern part of the park (where I never see anyone, which is convenient for privacy during an engagement or a maternity photoshoot) is hills covered by medium-high meadows and low trees.

Finally, if you are lucky, you might cross the path of white-tail deer during your photo shoot! But I don’t guarantee we can include them in your pictures.

Chester Woods Park has a camping site and a picnic area, so it would be perfect for family pictures. This part is covered by several plum and cherry trees. So, during spring, it offers a show similar to Japanese cherry trees.

The only cons of the Chester Woods Park are the distance, which could be pretty long.  As a hacker, I love walking in nature, but if you don’t (or can’t) to walk much, then that’s maybe not the best option.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes
Suitable for Winter	small creek, but not useful for pictures
Lake	very large
River	small creek but not useful for pictures
Yes, walking on a frozen lake, but no pine tree	yes
Hills	medium ones
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	on-leash
Minutes Driving from Downtown	20 min
Specificity	A lot of nature, a frozen lake with the top of an oak tree emerging in winter
Inconvenience	Have to walk, must pay an entrance fee is you don’t have the annual sticker. Eratum : no more entrance fee since 2022!
In one word	For people who love nature.

Quarry Hill Park

Quarry Hill Park is located 10 minutes east of Rochester Downtown. Near the Nature Center,  you can find a “small” lake (the Harry L. Buck pond) with an aluminum water deck. Discover more photos.

If you walk the trails to the north, you first pass through meadows and high grass. Then you cross a little creek, which can work for pictures. To pass the creeks, use the wood bridges, which also work wonderfully for pictures.
Behind the parking, stands a forest part with pines, which are always good for winter pictures.

Now, the outstanding part of the park is located on the west side. It’s the limestone bluff. On top of the hill, you can find two different landscapes. The first one is mostly high grass and oak trees, which turn into an amazing background during fall.
The second part is a large hole on the top of the bluff (resulting from the past quarry activity), surrounded by a ridge. Today, during spring when the snow is melting into water, this hole changed into a temporary pond.
What’s more, one area is pretty much covered by dust/sand, and showcases the natural stone. Which means it’s a photogenic area.

On the top and the side of the hill, you can find different types of evergreen trees (pines). Those are especially appreciated during Minnesota’s winter. Discover a winter engagement session at Quarry Hill in Rochester, MN.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes
Suitable for Winter	yes
Lake	small
River	no river, small creek
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	natural limestone
Hills	medium
Historic Construction	The office can be used as background, but not outstanding
Dog Friendly	on leash
Minutes Driving from Downtown	10 min
Specificity	Limestone hill, and pines
Inconvenience	Could be crowded during week-end (not suitable for maternity)
In one word	Top favorite place to go

Oxbow Park

Loved by families, it’s a unique place, ideal for portraits and engagement shoots. It’s especially true during Minnesota’s winter. Indeed, you can find an entire area covered with pine trees. Covered by snow, those are really photogenic. More photos here.

Oxbow Park is located 20 minutes west of Rochester, downtown (actually in Byron City), near the Zumbro River. In the middle of the park stands the Oxbow zoo, open all year long, which is an excellent place for kids, and thus for family sessions.
The Oxbow Park is surrounded by high hills (I guess we can call them small Mountains). They are covered by the forest.

There used to be a century-old house (turned into a museum), but unfortunately, they could not keep it in good shape.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes
Suitable for Winter	Clear or breathtaking scenery
Lake	no
River	yes, but no good for pictures
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	no
Hills	high
Historic Construction	not anymore
Dog Friendly	on leash
Minutes Driving from Downtown	20 min
Specificity	Have a zoo in the middle, and a playground for kids
Inconvenience	It could be crowded during the weekend
In one word	The best place for winter

Soldiers Field

Soldiers’ Memorial Field Park is located just below downtown. It’s a large park, including a memorial, a golf club, a swimming pool, a stadium to run, a large playground for kids.

Unless you are a member, you won’t be allowed to access the golf club to take pictures, which is pretty sad because the landscape is beautiful.
Nevertheless, the rest of the park also works, even if we can deplore the lake of small trees (bush) and the lake of hills.

That being said, there is still some option for a good photographer to compose with.

During summer, the swimming pool could be an unexpected spot for pictures (if not crowded). We missed the 1960 style form swimming pool and its big umbrella, but we love the new colorful design of the Soldiers Field Swimming Pool.

During winter, the city can install an ice-skate rink, which can also be an atypical and iconic background for your images.

The main advantage of Soldiers Field Park is its location near downtown, and it offers a point of view on the city skyline.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	not specially
Suitable for Winter	ice skate rink
Lake	No
River	Yes but not usable for pictures
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	No
Hills	No
Historic Construction	No
Dog Friendly	On Leash
Minutes Driving from Downtown	1 min
Specificity	Close to downtown
Inconvenience
In one word	A convenient option for people searching for a greenery landscape close to downtown

Silver Lake Park

Silver Lake is an artificial lake located 5 minutes’ drive from downtown.

It speeds on a large surface, with the main lawn and high trees. You can find a cute little stone bridge and some banks facing the lake.
It offers a couple of options for photography (such as the lake in the background), but not much.

That said, it had some immediate adjacent locations with whom you can compose.
Indeed, on the west side of the dam, you can find the Thompson Mill Race Park, which offers a kind of sand beach when the water level is low.
On the south of the park stands a skate park, which could be a decent background in photography (if you like the style).
And finally, if you like an unconventional location, the train track (located in the south) could also be an option for a few pictures.

A good photographer would find angles to compose pictures, but that’s maybe not the easiest place for an engagement shoot.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	not especially
Suitable for Winter	no
Lake	yes
River	no
A convenient location, but it must be completed with another spot, such as downtown.	no
Hills	no
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	in leash
Minutes Driving from Downtown	5 min
Specificity	close to downtown
Inconvenience	A convenient location, but it must be completed with another spot, such as downtown.
word	A convenient location, but must be completed with another spot, such as downtown.

Rochester Downtown

Old-fashioned downtown is the guarantee of having marvelous memories. That’s the way they are appreciated and also used by photographers for other kinds of portraits than engagement sessions, such as family, college seniors, or maternity photography.

The Med City, like most cities, features post-industrial red brick walls that are photogenic!

What’s more, there are a couple of old historic houses spread throughout the town, such as the Heritage House, the entrance of the Methodist Hospital (the sick daycare entrance), the Plummer Building doors, and the Mitchell Student Center.

The 3rd St SW is maybe the cutest street in downtown. After that, you can find a lot of small back streets, with stairs and textured walls to take pictures.

The major advantage of an urban background is that it works for any type of weather, all year long.

Note: Downtown has so many options that it has its own article.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes (but won’t really enjoy the fall’s colors)
Suitable for Winter	yes
Lake	no
River	no
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	no
Hills	no
Historic Construction	yes
Dog Friendly	on leash
Minutes Driving from Downtown	0
Specificity	old red brick and historical edifices
Inconvenience	could be crowded
In one word	to combine downtown pictures and a natural location.

Parking Rooftop

My favorite vice is rooftops. There are a couple of parking lots on the rooftop Downtown that give an exceptional view of the city and its buildings. Each of them has their specificity and would be used regarding the sun and the forecast.
Anyway, the rooftop always sounds like liberty and the top of the world. That’s why they help to produce stunning pictures.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes
Suitable for Winter	yes
Lake	no
River	no
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	yes
Hills	no
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	yes
Minutes Driving from Downtown	3
Specificity	rooftop
Inconvenience	Must be used complementary to another location
In one word	A touch of fun and rock&roll

The Peace Plaza

Located downtown, the Peace Plaza is an OK location for those who want a nice backdrop downtown for one picture. Indeed, it’s located right in the middle of the city. In the middle stands an iconic fountain, and, on the side, the Chateau Theater and its old-fashioned lights.
Due to the dimensions of the place, it’s clearly not the best location for a session, but it would work for a few pictures.

Suitable for Spring	fair
Suitable for Summer	fair
Suitable for Fall	fair
Suitable for Winter	fair
Lake	no
River	no
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	no
Hills	no
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	no
Minutes Driving from Downtown	0
Specificity	Downtown
Inconvenience	Lot of events take place, very small and crowded place
In one word	great for one picture

The RAC

With its modern architecture, the Rochester Art Center (RAC) can be a decent place to take pictures.
Depending on the exhibition, you might be (or not be able to take a picture inside. Anyways, to be allowed, you must book an appointment first, and pay a fee ($55/hour, regular business hours for 12 guests or fewer).
The exterior of the edifice features a glass wall, with the shape of a wave (let’s say a wave). The modernity of the design can inspire some composition, and marry with the adjacent Mayo Park (a simple park with grass and trees).

Finally, despite the fact that it’s located at the intersection of Bear Creek, the Zumbro River (the South Fork Zumbro River), and the beginning of Silver Lake, the location does not offer any good point of view on the river to take pictures.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes
Suitable for Winter	yes (modern architecture)
Lake	no
River	yes but no nice access
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	no
Hills	no
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	no
Minutes Driving from Downtown	0
Specificity	modern architecture
Inconvenience	$55 fees for 1 hour and reservation must be taken in advance
In one word	Perfect plan B option if authorization to take pictures inside.

The Rochester Golf & Country Club

The Golf Club usually makes a beautiful background for pictures. Given that a golf course can be pretty dangerous (you don’t want to receive a ball on your head), you must ask for authorization from the manager. Someone might escort us. Of course, negotiation would be easier if you plan to get married at the club (they do host weddings), or/and by choosing a time with no players on the field.
If you manage to have a mini-car, it could be funny to use it for some images.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes
Suitable for Winter	yes (great landscape)
Lake	no
River	no
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	yes
Hills	yes
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	no
Minutes Driving from Downtown	10
Specificity	golf
Inconvenience	need autorization
In one word	golf

The Plummer House

The Plummer House is an authentic old Mansion Located 5 min driving from Rochester Downtown. It’s a Tudor English style, which means medieval architecture made with stone and wood. The interior house itself can’t be used for pictures (or you may negotiate with the manager if you are renting this place to hold your wedding, given it can be rent for weddings).
We will use the 65-acre garden, including pounds and water tower.

The park close pretty early, so don’t expect sunset pictures in summer. That being said, there is some much tree that most of the garden is under the shade.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes
Suitable for Winter	yes (thanks to the Manor)
Lake	no
River	no
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	no
Hills	no (on the top of the hill)
Historic Construction	yes
Dog Friendly	no
Minutes Driving from Downtown	5
Specificity	Old Tudor Mansion
Inconvenience	Mostly in the shade
In one word	Medieval Style

Northwoods Orchard

Best photographers love Orchards because they offer plenty of colors to be captured on camera. That can be used for seniors, families, maternity, but also for product and packshot photography. For instance, I took my wedding album pictures in an orchard close to Minneapolis.

But let’s come back to our location. If you are tired of parks, you might want to try a new experience. Then try the Northwoods Orchard.
Located at 15 min north of downtown, it could be a great place for a picture. It is open most of the year, featuring an old-fashioned white farm, surrounded by an apple orchard, corn field, a straw mountain (during the fall), and several old century trees that can be used in the background.  Moreover, they had a small wagon for kids that could be used for a family picture.

And finally, they don’t charge any entrance fee, it’s free.

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Especially yes (have a pumpkin event for Halloween)
Suitable for Winter	fair
Lake	no
River	no
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	no
Hills	on the top of the hill
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	no
Minutes Driving from Downtown	15 min
Specificity	Orchard
Inconvenience
In one word

Sekapp Orchard

The Sekapp Orchard is located 10 min from downtown, just after Quarry Hill. It’s an apple orchard, featuring two high trees, which leaves turn yellow during the fall. It’s also the period where they feature pumpkins and crisantemo flowers.

The apple alley is a bit wild (less clear than the Northwoods).

From a photographic point of view, I would prefer the Northwoods Orchad which offers more angles and more options. That said, given its location, it could be a good additional location with Quarry Hills (which is probably the best park in town)

Suitable for Spring	fair
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes
Suitable for Winter	no
Lake	no
River	no
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	no
Hills	on a hill
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	no
Minutes Driving from Downtown	15 min
Specificity	Orchard
Inconvenience	Not at lot of angles, and entrance fees (minimum bag)
In one word	fair but not amazing.

Willow Creek Reservoir Park

The Willow Creek Reservoir Park is located in the southern part of the city, above the airport, and on the west side of US63.
It’s a large park of 192.4 acres with, at its center, an artificial lake (with an island at the center). It has an unpaved 2.3-mile loop trail that would take at least 47 min to complete (without taking photos).
Along the way, we have multiple types of landscapes that make it one of my favorite places in Rochester.
Indeed, you will have:

• A dam, offering an overhauled point of view on the lake
• Some area of high grass with nothing in the background
• Some area of high grass with trees in the background
• Some areas of the trail are covered by trees
• The Willow Creek that can be used for some pictures
• All kinds of mid-size flowers, to very high grasses and bushes
• A deck on the lake

What’s more this location is dog-friendly and there aren’t a lot of people. So it’s a great place to have your pictures taken if you don’t like the crowd.

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Yes
Suitable for Winter	Yes, can walk on the lake
Lake	Yes
River	Willow Creek
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	Yes
Hills	Yes
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	Yes
Minutes Driving from Downtown	13 min
Specificity	Reservoir
Inconvenience	47 minutes loop
In one word	great place, lot of different landscapes

Gamehaven Reservoir Park

The Gamehaven Reservoir Park is an 80-acre park on the side of an artificial lake with a dam located in the south of Rochester on the east side of US63.
The access to the park requires a little walk, going through some large areas of grassland (with two majestic oak trees). Located behind the big dam, which contrasts with the rest of the park, which is pretty hilly.

On the north side, you have a kind of canyon (probably resulting from quarries), with limestone on each side of the hills. The ground is covered by concrete, which probably means that it was used before. Today it’s left abandoned, making this part a quite interesting location, with a few graffiti. That could be a place to play with smoke bombs for instance.

The trail on the dam gives a nice overlook on the lake and reaches the east side, which is a big hill. This one has an entire area where the vegetation has been removed to create a nice, clean slope.
This slope is well known and well used for mountain biking and for sledding.

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Yes
Suitable for Winter	Yes, can walk on the lake
Lake	Yes
River	Creek
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	Yes
Hills	Yes
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	Yes
Minutes Driving from Downtown	11 min
Specificity	Reservoir
Inconvenience	Can’t hike all around the lake
In one word	Simple reservoir bordered by trees

Silver Creek Reservoir

The Silver Creek Reservoir is a 98-acre artificial lake built to protect Rochester against flooding. It’s not really a park, and it’s pretty simple with an access to the dam and some areas of grass only on the south-west side.
This silver creek would work perfectly in winter to have fun on the frozen lake (check photos of a session here).

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	No (no shade)
Suitable for Fall	No especially (no trees)
Suitable for Winter	Yes, can walk on the lake
Lake	Yes
River	Creek
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	Yes
Hills	Yes
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	Yes
Minutes Driving from Downtown	9 min
Specificity	Reservoir
Inconvenience	Can’t hike all around the lake
In one word	Simple reservoir with open view on the background

Eastside Wildlife Management Area

The Eastside Wildlife Management Area is a natural lake located on the East Side of the city, near Quarry Hill and next to the Sekapp Orchard. With 118 acres or area the location is mainly used for birdwatching, but it has huge potential if you are looking for a location for a photo session. Instead, the Eastside Wildlife Management Area offer:

• A wood deck with a nice view on the lake
• Some area of pine trees
• Some area of reeds to play with
• Some area of high grass
• Some area with some oak tree
• The railways on the east side of the park.
• In winter the frozen lake is fun to walk on.

All these reasons make this place a good natural to go to have some engagement pictures taken.
Dogs are not allowed.

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Yes
Suitable for Winter	Yes, can walk on the lake and play with reeds
Lake	Yes
River	No
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	No
Hills	No
Historic Construction	No
Dog Friendly	No
Minutes Driving from Downtown	7 min
Specificity	Reservoir
Inconvenience	Can’t hike all around the lake
In one word	Simple reservoir with open view on the background

Root River Park

The Root River Park is a huge park of 125 acres. It has a 2-mile unpaved loop hiking trail that goes from the parking lot located on the top of the hill, to the river, located at the bottom of the hill.
On the way, you will have an area of high short grass, and then it’s mostly some parts into the woods until you reach the bottom of the hill. On the other side, you will have a nice cliff.
There, you have some areas of very luxurious green plants and high grass. You have some trails alongside the Root River. At some point you have a small area of sand (not really a beach, but pretty close). And given the river is not deep (2-3 feet at maximum), you can have fun playing in the water while having your picture taken.

The Root River Park is dog-friendly, and is a great place for people who want quiet places and nature.

Be aware that the sun will go down behind the west hill, so you won’t have a golden hour down there and should plan to arrive soon enough to have some sun rays.

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Yes
Suitable for Winter	No
Lake	No
River	Yes, Root River
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	Yes
Hills	Yes
Historic Construction	No
Dog Friendly	Yes
Minutes Driving from Downtown	16 min
Specificity	river, beach, cliff, hills
Inconvenience	Long hike to go down
In one word	Great spot for people who love nature

White Oaks Park

The White Oaks Park is a little community park, with a playground, located between the 50th Ave NW and the 55th Street NW, next to the Douglas State Trail.
What is interesting about this park is the retention ponds that are located just behind and which are boarded with some trees on the south side. During the fall season, the leaves of those trees turn vivid red, making them a great location for a quick family photo session.

Suitable for Spring	No
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Yes
Suitable for Winter	No
Lake	Yes
River	No
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	No
Hills	No
Historic Construction	No
Dog Friendly	Yes
Minutes Driving from Downtown	12 min
Specificity	Trees turning red in the fall
Inconvenience	Trees are turning red in the fall
In one word	Great, just for a few photos

Oak Summit Golf Course

In the Golf Course category, the Oak Summit Golf Course is, like most golf courses, a nice place to have your pictures taken. Located next to the Rochester Airport, its landscape is pretty hilly, with some beautiful trees (oak, willow, pines), and some areas with reeds.
Of course, you need to be a member and will have to borrow a golf cart to drive on the 240 acres of fields.
16min

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Yes
Suitable for Winter	No
Lake	No
River	Willow Creek
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	Yes
Hills	Yes
Historic Construction	No
Dog Friendly	No
Minutes Driving from Downtown	16 min
Specificity	Golf course
Inconvenience	Need a membership
In one word	A great golf course

Oronoco Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (SNA)

The Oronoco Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is 80 acres of high grass with a slightly hilly landscape.
This area itself is pretty simple, with a few trees on the side, but mostly high grass and other rare species of plants that compose the prairie.
It has a little stream crossing. And a trail goes towards the west side, perfect orientation for the early morning, or sunset photos.
Dogs are not allowed.

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Yes
Suitable for Winter	Yes
Lake	No
River	Creek
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	Yes
Hills	Yes
Historic Construction	No
Dog Friendly	No
Minutes Driving from Downtown	15 min
Specificity	Prairie, High Grass
Inconvenience	only one trail in an east-west direction
In one word	For prairie lovers

The Oronoco City Park & Alis Park and its bridge

I’m 100% sure you have already driven next to this place, and might have thought how good looking it is, without knowing it’s actually a public park that you can use.
The Oronoco City Park & Alis Park (same park, just the name change depending on which side you enter) is a 33‑acre state park. It’s crossed by the HWY-52, and by the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River.

It features a historic bridge that we can use for a few pictures (as an element of background and for the view).
But what we like the most is the river bordered with high grass. You can really come close to the river and even step on big stones. It’s a known fishing place.
And, on the west side of the park, you will find a historic area (an old chimney), and some beautiful big oak trees.

It has a shelter with a bathroom.

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Yes
Suitable for Winter	Yes
Lake	No
River	Middle Fork of the Zumbro River
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	Yes
Hills	No
Historic Construction	Yes but won’t use it
Dog Friendly	On Leash
Minutes Driving from Downtown	19 min
Specificity	River, Bridge, Prairie, High Grass
Inconvenience	only one trail in an east-west direction
In one word	Clear or breathtaking scenery

The Woodside Park

Woodside Park, located along Highway 52 on the former IBM campus, also formerly known as the IBM Park, spans more than 100 acres of open lawns, trails, and mature Minnesota trees.
It’s best known for its disc golf course but also features sports fields, courts, and picnic areas, making it a versatile community space. The southwest side shifts into prairie and wooded landscapes. The park also includes playgrounds for kids, and a lake/pond at the entrance: lake Maroo, that we will not use for photos.
Once reserved for IBM employees, the park has since become a peaceful public spot that rarely feels crowded. With its mix of open views, rolling hills, tree-lined walkways, and brilliant fall colors, it has become a hidden gem for both recreation and photography.

Suitable for Spring	Yes
Suitable for Summer	Yes
Suitable for Fall	Yes
Suitable for Winter	Yes
Lake	Lake Maroo
River	No
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	Yes
Hills	Small Rolling Hills
Historic Construction	No
Dog Friendly	Yes
Minutes Driving from Downtown	11 min
Specificity	Majestic tree, Pine Trees, Prairie, High Grass
Inconvenience	–
In one word	Clean and perfect for fall colors

Is there any Covered Location in Rochester, MN?

There is no nice and free covered location in town for engagement sessions that I am aware of. But there are a few options:

• The Mayo Civic Center
• The Skyways
• The Rochester Art Center
• The Gonda Building

The Mayo Civic Center

The Mayo Civic Center is mostly bright and can work as a last resort plan. We like its big windows. We are less in love with ugly brownish-orangish hotel-style carpet and its strong artificial lighting. Though it has saved me during a photo session once, so it’s worth mentioning!

The Med-city Skyways System

You might use the skyways, but those are not very photogenic. We could also use a coffee shop or a restaurant, but that’s clearly not the best option.
If you are the owners of a nice home, with bright walls and lots of light, you could consider it as a Plan B option.

RAC (Rochester Art Center)

The Rochester Art Center buildings meet the stereotype of the typical modern museum: a big white box. With a lot of space, white walls and big glass walls, it provides a neutral background for art pieces, and also for your portrait!.
As we mentioned earlier, the RAC asks for reservations and a 55$ fee for 1 hour (Note that the price might increase).

The Gonda Building

I might be wrong, but regarding what can be found on the Mayo photo policy, it seems allowed to take pictures inside the building, under the condition not to expose any patient.

Given the very few option of covered location, and the high number of people working for Mayo (who have access to the building during weekends) I have decided to include it. If you are part of the second half of the city who does not work for Mayo, then, sorry, stop here and pass to the next location.
The Gonda building is a dream location during weekends, when there is (almost) no one in the hall. With its 3 or 4 floor wall glass and its modern architecture, it’s a wonderful spot to take pictures, especially in case of cold and bad weather!

What’s more, it’s surrounded by adjacent and old historic edifices. For instance, the massive door of the Plummer Building can be used, or the front of the Mitchell Student Center.

Suitable for Spring	yes
Suitable for Summer	yes
Suitable for Fall	yes
Suitable for Winter	especially yes
Lake	no
River	no
Clear or Breath-taking scenery	no
Hills	no
Historic Construction	no
Dog Friendly	no
Minutes Driving from Downtown	0
Specificity	covered place open
Inconvenience	Clear or breathtaking scenery
In one word	must be a Mayo employee to have access

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Locations located within 1 hour’s drive (or less) of Rochester, MN.

Finally, if none of those locations fit your expectations for your once-in-a-lifetime photo shoot, or if you want to make sure you won’t cross any of your colleagues, and if you are ready to drive a bit farther, here is a short list of other remarkable locations around Rochester.

• Salem Glen Vineyard & Winery
  Cute Vineyard 20 min from Rochester, MN
• The 4 Daughters Winery
  Amazing Vineyard with multiple options, 40 min from Rochester, MN. Ask one daughter for the authorization.
• Whitewater State Park
  Breath-taking point of scenery, nice like, but must walk a lot. Not a good idea for seniors.
• Steeple Chase Event Center
  Church on top of a disaffected ski station with pines. Atypical locations
• Lake City
  A cute city on the side of the Mississippi River, great for seniors.
• Kellogg-Weaver Dunes
  Surrealist Place in Minnesota. Great for engagement, maternity sessions, and for seniors.
• Frontenac State Park
  Large Park, nice high grass, and points of view, ideal for maternity images.
• The Farmers park, Lewiston, mn
  An old Stone Railway Bridge, a creek, and a stream.
• Red Wing
  Red Wing town has a lot of old historic buildings (including the St James Hotel). Its downtown is a mix of classic limestone buildings and post-industrial red brick buildings. What’s more, it’s on the side of the Lacroix River, and it has a train station to use and a bluff. All that makes it a great candidate for your next photo session.
• Lanesboro
  Lanesboro is one of those charming little historic towns in Minnesota that are great to spend an afternoon. It also offers numerous photo opportunities. It features a bluff that offers a stunning view of the valley, the downtown area with numerous historic houses, and the Root River shore, complete with its iconic bridge.

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Do you really need a special location to get good photos?

99% of the time, the answer can be made in one word: yes.

Pet: Another reason to stop at your home for a few photos

What Is a Great Location for a Photo Shoot

Let me explain how I have selected the greatest place. To make it simple, a good location is a location that must meet 5 criteria:

• It must be easily accessible via the road (you don’t have to climb rocks to get there or drive more than 1 hour)
• It must not be crowded (you don’t have people in the background of your one picture)
• It’s a place you should feel comfortable and secure, so you can reveal your emotions and your relationship
• It’s a place that has some aesthetic qualities, such as a beautiful natural landscape, or a remarkable urban point of Vue
• Photography must be allowed (which excludes the Mayowood Mansion and the Assisi Heights)

In addition to those primary conditions, you might pay attention to additional criteria regarding your needs and your tastes, such as:

• Conversely, an empty lawn can have some elements allowing the photographer to use them in order to create a photography effect (such as flowers, shrubs).
• In summer, it should be placed in some part in the shade (better light)
• In winter, it should remain joyful despite the dull day
• It must allow dogs (if you want a picture with your pet)
• Last but not least, it should be covered in case of rain of very cold weather day

Make sure to prepare your session well!

A successful session is a well-prepared session.
If a good location is primordial for good pictures, keep in mind that you are the primordial element. Which means you should be well-dressed and have a good hairstyle. Good luck that we offer you a recommendation on clothes and a Hair Stylist in Rochester.

Also, you probably know that in photography, the light is really important. And one question that comes pretty often is “when should we schedule our session”?
Therefore, I have created a golden hour calculator that will give the best time regarding your date!

Now, if you haven’t scheduled your session yet, or if you have any questions, contact me!