As summer starts to wind down and a crisp breeze in the air moves in, a new wave of date nights is on the table. There is something so romantic about a chilly fall day or evening! Whether you choose to snuggle up and enjoy the fall colors change indoors or outdoors, the Rochester area has something for everyone to enjoy! Breweries, wineries, coffee shops, orchards, corn mazes, live music, and then some – you will be sure to find something tailored to your ideal date night this fall!
If you’re looking for romantic dining options, don’t forget to check out our Rochester MN Guide to Date Night Restaurants!
Breweries
The number of breweries in Rochester has grown over the past few years, giving more options to visit! Within Rochester, there are five local breweries, and some of them have delicious food as well. If they don’t make food in-house, you can be sure to find a food truck close by to meet your hunger needs! Not only does Rochester have a great selection of breweries, but the surrounding area does as well. Whether it be a day or night date, making the stop to at least one of these local breweries will be sure to make your tastebuds and stomach happy!
Local breweries include:
FORAGER | LITTLE THISTLE | THESIS BEER PROJECT | LTS BREWING CO.
Forager Brewery & Cafe
Address: 1005 6th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: (507) 258-7490
Art Social | Tuesdays, 5 PM
Trivia Night | 2nd Mondays, 7 PM
Live Music every week! Be sure to check out our event calendar to see when and who is playing!
Thesis Beer Project
Address: 1929 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Phone: (507) 206-3283
Karaoke Night | Tuesdays, 8 PM
Trivia | Thursdays, 7 PM
Live Music every week! Be sure to check out our event calendar to see when and who is playing!
Little Thistle Brewing
Address: 2031 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: (507) 226-8014
Brewery Tour | November 4 (first Saturday of each month), 11 AM
Trivia | Thursdays, 4:30 PM
Live Music every week! Be sure to check out our event calendar to see when and who is playing!
LTS Brewing Co.
Address: 2001 32nd Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: (507) 226-8280
Open Mic Night | October 25, 6:30 PM
Halloween BASH | October 28, 5 PM
Be sure to check out our event calendar to see if they have Live Music that week!
Quarry Hill Nature Center
701 Silver Creek Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906
507-328-3950
Who doesn’t love seeing the leaves change colors? Quarry Hill has many different trails, both paved and unpaved, that take you on a winding tour of all the different trees with beautiful changing colors! Pack a picnic (no glass please) and set out on a beautiful walk or hike to your destination. There are picnic tables and benches throughout the grounds, or find a grassy spot along the way! The beauty of Quarry Hill (besides the obvious) is that you get to pick your comfort level for a walk. Love a challenge? Head up to overlook the Quarry. Want to stick to the pavement? You’ll be sure to see gorgeous views of leaves changing colors everywhere you turn on this fall date night idea!
Rochester Trolley & Tour Co.
103 20th Street NE, Stewartville, MN 55976
(507) 421-0573
This idea is so fun. The Rochester Trolley & Tour Co. has many different tours that would be perfect for a fall date night! Not only do they have winery tours, but they also have something for the Halloween lovers. Hauntings With Hawk is a tour that opens on September 22, 2023, and is sure to be a real crowd-pleaser for those who want to know more about the spooky history of Rochester, MN! If spooky isn’t your vibe, then be sure to check out the Countryside Bluff Winery Tour. So get those flannels out and cuddle up as the Trolley does all the driving for you to your scenic destinations! You can book your tickets here.
Cooking Classes
How cool would this be? There is something so romantic about cooking together. Rochester and the surrounding area have a couple options to do just that, but with a professional chef to guide you! Bleu Duck Kitchen and Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard are a couple of places that provide seasonal cooking classes. Unfortunately, Bleu Duck Kitchen’s classes are sold out for the season, but make sure to check back in the New Year for their upcoming classes! Make sure to purchase your tickets soon, these understandably sell out fast!
Cooking Classes | Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard
November 10, 2023 // 5 – 8:30 PM – Homemade Pasta & Sauces
November 17, 2023 // 5 – 8:30 PM – Zuppa & More!
Wineries
SE Minnesota has beautiful wineries that are just a short drive away and perfect for a fall date night. This area also has some that are a bit further, but could definitely be turned into a day trip to make it worth your while! Many of these wineries have food ranging from small plates to a full menu. Some also allow you to walk the grounds with a glass of vino!
Wineries include:
Salem Glen Winery
Address: 5211 60th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Phone: (507) 365-8758
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery
Address: 78757 State Highway 16 Spring Valley, MN 55975
Phone: (507) 346-7300
Cannon River Winery
Address: 421 Mill Street West, Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Phone: (507) 263-7400
Villa Bellezza Winery
Address: 1420 3rd St, Pepin, WI 54759
Phone: (715) 442-2424
Art
Rochester provides a plethora of opportunities to view and experience art. Below are some of the opportunities you have this fall to enjoy art tours, classes, and more! If you’re looking to be even more inspired, check out our guide, 17 Places to Get Creative in Rochester MN.
Rochester Art Center
Address: 30 Civic Center Drive SE, STE 120, Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: (507) 722-2552
Public Art Walking Tours: Sundays | 1 PM
Artist Spotlight Tour with Roshan Ganu: October 28 & November 4, 1 PM
Ganu will speak about her current multimedia installation, जत्रा (Ja-tra) : A Feeling At The Beginning Of Time, and discuss how she uses iterations of light, darkness, moving image, space and time to explore the poignant states of our human condition. This event is free and all are welcome. No registration is required.
Gallery 24
Address: 609 N Broadway Ave Rochester, MN 55906
Phone: 507-226-8200
Check out one of the many classes on their event calendar or drop in for their month-long Mythology Art Show opening October 5.
Art Heads Emporium
Address: 317 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: (507) 319-0117
Art Heads Emporium offers classes and workshops right in the heart of downtown Rochester. Their cozy and eclectic studio gives the perfect creative vibes for date night with your friend or partner. We love the varied classes and the kind, friendly, and welcoming environment for all!
In addition to these fall date night ideas, be sure to add happy hours to your list! We have compiled a list of local happy hours for your convenience. Not only that, but be sure to get out there and enjoy the beautiful fall weather by visiting a corn maze or an orchard in the area before setting out to your date night destination!
