Saint Cloud
An hour northwest of Minneapolis on Interstate 94, Saint Cloud is a charming small city on the banks of the Mississippi River. Saint Cloud State University is central to the community, both literally and figuratively: in addition to the 15,000 students enrolled, the university is one of the city’s biggest employers, and a dedicated fan base supports the school’s hockey program (the legendary Herb Brooks coached the Huskies back in the 1980s and his name now graces the Saint Cloud State hockey arena). Just north of campus, Downtown is a charming riverside district with a strip of restaurants, bars, galleries, and performance venues along St. Germain Street. The city is home to over ninety public parks, ensuring that you’re never more than a few blocks from trails, lakes, and relaxing green spaces. For weekend excursions into the great outdoors, Saint Cloud is only a short drive away from Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and Mille Lacs Lake.
Cambridge
Forty-five miles due north of Minneapolis, Cambridge is a small and fairly secluded city on the banks of the Rum River. In spite of the community’s modest size, Cambridge hosts a thriving downtown district, with a diverse selection of restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, neighborhood bars, specialty shopping, and a movie theater, all within walking distance of many surrounding neighborhoods. Numerous public parks give folks great opportunities to get outdoors, from the charming Central Green to the popular Pine Village Skate Park. With its diverse blend of apartments, condos, and single-family homes, Cambridge’s rental market features great options for any taste or budget.
Rochester
Rochester is the third largest city in Minnesota and best known for housing the Mayo Clinic, a destination medical center and the core of Rochester’s economy. Situated alongside the south fork of the Zumbro River, Rochester offers residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with access to numerous parks and trails. Some of the most frequented parks and trails in Rochester are Quarry Hill Park, Foster Arend Park, and the Douglas State Trail. Golfers have their choice of several courses to practice their game, with Rochester being home to Eastwood Golf Course, Northern Hills Golf Course, Soldiers Field Golf Course, and Rochester Golf and Country Club. Salem Glen Winery and the weeklong summer celebration of Rochesterfest also provide ample opportunities to savor the scenic outdoors and socialize in Rochester. The arts and culinary scenes are on the rise in Rochester. This is most evident during Thursdays on First and 3rd Summer Market and Music Festival, in which local restaurants and artists set up booths along First Avenue uniting the community in Downtown Rochester. Located about an hour from Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Rochester is accessible to U.S. Routes 14, 52, and 63 as well as Interstate 90. The additional presence of Rochester International Airport allows for simple travels and commutes.
