PARK & TRAILS
Get Outdoors — Nature is open every day!
Quarry Hill Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
No trail pass is required.
Designated as a Park and Trail of Regional Significance by the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission, Quarry Hill Park is a historic and natural treasure at the heart of the community. Hiking trails, a pond, restored oak savanna, limestone fossil quarry and sandstone caves shape the park's 329 acres. Quarry Hill Park is part of the Rochester Parks & Trails System and managed by the City of Rochester Parks and Forestry department in partnership with the Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center.
View Trail Map
Trails
More than eight miles of paved, grassy and rugged terrain provide hiking and walking trails appropriate for all ages and abilities.
Quarry Hill Park was once part of Rochester’s historic State Hospital grounds. Markers along the Quarry Ruin trail describe the history of the park
Take a look at our map to find a great trail for you.
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FOSSIL HUNTING
450 million years ago, Quarry Hill Park was covered by an ocean and the ocean dwelling creature's fossils remain in the Platteville limestone found in the park today. Uncovered by a quarry operation during the early 20th century, commonly found fossils include: brachiopods, trilobites, cephalopods and gastropods.
Fossil hunting is a treasured tradition in the park. All the details and how-to can be found here.
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HARRY L. BUCK
CHILDREN’S POND
The engineered 3 acre pond was designed for use by students for recreation, research and wildlife studies. Enjoyed by students and park visitors, wildlife of all kinds can be seen at the pond, from ducks to geese to muskrats, turtles, frogs and even snakes! The pond is stocked with bass and sunfish. Enjoy fishing from the dock or shore. MN Fishing license rules apply.
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Adventure Packs
Free to check out for day use in the park.
ABC's Naturally totes contain story books, an activity to do in the park, and one to take home. Introduce your 2-8 year old to science and nature concepts!
Discovery Packs are filled with interactive tools, maps, and games to help you explore the park. Enjoyable for all ages. Choose from: Birding Basics, Insect Investigator and Pondering the Pond
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