Living in Lowertown Rochester, MN

In 2018 Rochester’s Northrop neighborhood re established itself as Lowertown as an homage to “Lower town”, Rochester’s business district first established in 1857. We believe Lower town got its name due to the surrounding elevation, making it nearly impossible for a visitor to miss the declining altitude when coming from the north, south, and east as they arrived to the area.

Lowertown Neighborhood is directly north of Downtown Rochester and bordered by river and rail: Cascade Creek, Silver Lake, the Zumbro River, and the tracks at Civic Center Drive. And you may notice one of Lowertown’s blue street sign toppers designating that you are in Lowertown.

Summertime offers many activities to do in the Lowertown Neighborhood. Hop a Lime Scooter or grab your bicycle and helmet! Olmsted County’s bicycle trail system will lead you right to Lowertown!

Safely bike up and down Broadway using our cycle track. For bonus bike points, unlock unique discounts at Lowertown and other Rochester businesses when you put a Bicycle Benefits sticker on your helmet!

Along your way, stop at North Broadway Dairy Queen, the self-proclaimed “state of Minnesota’s first Dairy Queen” for a cold treat. Or rent a paddle boat and enjoy the views at Silver Lake Boat Rentals. Kids will enjoy the playgrounds at Silver Lake and Goose Egg Parks.

Rainy weather, cold weather, or just feeling cozy? Take in a film screening at Gray Duck Theater or watch a live performance at the Rep Theater. 

Take out lunch or eat in at India Garden on Broadway, grab a boba tea pick-me-up at Kung Fu Tea, or catch late night street tacos and tamales at the Mi Pueblo food cart (located in the Great Harvest Bread Co. parking lot).

Take a unique shopping trip in Rochester: find popular brands in great condition and pre-loved books while supporting reuse at Kismet and Garden Party Books, respectively. Catch a record or show at Hidden World Vinyl Records. Get inked by local favorite Sacred Heart Studios. And scoop up some Rochester-exclusive ‘fits at Local Clothing. (Insider tip: when you visit their Lowertown workshop+showroom, be sure to squeeze in a round of PacMan on their arcade games.))

Learn about Lowertown’s history when you check out Rochester’s Heritage House, originally built in Lowertown in 1875 and moved to Rochester’s Central Park in 1972. Or plug into our community by attending a Lowertown Neighborhood event! (Watch our website and social media channels for news.)