Get your Mayowood tickets HERE 
                    
                                  CLOSED Thanksgiving Day.
                                

Historic Mayowood History

Historic Mayowood is one of the top attractions in Rochester, drawing thousands of visitors each year!

A tour of Mayowood is to experience the personal lives of Dr. Charlie Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, and his son, Dr. Chuck Mayo, and gives visitors an opportunity to celebrate their amazing achievements in medicine and human service.

The 23,000-square foot, thirty-eight room home was designed by architect Fritz Wagner of Chicago, and built by Garfield Schwartz in 1910 for Dr. Charlie and Edith Mayo. The home is built of concrete construction, one of the first of its kind in southeast Minnesota. Once a 3,300-acre country estate, the home has seen many changes over the years.

Indoors, original Mayo family artifacts tell the story of their many world travels and how the home was used as a house of hospitality to entertain the community and VIP celebrity guests.

Outdoors, this home is surrounded by a grand terrace overlooking the Zumbro River along with beautiful botanical gardens and an Oriental Tea House.

In 2013, the History Center of Olmsted County transferred ownership of the home and surrounding property to Mayo Clinic. Since then, the two organizations have worked collaboratively, with the Clinic maintaining the house and grounds while the History Center conducts public tours, special events, and retains ownership of much of the original family archival and artifact collection.

Today you're invited to explore Mayowood and immerse yourself in the lives and legacy of the famous Mayo Clinic doctors who helped change the world of medicine.

Please note that photography is not permitted inside the home or on the grounds.
 

ACCESSIBILITY

An elevator and two wheelchairs are available, and disability parking is located behind the house. Visitors who need these accommodations must stop at the main entrance first so staff can meet them at the rear entrance and direct them to the appropriate parking area.

To make your tour as pleasing as possible, during online ticket purchase, please use the notes section to let us know if you will need any of these services.

The tour includes stairs and visitors will be walking and standing much of the time. There are several designated areas to sit during the tour and guides are happy to point them out to visitors when asked.

Location
Admission Hours
Tickets
Group Tours
School Group Tours
Christmas Tours
Special Event Tours

Welcome to Historic Mayowood located at:
3720 Mayowood Road SW
Rochester, MN 55902
 

Directions if coming from West Circle Drive or Salem Road:

  • Turn onto County Road 25
  • Drive past Autumn Ridge Church on right
  • Turn left onto Mayowood Road
  • Once over the Zumbro River bridge, turn right and drive through the Mayowood entrance gate and up the hill to the parking lot
  • Alternate Salem Road Directions:
  • Turn onto Bamber Valley Road (County Road 8)
  • At stop sign turn right (Bamber Valley School on left after turn)
  • Drive past the Stone Barn Event Center on right
  • Take first left and drive through the Mayowood entrance gate and up the hill to the house parking lot

🚪 Tour Entrance

The entrance for Mayowood tours is located on the south side of the home.
Please note: There is no tour access via the Grand Staircase at the front of the building.

đźš— Parking

Visitor parking is available in the lower lot, located beyond the circular turnaround. Look for directional signage upon arrival.

♿ Handicap Parking & Accessibility

Accessible parking spaces are located behind Mayowood.
Guests needing assistance should stop at the tour entrance door and a staff member will be happy to help.

For additional assistance with directions, please call 507-282-9447

Historic Mayowood is privately owned by Mayo Clinic and is closed to the general public on non-tour days. The public is not allowed on the grounds without a pre registered tour ticket during business hours. Please adhere to the posted signs on the property entrance. Mayo Clinic requests that NO photos are taken at the home.

                                                                          

       Regular season is closed and will open Spring of 2026.
                                         Please check back!

We recommend tickets in advance. Tickets can also be purchased on-site day of, if space allows.

Adults (13 & up): $20
Children (3 - 12): $10
Children under 3: NOT RECOMMENDED

Sunday: 12pm—3pm
Wednesday: 10am—3pm
Thursday: 10am—3pm
Saturday: 10am—3pm

NO REFUNDS. Date and time changes ARE permitted, call 507-282-9447 to reschedule.
Gift certificates are available by calling 507-282-9447.

Photography is not permitted inside the home or on the grounds.

  • All Mayowood tours are conducted by professional tour guides and tours last approximately one hour.
  • Groups of 10 or more please click on one of the buttons above ("group tours", "school group tours", "christmas tours")
  • Visitors may purchase tour tickets by clicking on the tickets button above.
  • Historic Mayowood is privately owned by Mayo Clinic and is closed to the general public on non-tour days.


ACCESSIBILITY

An elevator and two wheelchairs are available, and disability parking is located behind the house. Visitors who need these accommodations must stop at the main entrance first so staff can meet them at the rear entrance and direct them to the appropriate parking area.

To make your tour as pleasing as possible, during online ticket purchase, please use the notes section to let us know if you will need any of these services.

The tour includes stairs and visitors will be walking and standing much of the time. There are several designated areas to sit during the tour and guides are happy to point them out to visitors when asked.

No food or drink will be permitted inside of the house. 

Tickets can also be purchased on-site day of, if space allows. NO REFUNDS. ​​​​​​Please note, all ticket sales are final. Each guided tour lasts about one hour. For directions to Historic Mayowood, click on the "Location" button above.

Christmas Tours

  • Regular Christmas Tour tickets be purchased through the standard Mayowood ticketing system (click below)
  • Christmas Specialty Tour tickets can be purchased through our Events Page at olmstedhistory.com/events

For more information please click the "Christmas Tours" or "Special Event Tours" button above.

Group tours available upon request by using this form.



Select a Time and Date

Adult Group Tours

Planning a group getaway or day trip to Rochester, Minnesota? Historic Mayowood is a must-see destination for adult groups seeking an unforgettable blend of history, beauty, and storytelling.

Our guided tours for adult groups offer a captivating glimpse into the home of Dr. Charles H. Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, and his son, Dr. Charles W. Mayo. Guests will enjoy a professionally guided walk through the home’s stunning rooms, original furnishings, and historic collections, learning about the Mayo family’s contributions to medicine, community, and culture.

We welcome tour groups of all sizes and specialize in creating a seamless, stress-free experience for group coordinators. Tours are available April through December. Visit Olmstedhistory.com/Mayowood for hours of operation.

Group Tour Highlights:

  • 60-minute guided tour of the historic home
  • Self- guided tour of Mayowood grounds (weather permitting)
  • Special Christmas season group rates (30+ guests)

To request an adult group tour, please use this form to request a date and time. Historic Mayowood Site Manager will follow up with you to confirm availability and finalize your booking request.

Two complimentary tickets will be issued per bus (driver and group coordinator) for groups of 30 or more.
 

Regular Season

  • Adults $20

Christmas Season

  • Adults (10-29 people) $30
  • Adults (30 + people)$25

School Group Tours

Bring history off the page and into real life with an educational field trip to Historic Mayowood, the former home of Dr. Charles H. Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, and his son, Dr. Charles W. Mayo. Our guided school group tours are designed to spark curiosity and deepen learning by connecting students directly with Rochester history and the story of one of the most influential medical families in the world.

Each student tour includes a custom-designed worksheet that guides them through the home, encouraging observation, critical thinking, and engagement with the historic space. The worksheet helps students interact with key themes — from architecture and family life to the history of the Mayo family.

Whether you're teaching local history, social studies, or STEM foundations, Mayowood provides a meaningful experience students won’t forget. Tours are available April through November. Visit Olmstedhistory.com/Mayowood for hours of operation.

What’s Included:

  • 60-minute guided tour of the historic home
  • Tour of Mayowood grounds (weather permitting)
  • Grade-level appropriate worksheet
  • Opportunities for discussion and Q&A

To request a school group tour, please use this form to request a date and time. Historic Mayowood Site Manager will follow up with you to confirm availability and finalize your booking request.

Two complimentary adult tickets will be issued for teachers and one complimentary adult ticket will be issued for a bus driver. Additional adults will pay the student price.

  • Grades K-12- $6
  • Adult tickets- $6

“A Traditional Christmas at Historic Mayowood” 

Historic Mayowood Christmas Tours 

Step back in time and experience "A Traditional Christmas at Historic Mayowood,” where history and holiday traditions come to life. This year, the History Center of Olmsted County and Mayo Clinic invite you to discover Christmas as it was celebrated by the three generations of Mayo families who once called Mayowood their home. The house is beautifully decorated to reflect the family’s unique customs, bringing the past to life with guided tours that share stories of celebrations during different periods in the home’s history.  

Guests who visit Mayowood this November will enjoy a taste of Mayo tradition. The recipe for “Emma’s Cookies” has been passed down through generations of the Mayo family members and were a favorite of Dr. Charlie and Edith Mayo. Baked with care by Mayowood cook Emma Braun (1875-1953) and filled with the nostalgic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, they’re a warm reminder of Mayowood’s Christmas past.  

Historic Mayowood Christmas Tickets can be purchased online by clicking on the "Tickets" Tab above or on-site day of, if space allows. NO REFUNDS. 
 

Adults (13 & up): $30
Children (3 - 12): $15
Children under 3: NOT RECOMMENDED
 

November 2025 Schedule:

Sunday: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Tuesday (November 25th only): 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Wednesday: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Thursday: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Friday: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Saturday: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm

**There will be no 4 pm tour on Saturday, November 29th.

**CLOSED Thanksgiving Day.
 

December 2025 Schedule: 

Sunday: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Tuesday:  10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Wednesday 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Thursday: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Friday: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Saturday: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

  • To request a large group tour, please use this form to request a date and time. Historic Mayowood Site Manager will follow up with you to confirm availability and finalize your booking request.
  • Dates and times are subject to change due to inclement weather or special events.
  • Guided tours begin promptly at their scheduled time and last approximately one hour.  
  • Craving even more holiday magic? Be sure to explore our Christmas Specialty Tours under the “Special Event Tours” section. These limited-date offerings are guest favorites—and they usually sell out fast! Tickets can be purchased through our event page (click here).


Historic Mayowood Christmas tickets will include one visit to the History Center of Olmsted County to be used during regular business hours.

Please let guides know if anyone needs the handicap accessible entrance. Information on this can be found on our Mayowood admission page.

If you have questions, please call 507-282-9447 or email services@olmstedhistory.com or mayowood@olmstedhistory.com.

Special Event Tours: 

“A Mayowood Tradition: A 1951 Christmas Party” 
Historic Mayowood Christmas Specialty Tour 

  • November 29th & 30th (4pm)
  • December 6th, 7th, 13th & 14th (4pm)

Step back into 1951 as costumed interpreters Dr. Chuck and Alice welcome you into their home for a nostalgic Christmas experience. Dressed in authentic period attire—along with select pieces of their original clothing on display—they guide you through a 60-minute, family-friendly tour filled with unique holiday stories not shared on the regular Christmas tour.

On the Specialty tour you will be transported to a December evening in 1951, just after the Mayo Fellows Chorus have finished their rounds through the city of Rochester. The house will be beautifully prepared for a festive holiday party, glowing with period Christmas lights as night settles in. Enjoy the warm ambiance of a live piano player (instrumental only) as you explore each room and experience the magic of the season illuminated at night.

Specialty tour tickets are $45 a person and can be purchased online at olmstedhistory.com/events

FAQs

  • What is the difference between the regular Christmas Tour and the Christmas Specialty Tour?
    The Christmas Specialty Tour offers a more immersive and festive experience. Guests are guided by costumed interpreters dressed in 1951 attire, enjoy live piano music, hear exclusive Christmas stories not featured on the regular tour, and explore the home as it’s specially decorated for a 1951 Christmas party. The regular tour provides a traditional holiday walkthrough without these added interactive elements.
  • How long does the Christmas Specialty Tour last?
    The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes.
  • Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
    Yes. Specialty Tours are offered on select dates and often sell out quickly, so advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended.
  • Where do I buy tickets?
    Specialty Tour tickets can be purchased through our Events Page at olmstedhistory.com/events
    Regular Christmas Tour tickets, however, must be purchased through the standard Mayowood ticketing system at the tab above or the top of this page.
  • Why is the Specialty Tour more expensive than the regular Christmas Tour?
    Specialty Tours include additional features such as costumed interpreters, enhanced décor, exclusive storytelling, evening illumination, and live piano music. These elements require more staff, preparation, and production—creating a premium, limited-availability experience.
  • Can I bring kids?
    The Specialty Tour is family-friendly. However, it is not appropriate for children under 3 and school groups.
  • Is it worth doing a Specialty Tour if I have already visited the regular tour?
    Yes! The Specialty Tour features unique stories, a different atmosphere, and added interpretive elements that aren’t part of the regular Christmas tour. Guests who have experienced both say they offer two distinct, enjoyable holiday experiences.
  • Are there carolers?
    No. While the tour is inspired by the festive gatherings Dr. Chuck and Alice Mayo once hosted for the Fellows Christmas Chorus after their rounds through the city, there are no singing performances or carolers during the tour. Guests will, however, enjoy the warm ambiance of a live piano player throughout the experience.
  • Is the tour appropriate for large groups.
    Yes! Group reservations may be available, but they should be booked in advance due to limited capacity email mayowood@olmstedhistory.com