All of us at Mayo are looking forward to our well-deserved spring break, some of us are lucky enough to flee town for awhile, while others may stay home and take it easy. If you are stuck at home this spring break, chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time on Netflix. However, if you are looking for something to get out and go do, without (spring) break-ing the bank, here are some ideas for you!
All of these activities can be enjoyed alone or with the company of others, personally I would suggest getting a group of friends together, because the more the merrier, but just do what feels right.

1. The Mayo Clinic
Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying get sick and go to the hospital! That does not sound fun and is most definitely not free. Mayo Clinic, believe it or not, is not just for sick people and visitors, they have a lot to offer to the general public. In the St. Mary’s building on 2nd street downtown, they have a room called the “Groves Foundation Meditation Room” in the Mary Brigh Building on the Seventh Floor. Available 24 hours a day for all people. This is completely free, and incredibly relaxing, it is a beautiful quiet space with a water fountain, perfect for de-stressing and relaxing over spring break. The mayo clinic campus downtown has a few really cool mini museum about the clinic, both in St. Mary’s and under the Gonda. Wandering around in the hallways, especially the underground ones at mayo is one of my favorite free pastimes, especially if this year’s spring break weather is not favorable. Many people are surprised how far you can get around downtown without ever stepping foot outside, make a challenge of it, see how many blocks you can go! I think my record is like 10.

2. The River Path and Bike Trails
Hopefully this year’s spring break is paired with the spring weather that we all have been longing for, and if it is, hit the trails!!!
Spring break is the perfect time to pump up the air in your bikes tires, dust off your roller blades, or unfold your Razor scooter, if you haven’t already. Every year Rochester’s trail system is becoming even more robust and beautiful. We were actually named a “Bike Friendly City” by Minnesota Trail Magazine! Hop on a trail right outside here at mayo, and just see where the wind takes you. Biking, running, or walking, make some time to enjoy Rochester’s Zumbro river!

3. Quarry Hill Nature Center
Go learn about nature dude! Quarry Hill has so many awesome actives, most of them costing a mere zero dollars. Quarry Hill has also been going through some construction and renovations, so go check it out. Walking through the woods or wetlands offers a lot of stress relief and time for creativity. Bring a friend and you guys will probably find yourself lost in both nature and conversation in no time!

The best thing about these three free activities is that they are all connected! You can spend 5 minutes on one of these, or do them all and make a whole day of it! Start at one end or the either, and you’ll probably discover something new along the way. I encourage you to try at least one of these out with an open mind. There’s three, they’re free, and most importantly they’re fun!