Visit a true testament to early 20th-century elegance: a 23,000-square-foot concrete mansion built in 1910–11 by Dr. Charles H. Mayo as a family country estate. Mayowood grew into a 38-room, five-story marvel overlooking the Zumbro River, hosting three generations of the Mayo family and embodying their legacy of hospitality and innovation. Since the 1960s, it has opened to tours and helped preserve the Mayo heritage publicly.
Today, guided tours through the opulent rooms and surrounding gardens invite you to explore family heirlooms, stories of medical pioneers, and architectural feats of the era—all framed by tranquil botanical design.
Key Highlights That Stand Out
Tours reveal rooms filled with original artifacts—chandeliers, Chippendale chairs, Limoges china, and an original Steinway baby grand piano commissioned by Edith Mayo. Expect to see carefully preserved rooms like Dr. Mayo’s study and a stunning ballroom, each furnished to reflect the family’s global travels and personal tastes.
Designed of poured concrete for fire resistance—a pioneering method in 1910—the estate once spanned over 3,000 acres, complete with a botanical garden, Oriental Tea House, and a dramatic terrace overlooking the river and a favorite oak picnic spot.
You’ll discover quirky stories, like the family’s playful goat episode and the history behind 13 gilt mirrors purchased in Mexico or the reused stair railings recovered from the original 1914 Mayo Clinic building.
Atmosphere & Décor
The interior drapes visitors in refined warmth—rich wood paneling, period textiles, ornately carved moldings, and a sense that this was once a lived-in family home. Lighting filters gently through large windows, illuminating formal rooms and cozy corners, each preserved to showcase original details.
Outside, the gardens and grounds evoke nostalgia: rosebeds, terraces, sculptures, and an Oriental tea house that together craft a serene setting ideal for reflective strolls post-tour.
Other Considerations
So how’s the price?
Tours run approximately $17 for adults and $5 for children. Visits are by reservation and drop-in if space allows. Admission includes a one-hour guided experience and access to the gardens.
Is parking and access easy?
Parking is on-site at the mansion. An elevator is available, and wheelchairs can be accommodated, though tours still involve stairs and uneven surfaces in historic portions.
When’s best to visit?
Tours operate Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday in spring through fall, with special holiday-themed visits in November and December. Planning ahead is recommended as tour slots can fill quickly.
Any downsides to know?
Photography inside is prohibited, which may disappoint some. Tours require standing and walking—those with mobility concerns should note multiple steps without elevators in older sections. Some interior zones may feel cramped due to period layout.
Mayowood Historic Home
📍 3720 Mayowood Road SW, Rochester, MN 55902
