THEN VS. NOW: 60 Google Photos That Shows Rochester, MN's History

60 Google Images That Show How Much Rochester, Minnesota Has Changed Throughout the Years

Rochester is known for two things - Mayo Clinic and having lots of construction. Ok, we probably have a few more fun facts about our town but the truth is, our town has changed a lot through the years. We've got bars that are now providing funeral services, schools that have disappeared from our map, and roads that have appeared out of nowhere.

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Wow! Check out how Rochester has changed throughout the years in these Google photos.

As we are soaring down Hwy 52, it is hard to imagine what life was like in our town before the Target store was built where it is today. Or the house that you live in now, at one point in town, that wasn't there. In fact, Rochester has grown so fast throughout the years, most of our houses weren't even around 50 years ago! Don't believe me? Look through these photos to get a glimpse of what Rochester was like years ago.

Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams

I think the biggest change for me, and one that still makes me pause when I drive by, is the bar that is now a crematorium. I would have NEVER guessed that history.

What's one thing that you miss in Rochester, Minnesota?

Do you remember that really weird interchange where Hwy 52 and 19th Street NW came together? I remember driving it when I first came to town and thought that this road was extremely unsafe. I don't miss that at all but there are quite a few restaurants and stores that I wish we didn't lose in 2023. You can see some of those below.

List of Rochester Businesses That Closed in 2022

Saying goodbye is never easy, and in Minnesota, it takes us a few hours to actually get out the door when we are visiting friends. Sadly, a few businesses in Rochester, Minnesota had their own goodbye in 2022 - some in more of a Minnesota style with a note and a few weeks or days to have closure, while others just seemed to disappear in the night forever.

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio

I'd love to hear about your memories. Is there a business you enjoyed when you were a kid that no longer is around? Parks that disappeared or school buildings that are now repurposed into something else. Let me know what you are missing and add your comment to the Facebook post below or send me a note over on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio - or over on Instagram.