Rochester’s Famous Corn Tower Lands Somewhere Totally Unexpected

A famous landmark in Rochester just landed in a very unusual spot - it made me do a double-take.  If you hurry, you might be able to see it in person too.

Famous Ear Of Corn Water Tower in Rochester Just Landed In An Unusual Spot

Before most of us were born, a giant water tower that stands about 150 feet tall, was constructed for a food cannery.  In 1931, this water tower didn't just hold 50,000 gallons of water, it also looked like an ear of corn - which made sense, because that is what the plant near it processed.

This popular ear of corn wasn't just used as a water tower.  It was so tall, that this ear also helped pilots as they looked for nearby airfields during the 1930s to 1960s.

If you were in Rochester in 2021, there was a lot of discussion about the old water tower.  The plant around it was now gone and it was just sitting there, all by itself, in this giant field looking sad.

Actually, it did look pretty sad.  The paint was faded and was just not a pretty thing to look at.

In 2021, the corn cob water tower was restored and repainted and is now something we are proud to look at as we drive by.  In fact, quite a few people have "see the corn cob water tower" on their bucket list thanks to our prized landmark winning a People's Choice Award in a North America water tower contest.  

In 2024, that water tower we see every day was officially made into a historic landmark.  Meaning, this corn cob is here to stay.

Quite a few people in our local art scene have fun stickers and artwork themed around this giant landmark.  But what caught my eye the other day was not at Hunt Silver Lake Drug or at Art Heads Emporium.  It was at a grocery store.

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Ear Of Corn Water Tower Cookie Found at Hy-Vee in Rochester, Minnesota

Hy-Vee is a genius in how they set up their grocery store.  You pretty much HAVE to walk by their bakery area as you push your cart to get to meat and cheese area.  The cake looks amazing.  The donut holes are divine.  And the giant cookies are...wait...the cookie has a corn cob water tower on it?!

Nothing like biting into a Rochester landmark.
Do the Gonda building next!

- Jessica On The Radio

I didn't buy it, so if this is something you think is amazing, you can find it over at the Hy-Vee at 500 37th Street NW in Rochester.

I have no skills in the area of cake decorating so, whoever made that cookie, I hope you see this and know that you did an amazing job!