Events and Things to Do in March 2026 in Eyota, Minnesota
March is a season of transition in Southeast Minnesota — the snow begins to soften, daylight stretches longer, and the region shakes off winter with a lineup of community events, outdoor adventures, and cultural happenings. Whether you’re a lifelong Eyota resident or visiting the area for the first time, this guide covers the best things to do in and around Eyota, MN in March 2026.
Explore Chester Woods County Park
Nestled right in Eyota’s backyard along Highway 14 East, Chester Woods County Park (8378 Highway 14 East, Eyota, MN 55934) is a standout gem of Olmsted County. Admission to the park is free, and March is a wonderful time to explore before the summer crowds arrive. The park features approximately 15 miles of trails winding through rugged bluffland, forested hillsides, and open meadows above the Bear Creek Reservoir.
Winter equipment rentals — including cross-country skis, snowshoes, and push sleds — are available through the Friends of Chester Woods. If conditions are favorable, strap on a pair of snowshoes and take in the quiet beauty of the park’s natural landscape. Anglers will also find ice fishing access at the reservoir while winter conditions last.
Contact: (507) 328-7350 | chesterwoods@olmstedcounty.gov
Hiking & Nature Walks Along Bluffland Trails
As temperatures inch above freezing in late March, Eyota’s surrounding bluffland becomes increasingly accessible for hikers and nature lovers. Chester Woods Park alone boasts miles of primitive trails through woodlands and prairie. Birdwatching picks up as migratory species begin returning to Southeast Minnesota — keep an eye and ear out for early-season arrivals along the creek corridors.
For a broader regional option, Root River Park (4012 80th St SE, Rochester) offers a two-mile looped trail through meadows and wooded hills along the Root River, free to enter and open year-round.
Olmsted County Park Programs — Animal Introductions at Oxbow
The Olmsted County Parks system runs family-friendly nature programming throughout the year. On Tuesday, March 10, staff at Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo (5731 County Road 105 NW, Byron, MN — just west of Eyota) host an Animal Introductions program at 11:00 a.m., offering a close-up look at some of the zoo’s fascinating resident animals. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is a fantastic outing for families with young children.
Additionally, the EarthFest monthly nature program takes place on Saturday, March 7 at Quarry Hill Nature Center (701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester). Check earthfestrochestermn.org for program details.
Oxbow Park contact: (507) 328-7340 | oxbow@olmstedcounty.gov
Eyota sits just a short 25-minute drive west of Rochester — Minnesota’s third-largest city and home to Mayo Clinic. March in Rochester is packed with events worth the trip.
Celebrations in Fiber — Rochester Art Center Exhibition
Running through the entire second half of March, Celebrations in Fiber is a colorful, hands-on fiber art exhibition at the Rochester Art Center. Visitors of all ages can explore vibrant displays, including a giant waterfall installation that kids especially love. The Rochester Art Center also hosts regular drop-in tours and open studio sessions throughout the month.
Alongside this exhibition, the Art Center presents Cyclone: Artist Responses to 100 Years of the History Center of Olmsted County Collection, a thought-provoking show weaving together art, history, and community narratives. A Screen Printing Workshop with artist Devon Hugdahl is offered in conjunction with the exhibition — advance registration is required.
Rochester Art Center | 40 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904 | rochesterartcenter.org
Rochester Home & Lifestyles Show
Billed as the region’s largest attended show for the home and lifestyles industries, the Rochester Home & Lifestyles Show brings together homeowners and hundreds of expert exhibitors under one roof at the Graham Arena Complex (1570 Fairgrounds Ave SE, Rochester). Explore interior remodeling, roofing, siding, windows, solar, saunas, spas, boats, pontoons, zero-turn mowers, and much more.
It’s a great opportunity for Eyota-area homeowners to meet face-to-face with local contractors and product specialists and get a head start on spring home improvement projects.
Hours: Friday, March 13 | 3–8 PM · Saturday, March 14 | 10 AM–6 PM · Sunday, March 15 | 10 AM–3 PM
rochestermnshows.com | (507) 387-7469
FEAST! Local Foods Tradeshow
The FEAST! Local Foods Tradeshow is an industry-focused B2B event at the Mayo Civic Center (30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester) connecting local food entrepreneurs, farmers, and wholesale buyers from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. If you’re a food business owner, restaurant operator, grocery buyer, or aspiring food entrepreneur, this is the event of the season. The day includes a Buyers’ Expo, lunch, the FEAST! Network awards, and workshops designed to grow the regional food economy.
Note: This is a trade-industry event. For the public FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace festival, the annual date is in November.
The Rochester Thaw Music Festival
One of Rochester’s most beloved annual traditions, The Rochester Thaw transforms downtown into a walkable, all-ages multi-stage music festival celebrating its fifth year in 2026. Presented by My Town My Music, the event features 30+ performances across 7 stages at venues throughout downtown Rochester — including the historic Chateau Theatre, Bleu Duck Kitchen, Café Steam, LC’s Venue, and more.
The 2026 lineup includes Them Coulee Boys, Nur-D, Jillian Rae, Dakotah Faye, Sleeping Jesus, Gully Boys, Sawtooth Witch, and many more, with a headlining act still to be revealed. Food trucks will be set up in the alleyway near Bleu Duck Kitchen. Tickets are available online in tiered pricing starting at $55 — kids 10 and under are free with a paid adult ticket.
Doors: 12:00 PM | All Ages | Wristbands picked up at Chateau Theatre
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Get a Free ConsultationMarch weather in Southeast Minnesota is famously unpredictable — average highs sit around 38°F with lows near 20°F, but spring warmth can arrive early or a late-season snowstorm can roll through without warning. Dress in layers, keep waterproof boots handy, and always check road conditions before heading out on Highway 14 or county roads. That said, the late-winter light and quiet trails of Chester Woods Park make March a genuinely lovely time to visit if you’re prepared for the elements.
Eyota is centrally located in Olmsted County, making it an easy home base for day trips to Rochester’s museums, restaurants, and events throughout the month. The drive along Highway 14 through the bluffland corridor is scenic even in early spring.
