History Center of Olmsted County
1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester, MN
2,000 Capacity
$200 to $8,000 / Event
Celebrate in a space that tells a story!
From scenic outdoor spaces to welcoming presentation rooms, the History Center offers a unique setting for your event. Our flexible venues are ideal for everything from intimate team-building gatherings to large corporate picnics for up to 2,000 guests.
We offer two indoor meeting rooms and a scenic outdoor Pavilion. For larger events, you can rent the entire 54-acre History Center campus, which includes two historic farmsteads and multiple historic buildings.
We’ve proudly hosted:
_Networking Events
_Corporate Picnics
_Birthdays & Graduation Parties
_Weddings
_Car Shows
_Outdoor Fitness Events
_Family Reunions
…and more!
Get in touch today to start planning!
History Center of Olmsted County
1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester, MN
2,000 Capacity
$200 to $8,000 / Event
Celebrate in a space that tells a story!
From scenic outdoor spaces to welcoming presentation rooms, the History Center offers a unique setting for your event. Our flexible venues are ideal for everything from intimate team-building gatherings to large corporate picnics for up to 2,000 guests.
We offer two indoor meeting rooms and a scenic outdoor Pavilion. For larger events, you can rent the entire 54-acre History Center campus, which includes two historic farmsteads and multiple historic buildings.
We’ve proudly hosted:
_Networking Events
_Corporate Picnics
_Birthdays & Graduation Parties
_Weddings
_Car Shows
_Outdoor Fitness Events
_Family Reunions
…and more!
Get in touch today to start planning!
Event Pricing
The HCOC Campus
200 - 2,000 people
$500 - $8,000
per event
Crawford Meeting Room
50 people max
$50 per hour
Sertoma Meeting Room
100 people max
$80 per hour
Pavilion
200 people max
$90 per hour
Event Spaces
Outdoor Venue
Outdoor Venue
Recommendations
250th Working Families Picnic
— An Eventective User
from History Center of Olmsted County
Terrific venue. The pavillion is rustic and charming, with lights, and plenty of outlets.
Perfect for an outdoor wedding
— An Eventective User
from Rochester MN
We held an intimate outdoor wedding at the History Center and everyone raved about the venue, our photos, the uniqueness of the event. The 1885 schoolhouse is perfect for an outdoor event; it even looks like a church. It faces east so you can have evening shade for your guests in summer, and the large porch accommodates a small wedding party. The tree-lined path approaching the schoolhouse is perfect for a processional, and our pictures were stunning.
HCOC staff was wonderful to work with, from brainstorming ideas around the property to set-up and decorations, plus offering a rainy day backup plan, using the Crawford Room in the main building. I can't recommend them enough!
Bridal Shower
— An Eventective User
from Rochester, MN
We had an issue come up with our previous space for my bridal shower, so this was very last minute, but HCOC was available and they were incredibly efficient with response times and making sure we had everything figured out before the event. Staff was kind and courteous and the space was perfect for our theme. I would highly recommend and definitely consider them again for future events.
Management Response
Thank you so much for your review! We’re so glad everything came together last minute and that you could still celebrate your bridal shower with us. It was such a joy having you and your guests here - thank you for being so wonderful to host at the History Center.
Murder Mystery Party Success
— An Eventective User
from Rochester, MN
Laura and the staff at the History Center were incredibly helpful and the process was seamless. The space was clean and set up beautifully done. I highly recommend using the History Center for your next party and/or event. You cannot beat the price either.
Management Response
Thanks so much for your kind review! We’re so glad you chose to host your murder mystery party at HCOC—it looked like such a fun event. Hope we get to see you again for another great gathering!
Hiawatha Trout Unlimited
— An Eventective User
from Rochester
We held our Chapter’s December meeting/holiday party in the Crawford room. It is a very nice venue for our group. We had about 25 members participating. We have a potluck supper as part of our event and the kitchen, off the meeting room, is very convenient for this type of activity. Everyone seemed to enjoy the setting, in fact, I had to ask them to pack up and go at 7:30. I think they would have stayed much longer if I hadn’t ushered them out.
Parking is very accessible too. All said, it is a nice place to hold a meeting/holiday party.
Management Response
Thank you so much! We loved having your group at the History Center and are really glad everyone had such a great time. It means a lot that you chose to celebrate with us - hope we get to host you again next December!
Great Place for Hosting Event!
— An Eventective User
from Rochester, MN
The History Center has been such a wonderful place for us to host our annual client appreciation events! The venue itself is beautiful, private, with plenty of seating and additional tables available when needed. It is a very welcoming setting with lots of history around, and has plenty of parking. The staff has been phenomenal and is always prompt, friendly, and incredibly helpful to work with. It makes planning and hosting so much easier. We truly appreciate having this reliable and inviting space year after year.
Management Response
Thank you so much! It means a lot that you’ve chosen us year after year. Working with you has always been a pleasure, and we’re so glad our space has worked well for your client appreciation events. We look forward to having you again at the History Center!
Additional Info
Venue Types
Amenities
- ADA/ACA Accessible
- Outdoor Function Area
- Outside Catering Allowed
- Wireless Internet/Wi-Fi
Features
- Max Number of People for an Event: 2000
- Number of Event/Function Spaces: 5
- Special Features: The History Center also operates Historic Mayowood, one of Rochester’s most popular attractions, located just 8 minutes by car from the History Center. We offer exclusive tours in combination with your event, where knowledgeable guides provide a rare glim
- Total Meeting Room Space (Square Feet): 1,860