$507,912Average Value$185Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Oronoco is a small community with new changes on the horizon
Along the banks of the Zumbro River, Oronoco is a small city about 5 miles north of Rochester. “Everyone is very neighborly and friendly; it’s got that feel you may not find outside of a small town,” says Lori Melhorn, who owns Two Sisters Kitchen + Bar with her sister, Diane Osland. Parks, campsites and farms surround the city. “I think we are on the cusp of a lot of new growth,” Melhorn says. She attributes this to the updated water system and plans for new housing and commercial development.
Northern Hills Golf Course near Badger Hills features an 18-hole layout for public play.
Oronoco Park along the Zumbro River provides playgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing access.
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Locally owned restaurants and growing commercial development
There are a handful of local restaurants in Oronoco. Tilly’s is a bar and grill with a sand volleyball court. Like many restaurants in Oronoco, it often has live music. “There are a lot of really talented musicians out here,” Melhorn says. Two Sisters Kitchen + Bar is a family-owned restaurant specializing in homestyle cooking. “We serve Minnesota hot dishes and comfort food,” Melhorn says. “We try to utilize local businesses for our food sources.” It is the first establishment to open as part of ongoing commercial development near U.S.-52. Melhorn’s father is leading the construction. “We have one building that’s ready to go, and as soon as we have tenants to lease, we will start construction,” Melhorn says. Squash Blossom Farm is one of several farms surrounding the city. Besides having gardens, goats and chickens, the farm has a bakery and hosts Pizza Nights, where people can also order drinks from the meadery. Residents can get some groceries from the DG Market and head to the Hy-Vee in Rochester for larger shopping trips. Walmart, Home Depot and Target are all within a 10-mile drive.
Tilly’s in Oronoco serves casual fare and often hosts live music in a lively setting.
Dollar General Market in Oronoco offers convenient shopping for household essentials.
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Larger lots and new water system draw people to this Rochester suburb
In Oronoco, houses have spacious lawns surrounded by oak and pine trees. “It’s a suburb of Rochester, so the lots are a little bit bigger,” Melhorn says. “We just had a little bit more space to build our home.” Ranch styles, midcentury modern and new traditional homes are common. The oldest properties date back to the late 19th century, although most homes were built between the mid-20th century and the early 2000s. Prices range from $200,000 to $650,000, depending on size. The city’s new water system means fewer properties rely on septic tanks. Already, builders like Bigelow Homes are selling vacant lots.
According to First Street, Oronoco has an extreme risk from flooding. Depending on the location, mortgage lenders may require flood insurance.
Midcentury homes in Oronoco display brightly colored exteriors and a classic design.
New Traditional homes in Oronoco showcase a well-kept yards and spacious designs.
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City parks and natural areas offer outdoor recreation
At the shaded Oronoco Park, amenities include picnic tables, a playground and green space. There is also access to the Zumbro River, where people can go fishing and kayaking. Smaller pocket parks and playgrounds are scattered across the city. The Oronoco Prairie is a scientific and natural area just outside city limits that is home to various native plants, birds and other wildlife. Hiking is allowed year-round; locals can go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Douglas State Trailhead near Oronoco is popular for biking, walking, and winter snowshoeing.
Douglas State Trail offers pet-friendly paths for walking and biking near Oronoco.
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Students attend Rochester public schools and the career center
Oronoco is part of the Rochester Public School District. Overland Elementary School and Dakota Middle School are unrated by Niche; Century Senior High School earns an A-minus. High school students can enroll at the Career and Technical Education Center at Heintz, where courses include nursing and construction.
Overland Elementary School in Rochester serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Dakota Middle School in Rochester offers academic programs and community activities.
Century Senior High School in Rochester offers diverse programs and extracurricular activities.
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Antique dealers set up at Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days
The Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days gets its name from the gold rush of the late 1850s and brings in nearly 300 antique dealers from across the country. “A lot of people come from all over to shop,” Melhorn says. The event has expanded beyond antiques to include live music, a classic car show, and a kids’ zone with a bounce house and games. Also included in the event’s programming is the Zumbro River Rubber Duck Derby, where attendees can buy a duck to float down the river.
Highway makes getting to and from Rochester easy
U.S. Route 52 merges with U.S. Route 63 and leads into Rochester. While most residents fly out of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, about 65 miles away, Rochester International Airport is a closer option at a 20-mile drive. The nearest emergency room is at Saint Mary’s campus of the Mayo Clinic, about 10 miles away.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Luke Mancari
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Oronoco, MN sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Oronoco, MN over the last 12 months is $451,250, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home has a lot of unique and wonderful features. Located only 15 minutes from the center of Rochester, yet situated in a very private and wooded setting. The views are spectacular including multiple species of wildlife and birds. The kitchen is a gourmet cook's delight offering loads of working space, lots of cabinets, hardwood floors, a double oven stove, a large pantry and spacious eat in
A truly unique lay out on a spacious corner lot spanning two parcels—with garage space that’s hard to find. You’ll love the flexibility of an oversized detached 2-stall garage plus an attached single stall, giving you room for vehicles, hobbies, and all the gear that never seems to fit. Inside, the layout offers 3 bedrooms: two on the main level and a large upper-level bedroom with its own
Experience the magic of living with a front-row seat to nature's finest views! 20 minutes from downtown Rochester this 2-bedroom, 2-bath retreat features a panoramic river view, your own dock, no public access to the river, turf on the side of the house, and a custom patio straight out of a magazine! You will appreciate the low-maintenance deck, an abundance of natural light, EV charging station,
Nestled on 2+ acres of beautifully maintained land, this inviting ranch-style home offers breathtaking panoramic views and the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Enjoy the seasons from the spacious three-season porch, overlooking a large, open front yard — ideal for relaxing or entertaining. A major bonus is the 1,200 sq. ft. fully finished shed, complete with heat, electricity, and a
Discover this exceptional 5100 sq ft, 5-bedroom, 4-bath home nestled in the quaint and welcoming town of Oronoco. Situated on 1.48 acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this property offers the perfect blend of peaceful living with the convenience of being close to all city amenities. Just minutes from Rochester, you’ll enjoy quick access to shopping, dining, hospitals, and more—while coming
Bright and spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with open concept living room, dining area and kitchen with over 1,500 main floor living. The kitchen has loads of storage and counter space, walk-in pantry, and an over-sized island. Grand-sized primary bedroom with private bath. Laundry room is conveniently located near the bedrooms. Inviting front porch! Carport offered with possibility of a 1 or
Built in the 1920s, this 2-story home is situated on three parcels, with 3-bedrooms, 2 full baths, and still retains its original country character. Remnants of the original 1800s farmstead are dotted throughout the neighborhood, including a small barn/ shed situated in the backyard. Recent updates/ preservation includes a newer roof, furnace, water heater, electrical panel, 2-bathroom remodels
This home has a lot of unique and wonderful features. Located only 15 minutes from the center of Rochester, yet situated in a very private and wooded setting. The views are spectacular including multiple species of wildlife and birds. The kitchen is a gourmet cook's delight offering loads of working space, lots of cabinets, hardwood floors, a double oven stove, a large pantry and spacious eat in
Stunning custom home set on 1.6 wooded acres, showcasing high-end and reclaimed finishes that create a refined rustic-modern aesthetic. The gorgeous open-concept kitchen features a center island, stainless steel appliances, custom wood beams, a reclaimed brick accent wall, and a double-sided fireplace. The adjoining dining area is thoughtfully designed with a hand-hewn oak bench, barn-wood wall
A truly unique lay out on a spacious corner lot spanning two parcels—with garage space that’s hard to find. You’ll love the flexibility of an oversized detached 2-stall garage plus an attached single stall, giving you room for vehicles, hobbies, and all the gear that never seems to fit. Inside, the layout offers 3 bedrooms: two on the main level and a large upper-level bedroom with its own
This rare 68.68 acres property is truly a versatile package. Ideal for recreation, hobby farming, hunting or simply enjoying privacy, amazing views and space all with blacktop access and an easy commute to Rochester. The home is full of charm, character, craftsmanship and potential. Inside you will find original hardwood floors, gorgeous trim work, solid doors, and crown molding. The sunroom
Beautiful level lot, ready to build. Part of River Bend Estates subdivision. Part of the lot included the large outlot that adjoins the Zumbro river for walking and enjoying some peaceful days. Just outside of Rochester with easy access.
Space, versatility and opportunity all in one exceptional property! This spacious and versatile property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality and room to grow. With 4 bedroom and 3 bathrooms this updated home offers over 2,600 sf of living space - providing generous room for everyday living and entertaining. This home is truly move in ready and every detail has been thoughtfully
Enjoy stunning water views from this beautiful A-frame home featuring soaring ceilings, large windows, maple flooring, and double patio doors that bring the outdoors in. The open layout offers a bright living area with a stone fireplace, a spacious kitchen with hickory cabinetry, and a dining space that opens to one of three decks, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. For those toys, and hobbies
Attention Business Entrepeneurs!!! Take advantage of this Once in a Lifetime, Terrific Opportunity to Build your own store front on this beautiful commercial lot next to Allis Park, overlooking the rapids of the Lake Shady River, located in the Fastest Growing community of Oronoco! This is the Historic Place that Started the HUGE ANTIQUE Event of GOLD RUSH!! There are 2 separate commercial
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