Rochester, MN in July

I'll be in Rochester, MN for a couple weeks at the beginning of July. I should have a day or two of free time to explore the area. Does anyone have any ideas on what to see/photograph within a reasonable drive of Rochester? My interests generally lean toward rural/scenic areas rather than cities, though I'll consider almost anything, having never been in the area.

Thanks,
Robert

Robert, if you are willing to drive to the twin cities, there are a few APUG'ers who'd be glad to meet up with you? Or might make a trip to southeastern MN that can be quite picturesque this time of year. It depends on your timing as well. I will just be back from Bill Schwab's photo gathering in northern Michigan, and may not be able to take time away from the family. Let me know of your dates, and logisitics, maybe Thomas Bertilsson, George, Ike, and Randy Libersly could be free as well?

Directly east of Rochester is arguably the most scenic area of Minnesota - the hills and bluffs along the Mississippi. Definitely both rural and scenic. You can start at Laneboro and work your way east. A day should allow you enough time.

Plenty of state parks and otherwise open areas:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/whitewater/index.html
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/beaver_creek_valley/index.html