TV channels & antenna towers in Rochester, Minnesota
Rochester has 27 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, Fox and CW. About 14 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is W22FD-D, 3.7 miles to the W.
Network channels in Rochester
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKAALABC | 6 | 26 mi | 186° S | Good | Austin, MN |
| FOXKXLT-TVFox | 47 | 26 mi | 186° S | Good | Rochester, MN |
| CWKTTCCW | 10.2 | 31 mi | 176° S | Fair | Rochester, MN |
| CBSKIMTCBS | 3 | 40 mi | 198° SSW | Good | Mason City, IA |
| CBSWKBT-DTCBS | 8 | 56 mi | 85° E | Fair | La Crosse, WI |
| FOXWLAXFox | 25 | 57 mi | 105° ESE | Fair | La Crosse, WI |
| ABCWXOWABC | 19 | 57 mi | 105° ESE | Fair | La Crosse, WI |
Over-the-air TV in Rochester
Rochester is a city of about 112,000 people in Minnesota. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 27 licensed TV transmitters: 10 full-power, 1 Class A, 12 low-power and 4 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 14 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 6 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 5 transmitters are within 25 miles, 9 between 25 and 45 miles, and 13 farther out. Three of the 7 network stations in range are licensed to La Crosse, WI, so most of the network channels you will find here come from La Crosse's stations.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 6 (KAAL), CBS on channel 3 (KIMT), Fox on channel 47 (KXLT-TV) and CW on channel 10.2 (KTTC). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KARE in Minneapolis, MN, 79 miles to the northwest. 3 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Rochester
Point your antenna S, at about 190°. The main network towers for Rochester sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KAAL and KXLT-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 26 miles south of Rochester (186° S). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 7 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Rochester at fair strength or better, 57% arrive from the south; the rest are spread across one other direction.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Rochester, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Rochester
The farthest main network tower for Rochester is KIMT (CBS), 40 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Rochester
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W22FD-DLow power | 3.7 mi | 273° W | Fair | Dodge Center, MN |
| K31LN-DLow power | 5.3 mi | 338° NNW | Weak | Rochester, MN |
| K29OE-DLow power | 5.3 mi | 338° NNW | Fair | Rochester, MN |
| K25NK-DLow power | 6.6 mi | 78° ENE | Good | Rochester, MN |
| K30RA-DLow power | 24 mi | 207° SSW | Weak | Dexter, MN |
| KSMQ-TVFull power | 26 mi | 186° S | Good | Austin, MN |
| K35PC-DLow power | 26 mi | 186° S | Fair | Rochester, MN |
| K27OW-DTranslator | 30 mi | 217° SW | Weak | Rochester, MN |
| W19DP-DLow power | 39 mi | 88° E | Poor | La Crosse, WI |
| KYINFull power | 40 mi | 198° SSW | Good | Mason City, IA |
| K21NU-DLow power | 51 mi | 274° W | Poor | Minneapolis, MN |
| WHLA-TVFull power | 57 mi | 105° ESE | Fair | La Crosse, WI |
| W34FC-DTranslator | 57 mi | 105° ESE | Poor | La Crosse, WI |
| K25PE-DTranslator | 60 mi | 144° SE | Poor | Decorah, IA |
| WZEO-LDLow power | 61 mi | 108° ESE | Poor | La Crosse, WI |
| KQEG-CAClass A | 61 mi | 108° ESE | Poor | La Crescent, MN |
| W19EN-DTranslator | 62 mi | 350° N | Poor | River Falls, WI |
| K30QY-DLow power | 67 mi | 208° SSW | Poor | Mason City, IA |
| K22LJ-DLow power | 67 mi | 208° SSW | Poor | Mason City, IA |
| K35PA-DLow power | 67 mi | 208° SSW | Poor | Mason City, IA |
How Rochester compares with the rest of Minnesota
With 14 stations at fair strength or better, Rochester ranks 156th of 371 places in Minnesota: more than the typical Minnesota town (13). Its nearest major network tower is 26 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.
41% of Minnesota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Rochester: step by step
- Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
- Point it toward 198° SSW, the direction of KIMT (CBS), 40 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 14 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is ABC in Rochester, MN?
ABC is on channel 6 from KAAL, broadcasting from 26 miles S of Rochester. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CBS in Rochester, MN?
CBS is on channel 3 from KIMT, broadcasting from 40 miles SSW of Rochester. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is Fox in Rochester, MN?
Fox is on channel 47 from KXLT-TV, broadcasting from 26 miles S of Rochester. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Rochester, MN?
CW is on channel 10.2 from KTTC, broadcasting from 31 miles S of Rochester. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Rochester?
27 transmitters within 70 miles of Rochester; around 14 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Rochester?
Point your antenna S, at about 190°. The main network towers for Rochester sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Rochester?
Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Rochester?
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Rochester?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby Minnesota cities
- Byron8.8 mi
- Stewartville12 mi
- Kasson14 mi
- Plainview18 mi
- Chatfield19 mi
- Saint Charles20 mi
- Hayfield21 mi
- Zumbrota21 mi
- Spring Valley23 mi
- Lewiston30 mi
- Blooming Prairie31 mi
- Kenyon31 mi
- Preston31 mi
- Lake City31 mi
- Wabasha33 mi
- Austin35 mi
- Red Wing38 mi
- Owatonna38 mi
- Rushford39 mi
- Cannon Falls40 mi
- Winona41 mi
- Faribault44 mi
- Northfield46 mi
Nearby cities in other states
More: all TV stations in Minnesota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Rochester; signal estimates ignore terrain.