Apple and Berry Picking
Sample the best Northfield's countryside has to offer at local orchards,
strawberry and raspberry fields. Pick your own or buy off the shelf.
Cannon River
In the early years, the Cannon River was a source of power for many
saw and flour mills. Today it is a recreational river and a source
of pleasure. Canoeing and fishing are popular pastimes with Northfielders
and visitors alike. Stroll along the river walkway for a view of
the river and the falls, which are lit at night to add to the scenic
beauty. You will leave with an appreciation of the beauty and tranquility
of this peaceful town.
Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges
These two national ranked colleges, with their extraordinary history,
cultural and intellectual richness, athletic rivalries and beautiful
campuses, contribute significantly to Northfield's appeal. Carleton
is located on the northeast edge of central Northfield and includes
within its 900-acre campus two scenic lakes and a 880-acre arboretum,
where you, too, may stroll, hike or ski in the solitude of nature.
St. Olaf is located on the west edge of town on Manitou Heights
with an impressive view of Northfield and the Cannon River Valley.
Goodsell Observatory at Carleton
College
Public hours and tours: The first Friday of the month, the first
two hours after dark; only if clear.
Historic District
Many of the buildings in Northfield's downtown have been imaginatively
adapted for business needs of today. But they still largely look
as they did when built a century ago, with windows and cornices
embellished with 19th-century architectural detail. The Chamber
provides a brochure of Historic Sites and Points of Interest, which
includes a brief sampling of these charming, attractive historic
buildings.
Japanese
Garden at Carleton College
Noted for its grace, scale and contemplative atmosphere, this garden
was named one of the 10 highest-quality gardens outside of Japan.
The Science Center at Maltby Nature Preserve
Located between Northfield and Cannon Falls, the Nature Preserve is a 90-acre wildlife sanctuary. In this unique natural setting, The Science Center provides innovative, P-12 inquiry based science programs. For more information, visit www.thesciencecentermnp.org
Museum
The museum is located next to the restored First National Bank that
Jesse and Frank James, Cole Younger and their gang attempted to
rob in 1876. Both areas have permanent exhibits on the historic
bank raid and are open every day but Monday. In the museum's Ted
Scott Room, there are rotating exhibits on the history of the city,
its region and the state, provided by the Northfield Historical
Society, the Minnesota Historical Society, and other sources. The
museum store offers souvenirs and gifts related to the Northfield
area.
Shopping
Come anytime and enjoy shopping in Northfield's clothing stores,
antiques stores, local specialty shops, some with Scandinavian wares,
and stores offering arts and crafts, books, yarns and fibers, baked
goods, gourmet candies, ice cream and gifts for all occasions. Local
craftspeople and artists invite you to see and purchase their work
either at the Northfield Arts Guild Shop or in their home studios.
Tours
- Outlaw Trail -- The route the James-Younger Gang took as they
rode through the Northfield area in 1876.
- Historic Sites and Points of Interest -- A sampling of charming, attractive, historic buildings and interesting sites in and around the Northfield area.
These two tours are property of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Our CVB provides a self-guided tour brochure of both these tours; and a tour guide service is available for tour buses and large groups when reservations are made in advance of a visit.
