Parks
- Ames Park and Riverside Commons. As you stroll
along the scenic Cannon River, you will notice the impressive
19th-century downtown historic district. Stroll over the pedestrian
bridge linking the shops on the east side to those on the west
side of the river.
- Babcock Park, South Highway 3, has 29 inviting
acres for you to enjoy, including playgrounds, picnic facilities,
softball fields, nature area and horseshoes.
- Bridge Square is the horseshoe-shaped space in the middle of historic downtown Northfield and is the place for many community events throughout the year, especially during summer.
- Odd Fellows Park, Forest Avenue, has 20 pleasant
acres for your pleasure, including a playground, pavilion and
nature area.
- Riverside Lions Park borders Highway 3 on
the west, and the Cannon River on the north, and has 21 scenic
acres along the river, with a playground and sheltered picnic
facility.
- Sechler Park is located on Armstrong Road.
Come and discover its delightful 150 acres, which include a playground,
sheltered picnic facilities, baseball, softball and soccer fields,
nature area and trails, and a bike trail.
- The Carleton Arboretum has 800 acres of secluded
woods and trails through local hills and along the scenic Cannon
River valley. Enjoy walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, nature
observation and an exercise trail.
- The Cannon River Wilderness Area is a county
park only five miles south on Highway 3. It has 850 acres of wooded
river valley, hiking trails, cross-country ski trails and picnic
areas.
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park has many secluded
areas. Explore the falls, the campsites, picnic grounds, hiking
trails, snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trails and snowshoe
trails.
Biking
Enjoy recreational biking throughout the city and picturesque countryside.
A new bike path, the Mill Towns Trail, runs from Sechler Park in
Northfield to Dundas. There are occasional criterium races and frequent
road races through Northfield, for both novices and advanced bikers
of all ages. Come and participate in the annual Jesse James Bike
Tour.
Bowling
Jesse James Lanes, 1700 South Highway 3, provides open bowling and
league bowling and is one of the most up-to-date bowling centers in the upper Midwest.
Canoeing
The Cannon River, a good day trip river, flows gently through a
valley with rolling hills that change to bluffs along the route.
The scenery includes heavy woods, underbrush and farmland view.
Cross-Country Skiing
The Carleton Arboretum's 14.5-kilometer, intermediate-level trail
follows the scenic Canon River. Enjoy River Bend Nature Center's
terrain with its forest, marshes, ponds and prairies; its 13 kilometers
of trails are mostly intermediate with a few expert trails. Nerstrand
Big Woods State Park also has 13 kilometers of well-groomed trails.
Downhill Skiing
Afton Alps, Welch Village and Buck Hill are all within approximately
30 minutes of Northfield and are fully equipped with novice to expert
runs, lifts, rental shops and chalets.
Fishing
Fish along the Cannon River for bluegills, bullheads, walleyes,
northern pike, crappies, small mouth bass and even carp.
Golf
The Northfield Gold Club, one of Minnesota's finest 18-hole golf
courses, is located at 707 Prairie Street, on the eastern edge of
the city. Willinger's, an excellent public golf facility, is located
10 miles west of Northfield, off Highway 19 on 6900 Canby Trail. Twin Oaks Driving Range is located at 8391 Hall Avenue.
Ice Skating and Hockey
Indoor open skating is available at the Northfield Arena, South
Highway 3, from November through March. Outdoor facilities include
five well-maintained rinks in scenic city parks, at Northfield High
School and at the colleges.
Nature Walks
Carleton Arboretum with its 800 Acres, Sibley Marsh on Ames Street,
the Cannon River Wilderness Area five miles south on Highway 3,
and Nerstrand Big Woods State Park 11 miles southeast of Northfield,
all offer abundant opportunities for appreciating the solitude of
nature in our wooded areas, prairies and marshes.
Running
Enjoy the quiet streets, country lanes or our scenic 5K and 10K
trails along the Cannon River, where you will find a large core
of regular runners. You are welcome at community and college tracks.
Run in at least one the Northfield 's races. The Defeat of Jesse
James Days Celebration, the weekend following Labor Day, offers
5K and 15K runs.
Sky Diving
Skydiving, gliding and aircraft rental are close by at Stanton Airfield,
eight miles east of Northfield on Highway 19.
Snowmobiling
The Waterford Trail starts in Sechler Park. There are 42.5 miles
that wind through forests, open fields and pastures. It connects
with the Snow-Go, Dakota, LeSueur County and Lakeville trails to
the north and west, and Kenyon-Zumbrota and Faribault trails to
the east and south. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park has a varied
terrain with five miles of trails.
Spectator Sports
Northfield High School and Carleton and St. Olaf colleges welcome
you as spectators at their sporting events throughout the academic
years. Both colleges are members of the Minnesota Intercollegiate
Athletic Conference. Cheer on all our athletes in men's and women's
sports, including basketball, volleyball, football, baseball, softball,
soccer, rugby, tennis, track and hockey.
Swimming
Enjoy a pleasant outdoor public pool, located at East Fifth and
Elm Streets. Bring along the little children as there is a wading
pool just for them.
Tennis
Outdoor courts are available at Northfield Senior High School, and
at Carleton and St. Olaf colleges.
