
| Attractions
Track Jesse James along the Outlaw Trail, tour our many historic sites, expand your mind at one of our prestigious colleges or just spend a relaxing afternoon picking apples and berries. There's so much to see and do in Northfield that you may come for the weekend and want to stay the whole week. |
|
Riverwalk
With scenic views of the Cannon
River, one-of-a-kind shopping opportunities and a waterfall that
casts a romantic glow in the evening, Northfield's Riverwalk is
a perfect way to spend an afternoon with the family or a romantic
moment with that special someone. Historical Society and Museum
Come learn about Northfield's unique history, and experience life
as it was in the 1800s at the Historical Society and Museum. The
bank that the James-Younger gang attempted to rob in 1876 is one
of Northfield's most famous attractions, and the museum preserves
the site as it stood on that fateful day.
408 Division St. 507-645-9268 www.northfieldhistory.org Northfield Arts Guild
The Arts Guild is housed in two
historic buildings. The downtown Center for the Arts includes an
art gallery, dance studio, recital room, art classrooms, gift store
and administrative offices. A few blocks away, a year-round season
of theater is performed in a converted church.
304 Division St. 507-645-8877 www.northfieldartsguild.org Carleton College
For visitors to Northfield, Carleton College offers many attractions,
including multiple ways to be one with nature.
One North College St. 507-222-4000 www.carleton.edu
Cowling
Arboretum
Open to public use year round, Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College is an ideal place to hike, run, ski, fish or simply enjoy being outdoors. The upland and lowland forests along with the 150-acre prairie restoration provide excellent bird and wildlife watching. The extensive 15-mile trail system has been ranked by Runner's Magazine as the top place to run in Minnesota and one of the top 10 in the country. In winter, trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/arb/ Goodsell
Observatory
Built in the late 1890s on the campus of Carleton College, Goodsell houses three telescopes that are more than 110 years old. Both the 8" and 16" telescopes are regularly used for open houses. Open houses are held the first Friday of every month for two hours and starting times vary based on sunset. Goodsell also is home to modern telescopes that are set up when needed on the east lawn of the observatory. www.carleton.edu/departments/PHAS/astro/
Japanese
Garden
Ancient rocks form the basic supporting frame of this compact, Japanese garden nestled behind Watson Hall at Carleton College. The garden was designed by Dr. David Slawson, who studied for two years in Kyoto with Kinsaku Nakane, one of Japan's foremost garden designers. The garden is said to embody a philosophy of fulfillment found in harmony and tranquility of body, mind and spirit. http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/japanesegarden/ St. Olaf College
Located on the west edge of town
atop Manitou Heights, St. Olaf's campus offers an impressive view
of Northfield and the Cannon River Valley. St. Olaf presents musical
recitals and concerts on a nearly daily basis, including the annual
nationally televised St. Olaf Christmas Festival.
1520 St. Olaf Ave. 507-786-2222 www.stolaf.edu Norwegian-American
Association
Dating back to 1925, the Norwegian-American Historical Association is a treasure trove for scholars of Norwegian history. Housed on the beautiful St. Olaf campus, NAHA'a archives are open to the public by appointment and feature letters, papers, books, periodicals, photographs, diaries and newspapers related to Norwegian-American life and history. 507-786-3221 www.naha.stolaf.edu Farmer's Market at Riverside Park
Local growers offer delicious homemade
and homegrown products. With a loyal local following, it's best
to arrive early for the pick of the crop. The market is held every
Tuesday and Friday in May through October at Riverside Park from
11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon.
Bridgewater Produce
Located just two miles from downtown, Bridgewater Produce has proudly
raised fresh fruits and vegetables for over 50 years.
Highway 19 West 651-253-2689 www.bridgewaterproducefarm.com Apple and Berry Picking
Fireside
Orchard & Garden
Located five miles west of Northfield on Highway 19, Fireside offers the finest apples and more. 2225 Lonsdale Blvd. 507-663-1376 www.firesideorchard.com Lorence's
Berry Farm
Located seven miles north of town, Lorence's Berry Farm offers the freshest berries around. 28625 Foliage Ave. 507-645-9749 or 507-645-2528 Self-Guided Tours Stop
by the Northfield
Convention and Visitors Bureau for brochures and information
detailing our two self-guided tours. In addition, tour guide service
is available for large groups if reservations are made in advance.
Call us for details.
800-658-2548 www.northfieldchamber.com
Outlaw
Trail Tour
Retrace the route taken by the James-Younger Gang as they blazed through Northfield in 1876.
Historic
Sites and Points of Interest
Guide yourself back in time as you view Northfield's historical architecture as it looked a century ago. The tour includes such landmarks as the Archer House, the Scriver Building, the Grand Event Center and more. |