Tours & Attractions

The Northfield Historical Society Museum – 408 Division St.

Tues.-Sat., 10-4; Sun, 1-4 (Open Mondays during summer.)

The museum is home to Northfield's famous bank raid site, which appears as it did Sept. 9, 1876, when the James-Younger Gang attempted to rob it. In the museum’s Ted Scott Room, there are rotating exhibits on the history of the city, its region and the state. The museum store offers souvenirs and books of local and regional interest offered in the atmosphere of an old-fashioned dry goods store. For more information, visit the Northfield Historical Society's web site.

 

The Outlaw Trail Tour

Retrace the route the James-Younger Gang took as they rode through the Northfield area in 1876. The Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau provides a self-guided tour brochure, available upon request from the Northfield Chamber of Commerce. Tour guide service is available for tour buses and large groups with reservations made in advance of visits.

 

Historic Sites and Points of Interest Tour

Many of the buildings in Northfield's downtown and nearby residential area look as they did when built a century ago, with windows and cornices embellished with 19th-century architectural detail. Among them, the Scriver Building on Division Street is the former site of the First National Bank; The Archer House, one of the state’s oldest river inns, still functions as a hotel; and The Grand Event Center, on the corner of Fourth and Washington Streets, serves the public as it did when known as the Ware Auditorium. Stop by the Northfield Chamber of Commerce and pick up a self-guided tour brochure. Tour guide service is available for tour buses and large groups with reservations made in advance of visits.

 

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 an 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. For more information, visit the web sites of Carleton College and St. Olaf College.

 

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 Riverwalk 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.

 

Farmers Market at Riverside Park

(May-October)

Tues. and Fri., 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-12 noon

Local growers offer delicious homemade and home-grown products season to season. With a loyal local following, it's best to get there early for the pick of the crop.

 

Thursday on the Square

(June-August)

On many Thursday evenings in the summer, you will find much of Northfield gathered at Bridge Square, the heart of the city, for concerts and variety shows. Most stores are open, so you may shop in a comfortable, unhurried atmosphere.

 

 

The Science Center at Maltby Nature Preserve

Randolph, Minnesota

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

 

Goodsell Observatory at Carleton College

Public open hours and tours are the first Friday of the month, the first two hours after dark. (Only if clear.) For more information, visit Goodsell Observatory.

 

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. For more information, visit Japanese Garden .

 

 

 

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. To locate apple orchards in the area, visit the Apple Journal. For fresh berries, Lorence's Berry Farm is located just seven miles north of Northfield.