Northfield's wonderful parks offer playgrounds, softball and soccer fields, picnic facilities, trails and plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family. Picnic shelters can be reserved for large gatherings.

Beginning five miles south of Northfield along Highway 3, this park stretches across 850 acres and nearly 14 miles of wooded river valley. It features a self-guided nature trail and easy access to the Cannon River for your canoe or kayak.
151st St. E., Faribault, MN
507-332-6105
www.co.rice.mn.us/parks/cannon.php

Nearly 3,000 acres of wildflowers, wildlife, trails and campgrounds are found just a short drive from Northfield. The park is also the world's only home for the endangered dwarf trout lily.
9700 170 St. E., Nerstrand, MN
507-333-4840
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/nerstrand_big_woods/

Just 14 miles south of Northfield, the River Bend Nature Center encompasses 750 acres and features a variety of public programs, from photography lessons to bird watching tips. The Big Woods Amphitheater is available free of charge and without reservations and can accommodate up to 100 people.
Rustad Rd. Faribault, MN
507-332-7151
www.rbnc.org

Located just off Highway 3 at the Woodley intersection.
507-645-8935

Located off County Road 1 near the Schilling Drive intersection in nearby Dundas, MN.

Northfield's Mill Towns Trail features an abundance of varied terrain and scenery for the bicyclist in you. The trail winds through historic downtown and around the serene Sechler Park, offering views of both the Cannon River and the railroad. Northfield also features occasional criterion and road races for both novices and advanced bikers.
www.milltownstrail.org

Jesse James Lanes
1700 South Highway 3
507-645-8322
http://jessejameslanes.com

The Cannon River features plenty of good access points and abundant scenery.

Miles of well-groomed trails are available. Try the trails at Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College, River Bend Nature Center or Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.

Fish along the Cannon River for bluegill, bullhead, walleye, northern pike, crappie and smallmouth bass.

Golf

Northfield is home to two excellent 18-hole courses and a driving range.

Northfield Golf Club
Abundant oak, maple, pine and birch trees add majesty to an already classic course. The original nine holes date to 1926 while the back nine has been challenging duffers since 1975.
707 Prairie St.
507-645-4026
www.northfieldgolfclub.com


Willinger's Golf Club
GOLF DIGEST selects Willinger's Golf Club among America's Best with designations in "THE BEST in STATE - TOP 20 BEST COURSES IN MINNESOTA" and Willinger's also receives a "4 1/2 STAR" rating from GOLF DIGEST AS "BEST PLACES TO PLAY GOLF IN NORTH AMERICA". An incredible 74.4 course rating truly sets these picturesque 18 holes apart. This course, featuring four sets of tee boxes per hole, was designed by the acclaimed Gil Design, Inc., golf course architects to challenge everyone from the beginner to the professional.
6900 Canby Trail
952-652-2500
www.willingersgc.com


Twin Oaks Driving Range
Twin Oaks offers 25 practice tees right in the center of town.
8391 Hall Ave.
507-663-1824

Indoor open skating is available at the Northfield Arena from November through March. Outdoor facilities can be found at five city parks, Northfield High School and Carleton and St. Olaf colleges.

Skydiving, gliding and aircraft rental are available at Stanton Airfield, just minutes east of town.
1235 Highway 19, Stanton, MN
507-645-4030

The 42.5-mile Waterford Trail begins at Sechler Park and winds through scenic forests, open fields and pastures.
www.waterfordwarriors.org 

Northfield Old Memorial Park Pool
The newly constructed Memorial Pool facility features a separate toddler pool, zero-depth entry, a 50-meter section, diving board, a half-court basketball area, a climbing wall and plenty of deck and grass space for everyone to enjoy.
801 Seventh St. E.
507-645-1837
www.ci.northfield.mn.us/parksandrec/pool

Courts are available at Northfield High School and Carleton and St. Olaf colleges.