Along the banks of the Cannon River lies charming Northfield, Minnesota. With its 150 years of history, art, culture, and education, Northfield offers something for everyone. Nature lovers flock to hike the trails of Cowling Arboretum, bicyclists pursue the varied terrain, foodies savor the dining options, and music aficionados come for the lively scene. See for yourself why Northfield was included on CountryLiving.com’s “50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America” list and named “Best Place To Retire” by Money Magazine!
Scroll through the gallery below to find ideas for the perfect itinerary in Northfield.
1. Riverwalk Market Fair: Saturdays, May 21 – Oct. 22, 9am-1pm
This one-of-a-kind open air market has something for everyone, including the area’s best artwork, fine crafts, food artisans, fresh flowers and produce picked from local farms. Each Saturday offers a different blend of musical entertainment and kid’s activities. riverwalkmarketfair.org
2. Northfield Historical Society and Museum
Come learn about Northfield’s unique history and experience life as it was. 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 the fateful day. northfieldhistory.org
3. Northfield Arts Guild
The Northfield Arts Guild was founded in 1959 and is one of the oldest art non-profits in the state of Minnesota. Housed in two historic buildings, the Arts Guild produces more than 100 annual art events and 25 weekly art classes. northfieldartsguild.org
4. Carleton 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. carleton.edu
5. Shopping Downtown Northfield
The heart of our community boasts public art, boutique shopping, restaurants, a museum and much more! Named “Most Walkable City” by Star Tribune. Downtown is a destination that is at the top of any Northfield travel itinerary! It’s easy to spend an entire day, or two in this unique area of Northfield! visitnorthfield.com/things-to-do/shopping
6. Defeat of Jesse James Days: September 7th-11th
Witness reenactments of the robbery, attend the championship rodeo, carnival, car show, and parade, horseshoe hunt, as well as arts and crafts expositions, and musical performances. Many food stations are set up in Bridge Square, and during the evenings live music is played in a “Entertainment Center” on Water Street. djjd.org
7. Recreation in Northfield
Visit Farmstead Outdoor Adventures and explore the Cannon River, Union Lake, or the bike paths and roads around town. They also rent solo and tandem kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and beginning in August 2022 they will also rent bikes. Plan your next adventure! farmsteadoutdooradventures.com
VisitNorthfield.com
19 Bridge Square, Northfield, MN 55057
(800) 658-2548
