What to do and see in Northfield, United States: The Best Places and Tips

September 22, 2017 Frederic Celentano

Northfield is a city in Dakota and Rice counties in the State of Minnesota. The city is mostly in Rice County, with a small portion in Dakota County. The population was 20,007 during the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Northfield

1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053-2703 +1 507-334-8848
Excellent
48%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Scenic park whose forest is part of the Big Woods.

Reviewed By avasdad - Nanuet, New York

this is a state park with camping, hiking, picnic spots and a waterfall. it is very clean and natural. trails are well marked with maps at junctions. there are signs explaining the local flowers and the history of the area. they have an information visitors center and gift shop. restrooms are clean. you really get a feel for Minnesota wilderness here.

2. Northfield Historical Society

408 Division St S, Northfield, MN 55057-2018 +1 507-645-9268
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Northfield Historical Society

The Northfield Historical Society cares for the historic First National Bank building that the James-Younger Gang attempted to rob on September 7, 1876. The museum tells the story of the brave citizens who fought Jesse James and the other robbers leading to the end of the James-Younger Gang. During the weekend after Labor Day each year, a live reenactment of the bank robbery takes place on the street. Additional gallery space in the museum explores a variety of local history topics that make Northfield a unique mid-western town. **GUIDED BANK TOURS** daily tours Memorial Day - Labor Day; Saturday tours Apr-May and Sep-Nov.

Reviewed By Katelyn B - Minneapolis, Minnesota

While visiting the farmers market we passed a sign mentioning Jesse James tours. The tour started minutes after entering the historical society. Our guide was sweet and dressed in an authentic costume, though her presentation was lacking enthusiasm. Even so, the story is very fun and it was worth the $5 admission charge for the tour. After the half hour tour, there is time to look around the remaining exhibits.

3. The Gear ReSource Outfitters

Dundas, MN 55019-4014
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 18 reviews

The Gear ReSource Outfitters

The Gear ReSource Outfitters - "It's not just home, it's your playground!" Seasonally offering kayak and paddleboard rentals, snowshoe rentals, guided snowshoeing excursions, backpacking trips, wilderness survival classes outdoor gear, camping rentals and more! It's all about getting outdoors and having an excellent experience!

Reviewed By NorthfieldTraveler - Northfield, MN

My wife and I signed up for a combination snowshoe outing/wine tasting through The GearResource Outfitters in Northfield. We are locals, and have shopped in the store a number of times, but had never done one of their excursions previously. Nicole was very patient and helpful, answering lots of my questions via phone.

Robert and she led the snowshoeing outing at Big Woods State Park (one of several locations) and they were very accommodating for the newbies like us. There was a helpful list of items to bring/wear available on the website. The light lunch beforehand included Robert's own recipe for tomato soup, and it was delicious!

Our group of 20+ snowshoers appeared to include a wide range of skill levels, and it appeared everyone had a great time. The wine tasting at the Cannon River Winery was a perfect end to a wonderful afternoon.

Timetable for the day: we arrived a little before noon, had lunch and some instruction, snowshoed from about 1-3:15, then went to the winery from about 3:45-5:30.

4. Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College

100 S College St, Contiguous with the campus; either side of Highway 19, Northfield, MN 55057-4002 +1 507-646-5413
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College

Reviewed By Gmarie2013 - Northfield, Minnesota

The Arboretum, both upper and lower, provide peaceful walks even though you are within an urban area. Some have remarked that they found the paths confusing. Before we leave our starting point we look up and find a tall landmark which we can use to guide us back to our car. Also, you can use the restrooms in the Recreation Center. We suggest that you take the time to walk over to visit the small beautiful Japanese Garden behind Watson Hall. You can get excellent maps of the campus and information on the Carleton website.

5. Chapel Brewing

15 Hester St E, Dundas, MN 55019-3942 +1 763-213-3369
Excellent
0%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 2 reviews

Chapel Brewing

Chapel Brewing is a brewhouse and taproom located on the banks of the Cannon River, serving craft beer in a beautiful setting. Enjoy a pint in the warm and inviting historic 1880 building or on the large deck overlooking the scenic river.

Reviewed By TryppAdams - Minneapolis, Minnesota

They have a small parking lot, and this old Chapel is now churning out beer. The Brewery is apparently in the building next to the parking lot, with the taproom in the old chapel. It's a pretty small taproom with seating for about 20, but it looks like they have a nice patio next to the river that probably opens up in the summer. I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered up a flight of 6 for $10. Their Kolsch was my favorite. Great little stop if you are driving through, not sure I would venture out just for their beer.

6. Fireside Orchard and Gardens

2225 Lonsdale Blvd E, Northfield, MN 55057-4358 +1 507-663-1376
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

Fireside Orchard and Gardens

Reviewed By Kirk G - Owatonna, Minnesota

Every fall we make a stop at Fireside Orchard and Garden to sample the great variety of apples developed by the University of Minnesota. Fireside features everything from Minnesota's signature apple, the Honeycrisp, to new varieties like Sweet Tango. The orchard is in the process of replacing many of its older trees so the pick your own option is very limited this year. For rose lovers there is a lovely rose garden just outside of the store's front door and nearby there is large gazebo with picnic tables. Inside the store you can sample the apples and purchase everything from apples to cheese to made-fresh-daily donuts. Fireside is easy to get to, located just a mile and half east of Interstate 35 on Highway 19, exit 69. They are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., mid-August to New Years Eve.

7. Northfield Arts Guild

Division Street, Northfield, MN
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Northfield Arts Guild

Reviewed By Seniordad - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Beautiful old building on Division Street (Main street of Northfield); almost also has displays of local artists. Definitely worth 30-45 minutes.

8. Imminent Brewing

519 Division St S, Unit 2, Northfield, MN 55057-2021 +1 507-646-2327
Excellent
0%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 2 reviews

Imminent Brewing

Reviewed By TryppAdams - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I stopped in here on a Saturday and had an extended flight. It's nice that you can sample as many as you like. Imminent really has a great atmosphere with a bring your own food and food truck options. The indoors is large and Industrial, and they got a nice patio for summertime. While I found their beer good, I probably prefer Tanzewald better but either way it's great to have another Brewery in Northfield.

9. Vintage etc

411 Division St S, Northfield, MN 55057-2019 +1 507-366-4411

A nice shop with multiple vendors has vintage items such as clothing, jewelry, tools, games, lamps, small furniture and usual vintage/antique store items.

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