Location: Northfield
Top Things to do in Northfield
What to do and see in Northfield, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
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
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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