Overview
Northfield is a city in Minnesota. Its major historical claim to fame is the "Defeat of Jesse James." It's also one of the best-smelling towns in America due to the local Malt-O-Meal factory.
5 sights · 5 things to do · 2 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Northfield
Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau
State Highway 3. The Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau helps visitors plan trips to Northfield. The offer information about attractions, featured events, local history, arts and culture, recreation and group tour…
Carleton College
Carleton College was founded in 1866. The campus covers 950 acres, including the 880-acre Arboretum, a nature preserve and park which is accessible to the public. The Arboretum was named Minnesota’s best running trail by…
Northfield Historical Society
Site of the bank raid, restored to original condition. The bullet holes in the wall are genuine. Tours and souvenirs.
St. Olaf College
St. Olaf College is on a hill on the west side of Northfield. The college was founded in 1874 by Norwegian immigrants and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Depot Diner...a Museum
Museum - a curious collection of objects from nature, science, technology and the arts. Museum Store sells local fossils, collector's supplies, science posters, antiques and gently used non-fiction science/nature books.
Defeat of Jesse James Days
First weekend after Labor Day. A rodeo, midway and local celebrations, including live reenactments of the bank raid.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 9°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Saint Paul)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 29 mi away (major hub). Directions
- RST Rochester International Airport, Rochester — 50 mi away. Directions
Northfield sits at the intersection of highways MN 19 and MN 3. The quickest way to Northfield from the Twin Cities is taking Interstate 35 south to MN 19 (Exit 69) and go east on 19. The downtown area is on the east side of the Cannon River.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Depot Diner...a Museum, Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Northfield Historical Society
- Afternoon Riverwalk Market Fair, Plays and Exhibits sponsored by the Northfield Arts Guild
- Evening Goodbye Blue Monday
Day 2
- Morning Carleton College, St. Olaf College, Defeat of Jesse James Days
- Afternoon St. Olaf Christmas Festival, Crazy Daze
- Evening The Hideaway Coffeehouse and Winebar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
On September 7th, 1876, the James-Younger Gang rode into town intent on robbing the First National Bank of Northfield. Tipped off due to their suspicious actions, the citizens of Northfield engaged in a quick but heavy firefight with the gang that left two citizens and two gang members dead. The other six gang members sustained a range of injuries and fled south. Four were captured two weeks later only fifty miles from Northfield.
Malt-O-Meal was purchased by POST Consumer Brands in 2016, so the Northfield factory now has a large, red POST sign. At times the town distinctly smells of popcorn or chocolate or cinnamon depending on which cereal is being made at the time.
Get in
By car
Northfield sits at the intersection of highways MN 19 and MN 3. The quickest way to Northfield from the Twin Cities is taking Interstate 35 south to MN 19 (Exit 69) and go east on 19. The downtown area is on the east side of the Cannon River.
By bus
- Northfield Lines. Operator of the Northfield Metro EXPRESS, a daily bus service between Northfield and the Twin Cities. One-way fare is $13 if purchased online or $25 if purchased on the bus.
Get around
There is some public transit in Northfield, but it is a very walkable town. However to get out to the more commercial shopping area down Highway 3, you'll probably want a bike or car. There is a smaller taxi service (+1 507-645-4447).
Care Tenders is an airport shuttle service, the only service of its kind in Northfield. It also provides service in and around Northfield. +1-888-492-RIDE (7433)
There is also Northfield Transit and Dial-A-Ride +1 507 645-7250 that operates during the day.
See
See Carleton College
Carleton College was founded in 1866. The campus covers 950 acres, including the 880-acre Arboretum, a nature preserve and park which is accessible to the public. The Arboretum was named Minnesota’s best running trail by Runner’s World magazine. Walking in the arb is highly recommended. The Gould Library, also open to the public, houses over a million volumes.
Do
Do Riverwalk Market Fair (The Art of a Minnesota Summer Saturday)
Riverwalk Market Fair is held in historic Northfield along the beautiful Cannon Riverfront. In addition to providing an array of fine art and fine craft made by area artists, locally grown produce and artisan food Riverwalk Market Fair offers live entertainment, family activities and special events.
Buy
Shop The Sketchy Artist
Surprise yourself with this original art supply and gift boutique located in lovely downtown Northfield (MN). Great selection of quality art materials as well as several eco-friendly lines. Gifts include a fun selection of cards, papers, Japanese pottery and novelties, journals, and kids stuff. Local art featured on display and for sale as well. Definitely the place to shop for something truly unique and off the beaten path - whether you're an artist or not!
- con.tent, 314 Division Street. Purveyors of new and used books. Live reading events.
- Rare Pair, 401 Division St. Quality shoes, clothing and accessories for men and women.
- Paper Petalum, 212 Division St. in the Archer House. Scandinavian and quality gifts.
Eat
- Hogan Brother's Hogies, Downtown on Division. Super tasty sandwiches. Super super tasty.
- The OIe Store Restaurant, 1011 St Olaf Ave. Home of the Ole Roll and delicious lunches and dinners. Upscale casual contemporary menu.
- Gran Plaza Mexican Grill, On Highway 3 south. Good Mexican food.
- El Tequila, On Highway 3. Good Mexican food.
- Basil's Pizza A Greek pizzeria for over 50 years!. Try the Gyro pizza with Taziki sauce. Seriously. Located in the old downtown on 4th street.
- B and L's, On Division St. Another Greek Pizzeria.
- George's Vineyard Another pizzeria located on Highway 3, serves Greek food.
- The Quarterback Club, Highway 3 and 3rd street. Delicious and reasonably priced flame-broiled burgers, broasted chicken and BBQ ribs.
- Tokoyo Grill, Highway 3 at 1301 Bollenbacher Dr. Excellent Japanese steak house. A favorite of college students and locals.
Drink
Coffee shops
Drink Goodbye Blue Monday
Goodbye Blue Monday serves good coffee in a friendly atmosphere. There are lots of tables and couches, free wireless internet, a public internet kiosk, and usually some great music. It is a favorite coffee shop of college students.
- The Ole Cafe The Ole Cafe is similar to the Blue Monday, but provides caffeinated goodness to the other side of town. Located just short of St. Olaf College on St. Olaf Avenue.
- James Gang Coffeehouse & Eatery This place serves people around the Highway 3 shopping areas. Great coffee, sandwiches, and soups, in a relaxed atmosphere. Free WiFi internet connection.
Drink The Hideaway Coffeehouse and Winebar
Located in the heart of downtown Northfield this is a great place for outstanding coffee, made to order sandwiches, wine, beer and appetizers.
Bars
- The Contented Cow This British-style pub is a local favorite. Classic pub food is available as well as a wide range of international beers among other beverages. Local bands (mostly of the folk variety) play there regularly. This place tends to attract a mellow crowd of all ages.
- Froggy Bottoms On the banks of the Cannon river, Froggy Bottoms has a very trendy feel and serves food as well as drinks. This place attracts a varied kind of crowd.
- Tanzenwald Brewing Company, on Highway 3 at 103 Water St. It serves German food and their own beer.
- Imminent Brewing, 519 Division St. Production brewery and taproom. Live music.
Sleep
Stay Magic Door Bed and Breakfast
This charming home offers three suites. The bed and breakfast is within walking distance of the downtown area and Carleton College.
Nearby
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Rosemount
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Miesville
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Burnsville
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Hastings
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