Ready, Set,
Pack a bag, throw in the racket, tie down the bike, head to Northfield and get ready for some action! No reason to sit still in Northfield with so many recreational activities that appeal to sports nuts, weekend athletes and naturelovers alike.
PARKS City Parks
Northfield is home to over 30 city parks, offering playgrounds, softball and soccer fields, ice rinks, picnic facilities, trails, and plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family. Picnic shelters can be reserved for large gatherings.
www.ci.northfield.mn.us Cannon River Wilderness Area 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 co.rice.mn.us/parks/cannon.php Caron Park
Caron Park is a sixty-acre remnant of the big woods located about nine miles from downtown Northfield in rural Faribault. This lovely park is an excellent environmental study area, with a waterfall, a picnic area, and a 1.5 mile hiking/snowshoe trail.
170th Street East, Faribault www.co.rice.mn.us/parksfacilities/caron-park Carleton College Cowling Arboretum
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RECREATION
Best with “RUNNER’S MAGAZINE AS THE TOP PLACE TO RUN (NOT FUN) IN MINNESOTA.” Open to the public year round. It 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. The extensive 15-mile trail system has been ranked by Runner’s Magazine as the top place to fun in Minnesota and one of the top 10 in the country. In winter, trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing.
go.carleton.edu/arb Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
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 507.333.4840 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_ parks/nerstrand_big_woods/ River Bend Nature Center
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 507.332.7151 www.rbnc.org
