Northfield, Educational city in Rice County, Minnesota
Description
Northfield is a city in Rice County, Minnesota, where the Cannon River runs through the center and low hills roll across the surrounding countryside. The streets arrange themselves around a central downtown lined with brick storefronts and rows of mature trees.
History
John W. North founded the settlement in 1855 around a mill on the river, and over the following decades it grew from an agricultural trading center. Two colleges opened their doors in the second half of the 19th century, reshaping the character of the town.
Culture
Two liberal arts institutions, Carleton College established in 1866 and St. Olaf College founded in 1874, shape the intellectual character of the community.
Practical
Interstate 35 connects the city to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to the north, and road signs guide you toward the two college campuses and the historic downtown. Parking is available along the main street and in several public lots near the river.
Did you know?
A failed bank robbery in 1876 still shapes the downtown today: the old bank building stands on Division Street and reminds visitors of that encounter with the James-Younger Gang. Each September, residents celebrate the story with period costumes and reenactments.
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Carleton College Cowling Arboretum
876 m
Goodsell Observatory
794 m
The Cave
926 m
O. E. Rolvaag House
1 km
Archibald Mill
4.8 km
Northfield Public Library
187 m
Willis Hall
487 m
Jo Ryo En Japanese Garden
912 m
Scoville Memorial Library
479 m
District No. 72 School
3.2 km
All Saints Church-Episcopal
414 m
Northfield Historical Society
282 m
Old Main, St. Olaf College
1.5 km
Steensland Library-Saint Olaf College
1.6 kmThe Labyrinth
888 mThe Sketchy Artist
148 mYoung Sculptor's Project
172 mTree
214 mWind Piece
232 mFlame
211 mWanbli Mitakuye Oyasin (Eagle Relatives)
123 mHarvest
314 mThreshold
107 mBetween Earth and Sky
4.8 kmVoices, Thoughts, & Spirits in the Wind
867 m2nd Street Bridge
144 m5th Street Bridge
154 mLove Windmill
384 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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