Attractions and Places To See around Northfield - Top 20

Visitors frequently enjoy the spiritual architecture of the Baháʼí House of Worship Wilmette, the natural beauty and trails of Harms Woods Preserve, and the serene waters of Skokie Lagoon No. 3 for activities like kayaking and bird watching.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Baháʼí House of Worship Wilmette welcomes all ages, and its beautiful grounds are great for a peaceful visit. Harms Woods Preserve and Skokie Lagoon No. 3 offer outdoor recreation like walking, fishing, and kayaking. Additionally, the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park provides an engaging outdoor art experience for all ages.

The area boasts diverse natural landscapes. You can explore the extensive trails and restored habitats of the Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College or the St. Olaf Natural Lands. The Cannon River Walkway offers scenic strolls along the river. For a more immersive experience, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, a short drive away, is known for its lush woodlands and wildflowers. The Skokie Lagoon No. 3 is part of a larger nature preserve offering water activities and bird watching.

Northfield is rich in history. The Historic Downtown Northfield features charming brick buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Northfield Historical Society/Museum, located in the 1868 Scriver Building, tells the story of the infamous 1876 James-Younger Gang bank raid. You can also visit the beautifully restored 1888 Northfield Train Depot. The Grosse Point Lighthouse, built in the 1870s, is another significant historical landmark.

Northfield offers a variety of outdoor activities. For gravel biking, you can find routes like the North Branch Yellow Unpaved Trail or loops around the Skokie Lagoons; explore options in the Gravel biking around Northfield guide. Runners can enjoy trails such as the North Branch Trail: Skokie Lagoons Loop, detailed in the Running Trails around Northfield guide. For easy hikes, consider the North Branch Orange Trail or the Skokie Lagoons Inner Trail, found in the Easy hikes around Northfield guide. Harms Woods Preserve also offers unpaved trails for walking and running.

Yes, Northfield has a vibrant cultural scene, largely influenced by its two colleges. The Northfield Arts Guild, one of Minnesota's oldest art non-profits, offers a gallery and theater productions. Carleton College's Weitz Center for Creativity hosts various events, and both Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges have art museums (Perlman Teaching Museum and Flaten Art Museum, respectively) with rotating exhibits. The Baháʼí House of Worship Wilmette is a significant spiritual and architectural landmark.

Yes, Harms Woods Preserve is noted as dog-friendly, offering unpaved trails for walking and running. Many of the natural areas and parks around Northfield, such as the Cannon River Walkway and parts of the college arboretums, also welcome dogs on leash. Always check local regulations for specific areas.

The spring and fall seasons are particularly beautiful for outdoor activities in Northfield. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers to areas like Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and Harms Woods Preserve. Fall offers stunning foliage, especially in the arboretums and along the Cannon River, and is popular for apple picking at places like Fireside Orchard and Gardens. Summer is also great for water activities at Skokie Lagoon No. 3 and general trail use.

The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park is an excellent destination, showcasing over 60 sculptures by renowned artists along a two-mile stretch. It features well-maintained bike and walk paths, making it an enjoyable experience for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Northfield hosts several unique events. The annual Defeat of Jesse James Days commemorates the infamous bank raid with parades and reenactments. The Riverwalk Market Fair, held from mid-May through October, features local artisans, music, and food vendors along the riverfront. You can also visit local craft beverage establishments like Imminent Brewing or Loon Liquors Distillery for a taste of local flavors.

Yes, the Baháʼí House of Worship Wilmette is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a spiritual and architectural experience for all. The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park also features well-maintained, separated bike and walk paths that are in exceptional condition, making it accessible for many visitors.

Absolutely. Skokie Lagoon No. 3 and the broader Skokie Lagoons nature preserve are excellent for bird watching. Harms Woods Preserve is also a great spot to look for spring wildflowers, butterflies, and various bird species. The Cowling Arboretum and St. Olaf Natural Lands provide diverse habitats for local wildlife.