RECREATION

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

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

Biking

Northfield’s Mill Towns Trail features an abundance of varied terrain and scenery for the bicyclist in you. The trail winds through historic downtown and around Sechler Park, offering views of both the Cannon River and the railroad. Northfield also features occasional criterion and road races for both novices and advanced bikers. www.milltownstrail.org

Bowling

Flaherty’s Northfield is a 16 - lane, first-class, up-todate bowling center featuring one of the most advanced automated scoring systems in the industry. A great spot for birthday parties, banquets, and fun for all ages. 1700 South Highway 3 507.645.8322 www.flahertysnorthfield lanes.com

Canoeing & Kayaking

The Cannon River features plenty of good access points and abundant scenery. Kayak rental is available from The

Gear ReSource Outfitters

201 Railway St. N., Dundas MN 507.407.4327 thegearresource.com

Dog Parks

Northfield’s dog park is located on the east side of Highway 3 at the Woodley intersection. Call 507.645.8935 for info. The City of Dundas has a dog park just off County Road 1 near the Schilling Drive intersection.

Dundas Dome

The Dundas Dome is a privately owned venue that is suitable for any occasion whether family or business. We are capable of hosting a number of sports here: soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball, rugby, and football. We have hosted New Years Eve parties, church youth groups, business gatherings, tournaments, cross fit competitions, drone flying, and a community favorite, open domes. The dome is open 6 months of the year from November 1 to April 30th. The Cannon River is a surprisingly robust fishery, and not just for rough fish! Walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass can all be found, along with pan fish, channel catfish, bullheads, and more.

Golf

Northfield is home to two excellent 18-hole courses and a driving range. The Northfield Golf Club features abundant oak, maple, pine and birch trees adding majesty to an already classic course. The original nine holes date to 1926 while the back nine has been challenging duffers since 1975. 707 Prairie St. 507.645.4026 northfieldgolfclub.com Golf Digest rated Willinger’s Golf Club among America’s Best with designations in “TOP 20 BEST COURSES IN MINNESOTA” and a “4 1/2 STAR” rating in “BEST PLACES TO PLAY GOLF IN NORTH AMERICA.” This course, featuring four sets of tee boxes per hole, was designed to challenge everyone from the beginner to the professional. 6900 Canby Trail 952.652.2500 www.willingersgc.com The Twin Oaks Driving Range offers 25 practice tees right in the center of town. 8391 Hall Ave. 507.663.1824

Health and Fitness The Northfield Area Family

YMCA provides healthy fun options for all ages: indoor pool, walking track and gym, wellness floor of cardio and weight equipment, and 45+ group and aqua exercise classes weekly. 1501 Honeylocust Drive. 507-645-0088. www.northfieldymca.org

Ice Skating & Hockey

Parks Ice Rinks: Babcock Park Greenvale School Roosevelt Park Washington Park Way Park Northfield’s 4000 sq foot public skateboard park opened at Old Memorial Park in summer 2015. It’s open to skaters of all ages and abilities, who are encouraged to be safe, read the posted rules, and abide by the park hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 801 Seventh St. E. 507.645.1837

Skydiving

Skydiving, gliding and aircraft rental are available at Stanton Airfield, just minutes east of town. 1235 Highway 19 Stanton, MN 507.645.4030 www.stantonairfield.com

The Old Memorial Pool features a separate toddler pool, zero-depth entry, a 50-meter section, diving board, and climbing wall, as well as a half-court basketball area, a skate park, and plenty of deck and grass space for everyone to enjoy. 801 Seventh St. E. 507.645.1837 ci.northfield.mn.us/ parksandrec/

Tennis

Courts are available at Northfield High School and Carleton and St. Olaf colleges.

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