THE BASICS
What is it about Northfield that attracted us KPPers to her borders? Some of us spent a lifetime here contributing to and prospering with the growth of this dynamic community. Some of us are returning to Midwestern roots attracted to the small college town surrounded by rolling farmlands dotted with picturesque farmhouses, barns, and silos. Some of us simply sought a change from the hectic pace of urban life that commanded our presence during our professional years.

St. Olaf and Carleton, two nationally recognized liberal arts colleges, are located in Northfield. Their students and faculty enrich our economy and our civic life. We are welcomed on campus where recitals, concerts, plays, and sporting events entertain us. We shop in their book stores, browse their libraries, worship in their chapels, and attend their special events. The presence of so many bright, dedicated, optimistic young people seems to help invigorate our spirits.

The city of Northfield owns and operates a modern 37-bed hospital on a 60-acre campus. The hospital’s clinics provide a full range of health services with most physician services provided by the Mayo Health System. Northfield also hosts an Allina Clinic, one of many located through throughout Central Minnesota serviced by a string of hospitals centered on the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. The Allina Clinic also has a full range of practitioners.

Although we embrace a small-town life removed from the urban setting, all the advantages of metro Minneapolis/St Paul are less than an hour away. The airport, the Mall of America, the state capitol, and all the sports venues, museums, universities, theaters, restaurants, and medical facilities…..all just a short drive away.

HISTORY
Founded in 1855, Northfield straddles the Cannon River which powered the early lumber and flour mills that supported the many wheat and corn farms in the surrounding area. As the “wheat frontier” moved west, dairy operations and diversified farms replaced the wheat-based agriculture. The region has since moved away from dairy and beef operations. Today it harvests substantial crops of corn and soybeans, as well as producing hogs and turkeys. The local cereal producer Malt-O-Meal is Northfield’s largest employer.

Since early in its history, Northfield has been a center of higher education. Carleton College (then Northfield College) was founded in 1866 on the northern edge of town by the Minnesota Conference of Congregational Churches. St. Olaf College was founded in 1874 on the western edge of town by Norwegian Lutheran immigrant pastors and farmers, who were eager to preserve their faith and culture by training teachers and preachers. These two institutions, which today enroll more than 5,000 students, make Northfield a thriving college town providing many cultural, educational, entertainment, and employment opportunities for local residents.

A historic downtown, with many charming late 19th and 20th century buildings, stands on the banks of the Cannon River. Scenic walkways line both sides of the river with shops and boutiques on the neighboring streets. Like many cities, much of Northfield’s recent commercial development has been drawn to the city’s edge along its major highway, but the historic downtown continues to thrive. Local residents and tourists are drawn to downtown Northfield to meet, eat, and shop.

In September of 1876 the Jesse James gang attempted to rob the First National Bank in Northfield, but they were driven off by a handful of Northfield citizens. Every year since 1948 Northfield has celebrated the defeat of the Jesse James gang with a September festival centered on a reenactment of the 1876 raid. Today, the “Defeat of Jesse James Days” festival is one the largest outdoor events in Minnesota bringing together hundreds of Northfield volunteers to plan and organize the many events that comprise this three-day event – truly a remarkable demonstration of community pride and spirit.

The Northfield Senior Center draws over 300 people a day to a modern facility that provides a whole host of exercise, learning, and social activities for seniors. Seniors gather to socialize, work out, swim, play cards, eat lunch, use the computer lab, or attend club meetings. The senior center is also a learning center with a wide range class offering. It’s a very active place.

Local Links:

City of Northfield - Includes a video introducing Northfield

Northfield Library - Celebrating Northfield’s past and building its future

Northfield Conv and Visitors Bureau - Events, lodging, dining, shopping, etc.

Northfield Chamber of Commerce - Business, government, and demographic data

Northfield Hospital - One of Minnesota’s newest hospitals

Northfield Historical Society - Minnesota history at its best

Northfield Senior Center - Enable active, meaningful & healthy lives for area seniors

Northfield Arts Guild - Class, performance & exhibition in visual & literary arts

The Northfield News - Local newspaper published on Wednesday & Saturday

Northfield Citizens Online - An electronic bulletin board of Northfield happenings

Carleton College - Academic excellence for 145 years

St. Olaf College - Liberal arts with a faith tradition and a global perspective

Cannon Valley Elder Collegium - Provides high quality academic experiences for seniors

Locally Grown Northfield - The people, issues, and events of Northfield, MN

KYMN Radio - Local news and information