The Unique Town Near Minneapolis That’s Anything But Ordinary
The Twin Cities are great, but there are amazing activities to partake in, restaurants to sample, and events to discover in every part of Minnesota. One of the best parts of living here is exploring the unique nooks and crannies that make Minnesota what it is. If you’re looking for an adventure outside of the metro area – but not so far that it takes an entire day to get there – look no further than Northfield. This unique town may be much smaller than Minneapolis, but it’s anything but ordinary.
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Northfield, Minnesota, is about 40 miles south of the Twin Cities.
One of the most charming aspects of the entire town is its historic downtown area. Founded in the mid-1800s, this town retains quite a bit of its early history. It shows in the old buildings that line the main street.
You'll also find history if you take a stroll along the Cannon River, which runs through town. An historic mill still stands on the river, adding a picturesque beauty to the old town.
The center of town is dominated by the Cannon River. A stroll along its banks or across the bridge that links two parts of town is one of the best ways to enjoy Northfield.
This quirky event celebrates the day Jesse James and his gang tried - and failed - to rob the First National Bank. Crowds line the street to watch the reenactment.
All in all, Northfield is one of the most charming towns in Minnesota. And because it's less than an hour's drive from Minneapolis, it's the perfect way to get away from the city for a few hours.
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
