Northfield, Minnesota
Population: 17,147
Located in Rice County
Northfield, MinnesotaThe City of Northfield is situated along the banks of the Cannon River in the rich agricultural region of south- eastern Minnesota and stands as a prominent example of a pioneer town which has thrived for over 150 years. Located within a 45 minute drive from the Twin Cities, Northfield offers residents the pleasing combination of proximity to a metropolitan area and a quiet, small town setting. Northfield is a unique blend of the historic, the progressive and the creative. Northfield has succeeded in wedding the life and values of earlier years to the needs of modern America, forming a community that is a pleasant place to live, to work and to visit. Northfield, Minnesota, was founded in 1855 on the banks of the Cannon River. Soon a dam was constructed to power the Ames Flour Mill, which turned wheat from nearby fields into flour that won a prize at the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition. Today, the Ames Flour Mill is the location of September 7, 1876 gave Northfield its place in the history books. Jesse James and his gang rode into town to rob the First National Bank. Gang members thought a large sum of money had been deposited by mill owner Jesse Ames and his family. The raid was thwarted by the brave townspeople. Several movies have been made of the Great Northfield Minnesota Bank Raid, none of them historically accurate. The academic spirit of inquiry is shared as well by the thriving industries that have been involved in everything from food processing to high-tech advances that have helped revolutionize the computer industry. Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges, are two national ranked colleges. These colleges, with their extraordinary history, cultural and intellectual richness, athletic rivalries and beautiful campuses, contribute significantly to Northfield's appeal. Carleton is located on the northeast edge of central Northfield and includes within its 900-acre campus two scenic lakes and a 400-acre arboretum, where you, too, may stroll, hike or ski in the solitude of nature. St. Olaf is located on the west edge of town on Manitou Heights with an impressive view of Northfield and the Cannon River Valley. Stroll through downtown and along the Riverside Commons and you will be delighted with Northfield's obvious pride in historic preservation. Most of the buildings along Division Street date from 1875 to 1905. The well-preserved storefronts house boutique, antique and other interesting shops and stores, which make for a stimulating shopping experience. Some of these buildings as well as others in the community are on the National Register of Historic Places. Looking for something to celebrate? Look no further than Northfield, with its wide spectrum of activities and celebrations. The Defeat of Jesse James Days, (September - weekend following Labor Day) is one such celebration. Come and join in the four-day festival that celebrates the defeat of the James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank on September 7, 1876. There are re-enactments of the bank raid, a rodeo, old-time tractor pull, midway, parade, arts festival, arts and crafts shows, and a variety of other entertainment and activities. Or enjoy the city in all its splendor on the annual Winter Walk (December - First Thursday evening). Experience downtown Northfield by candlelight! Stroll through unique shops, dine at fine restaurants, and enjoy caroling, horse-drawn wagon rides, storytelling, luminaries, decorated storefronts, and much, much more! The Northfield School District offers a progressive educational program, grounded in a rigorous basic curriculum. Parents of elementary children can choose between a standard contemporary curriculum or a partial Spanish immersion program. Northfield High School offers a strong college preparatory program. The Alternative Learning Center educates students in a less traditional setting. Approximately 90 percent of Northfield graduates go on to attend post-secondary schools. The Village School, an elementary and secondary public charter school, is an outcome-based school where students design individualized learning plans, fostering independent learning within a meaningful context. The integrated curriculum at Prairie Creek Community School, a progressive public charter school, reflects the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge organized around themes of inquiry. A new charter school, ARTech, will provide students with an individualized, innovative educational program enhanced through the arts and aided by technology. In the early years, the Cannon River was a source of power for many saw and flour mills. Today it is a recreational river and a source of pleasure. Canoeing and fishing are popular pastimes with Northfielders and visitors alike. Stroll along the river walkway for a view of the river and the falls, which are lit at night to add to the scenic beauty. You will leave with an appreciation of the beauty and tranquility of this peaceful town. The homes and neighborhoods of Northfield are a fascinating blend of the historic, the traditional and the contemporary; and new developments have remained sensitive to facilitating community connections. Close to the city center you will find tree-lined streets and predictable lots completing John North's original, orderly grid plat design. There are stately, 19th-century homes that stand as a testament to the community's prosperity and optimism as it came of age. There are more modest, but no less romantic, two-story homes, many with sprawling front porches that promote neighborhood conversation. The homes have been well maintained. Many have been restored to their original design, and others have been gracefully adapted to suit contemporary living patterns. The growth in the latter half of the 20th century produced a new look with the custom-built ranch housed placed along curvilinear streets and cul-de-sacs as the city gradually expanded its borders. In more recent years, there has been the rapid addition of large, distinctive homes that favor three-car garages, first in developments east of town and more recently on the northwest edge of town. There have also been a number of town home and twin home developments that have proved popular with empty nesters, retirees or single professionals; and apartments are located throughout the community. With all this and so much more, is there any reason why you want to move anywhere else? Photos Courtesy of Christy Amedy Find homes for sale in Northfield Minnesota
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Northfield's Premier Real Estate AgentJerry Young, President"Service You Deserve, People You Trust!" Denny Hecker's GMAC Real Estate
Also visit: Elko New Market, Faribault, Lonsdale, Medina, Minneapolis, Minnetonka Beach, Navarre, Orono, Osseo, Prior Lake, Rogers, Savage & Shorewood |
