Minnesota is often a pretty magical place. We have ice castles and winter carnivals, fantasy waterfalls and many more magical places. And we also have dozens of charming towns across the state that could easily pass for something out of a Disney movie. Today we’ll focus on Northfield. If you love the charming small town scenes from Beauty and the Beast, you’ll love this fairy tale town.
Though Northfield is not far from the Twin Cities, the charming downtown makes it feel like a world away.
Downtown Northfield MN/Facebook
The town of just over 20,000 attracts visitors from across the state. People love to browse the cute shops that line the downtown streets.
Downtown Northfield MN/Facebook
And at the center of town is a lovely town square complete with a working fountain. The square is a perfect spot to spend a few hours people watching on a warm summer day.
Downtown Northfield MN/Facebook
The square is also famed for the 1918 popcorn wagon parked there in the summertime. It’s a charming detail that would not be out of place in a storybook.
Downtown Northfield MN/Facebook
Not far from the square, a picturesque bridge crosses the Cannon River, connecting two sections of downtown Northfield. It’s an attractive showpiece that not many other towns can boast.
Phil/Flickr
It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists to gather during town events.
Michael Hicks/Flickr
The most famous event? Defeat of Jesse James Days, featuring a reenactment of the famous bank raid gone wrong by the James-Younger Gang at the first National Bank of Northfield.
Michael Hicks/Flickr
Other parts of town are full of history as well. For example, the Archer House River Inn is a huge, beautiful 1877 hotel that offers a historic fairy tale backdrop to your night in Northfield.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
And the town’s early history is on display as well. The town’s location along the Cannon River made it an ideal place for milling. Today, the Ames Mill still stands watch over the river.
Jerry Huddleston/Flikcr
But don’t think all of the fun lies within the limits of downtown Northfield. Outside of town, you can take a beautiful and secluded hike through nature.
Steve Moses/Flickr
The Carleton College Cowling Arboretum is a popular spot. Nearly 900 acres of nature - grassy meadows and thick forests - are sure to enchant anyone who decides to amble down the paths.
Roy Luck/Flickr
Even this far from town, you’ll find charming architecture, like this stone bridge arching over Spring Creek.
Calebrw/Wikimedia Commons
No matter the time of year, Northfield is a charming place to visit. If you’ve ever wished you could step into a fairy tale, Northfield might be as close as you can get.
Downtown Northfield MN/Facebook
Love Minnesota’s small towns? Check out The Delightful Minnesota Town You Can’t Drive Through Without Stopping.
Downtown Northfield MN/Facebook
Phil/Flickr
Michael Hicks/Flickr
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Jerry Huddleston/Flikcr
Steve Moses/Flickr
Roy Luck/Flickr
Calebrw/Wikimedia Commons
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