Northfield (Minnesota)

Northfield is a city in Minnesota. Its major historical claim to fame is the "Defeat of Jesse James." It's also one of the best-smelling towns in America due to the local Malt-O-Meal factory.

Understand
On September 7th, 1876, the James-Younger Gang rode into town intent on robbing the First National Bank of Northfield. Tipped off due to their suspicious actions, the citizens of Northfield engaged in a quick but heavy firefight with the gang that left two citizens and two gang members dead. The other six gang members sustained a range of injuries and fled south. Four were captured two weeks later only fifty miles from Northfield.

Malt-O-Meal was purchased by POST Consumer Brands in 2016, so the Northfield factory now has a large, red POST sign. At times the town distinctly smells of popcorn or chocolate or cinnamon depending on which cereal is being made at the time.

By car
Northfield sits at the intersection of highways MN 19 and MN 3. The quickest way to Northfield from the Twin Cities is taking Interstate 35 south to MN 19 (Exit 69) and go east on 19. The downtown area is on the east side of the Cannon River.

By bus

 * Northfield Lines. Operator of the Northfield Metro EXPRESS, a daily bus service between Northfield and the Twin Cities. One-way fare is $13 if purchased online or $25 if purchased on the bus.

Get around
There is some public transit in Northfield, but it is a very walkable town. However to get out to the more commercial shopping area down Highway 3, you'll probably want a bike or car. There is a smaller taxi service (+1 507-645-4447).

Care Tenders is an airport shuttle service, the only service of its kind in Northfield. It also provides service in and around Northfield. +1-888-492-RIDE (7433)

There is also Northfield Transit and Dial-A-Ride +1 507 645-7250 that operates during the day.

Buy

 * con.tent, 314 Division Street. Purveyors of new and used books. Live reading events.
 * Rare Pair, 401 Division St. Quality shoes, clothing and accessories for men and women.
 * Paper Petalum, 212 Division St. in the Archer House. Scandinavian and quality gifts.
 * Rare Pair, 401 Division St. Quality shoes, clothing and accessories for men and women.
 * Paper Petalum, 212 Division St. in the Archer House. Scandinavian and quality gifts.

Eat

 * Hogan Brother's Hogies, Downtown on Division. Super tasty sandwiches. Super super tasty.
 * The OIe Store Restaurant, 1011 St Olaf Ave. Home of the Ole Roll and delicious lunches and dinners. Upscale casual contemporary menu.
 * Gran Plaza Mexican Grill, On Highway 3 south. Good Mexican food.
 * El Tequila, On Highway 3. Good Mexican food.
 * Basil's Pizza A Greek pizzeria for over 50 years!. Try the Gyro pizza with Taziki sauce. Seriously. Located in the old downtown on 4th street.
 * B and L's, On Division St. Another Greek Pizzeria.
 * George's Vineyard Another pizzeria located on Highway 3, serves Greek food.
 * The Quarterback Club, Highway 3 and 3rd street. Delicious and reasonably priced flame-broiled burgers, broasted chicken and BBQ ribs.
 * Tokoyo Grill, Highway 3 at 1301 Bollenbacher Dr. Excellent Japanese steak house. A favorite of college students and locals.

Coffee shops

 * The Ole Cafe The Ole Cafe is similar to the Blue Monday, but provides caffeinated goodness to the other side of town. Located just short of St. Olaf College on St. Olaf Avenue.
 * James Gang Coffeehouse & Eatery This place serves people around the Highway 3 shopping areas. Great coffee, sandwiches, and soups, in a relaxed atmosphere. Free WiFi internet connection.
 * James Gang Coffeehouse & Eatery This place serves people around the Highway 3 shopping areas. Great coffee, sandwiches, and soups, in a relaxed atmosphere. Free WiFi internet connection.

Bars

 * The Contented Cow This British-style pub is a local favorite. Classic pub food is available as well as a wide range of international beers among other beverages. Local bands (mostly of the folk variety) play there regularly. This place tends to attract a mellow crowd of all ages.
 * Froggy Bottoms On the banks of the Cannon river, Froggy Bottoms has a very trendy feel and serves food as well as drinks. This place attracts a varied kind of crowd.
 * Tanzenwald Brewing Company, on Highway 3 at 103 Water St. It serves German food and their own beer.
 * Imminent Brewing, 519 Division St. Production brewery and taproom. Live music.