The Cannon River Passport: 10 Stamps, One Perfect Day-Trip
Just 35 minutes west of Hastings lies Northfield – a historic college town on the Cannon River that’s ready to treat Hastings locals to a mini getaway. This spring and summer, why not make a day of exploring our “sister” river town? Northfield’s picturesque Main Street (voted one of Minnesota’s best small-town main streets) brims with independent boutiques, cozy cafes, and eateries that celebrate local flavor and heritage. We’ve crafted a Cannon River Passport of ten standout stops – think of them as “stamps” to collect on a one-day adventure. From sun-up coffee to after-dinner cocktails, these Northfield gems offer a warm welcome to Hastings day-trippers. All you need is a free Saturday, an empty trunk (for treasures), and an appetite for discovery. Let’s hit the road!
1. Goodbye Blue Monday Coffeehouse
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Goodbye Blue Monday (fondly known as “GBM” to locals) was born from a dream brewed on the West Coast. Owners Dan Riggins and Catherine Dominguez met as law students at Stanford University, but they shared a bohemian vision of opening a small-town coffee shop. In the early 1990s, after Catherine landed a job in the Twin Cities, the couple scouted out Northfield’s Division Street and knew they’d found the spot for their café. They opened GBM around 1992 and never looked back – decades later, you’ll still spot Dan and Catherine behind the counter, personally crafting scones and lattes for their customers. Their leap of faith has become a Northfield institution, where their passion for community and coffee infuses every cup locallygrownnorthfield.org. (Fun fact: the shop’s name is a nod to a Kurt Vonnegut short story – an offbeat touch reflecting the founders’ literary bent and sense of humor.)
The Vibe
Stepping into GBM is like entering a living room shared by the whole town. The atmosphere is eclectic and nostalgic, with retro diner booths and local art on the exposed brick walls. Regulars – from college students to retirees – mingle in this “inclusive community gathering spot” gbmcoffee.com where everyone feels at home. The aroma of Fair Trade, locally roasted coffee fills the air, and there’s a friendly hum of conversation and music (often an old vinyl spinning). Despite its popularity, Blue Monday manages to be both lively and relaxing – it’s not unusual to see a book club meeting in one corner while a solitary writer types away in another. In short, it’s a genuine community hub fueled by caffeine and camaraderie.
How to Visit:
Address: 319 Division St. S, Northfield, MN 55057
Website: gbmcoffee.com
Social: Facebook and Instagram
@GBMcoffeeIdeal time: Early morning (they open at 6:30 a.m. daily) – perfect for a wake-up coffee and pastry before the shops open.
Hastings Insider Tip: Order the “Monday Blues” – GBM’s signature caramel mocha – even if it’s not Monday. Locals swear by it as a sweet start to the day. And if you’re a night owl, swing by in the evening for a second wind; they’re open until 6 p.m., catching the last of the afternoon buzz.
2. The Sketchy Artist
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
When Northfield’s longtime art supply store closed its doors in the late 2000s, St. Olaf College alumna April Ripka saw a chance to keep the town’s creative spirit supplied. Ripka – a Class of ’99 art major – had actually worked at the old Art Store under its previous owners, soaking up lessons in both art and entrepreneurship stolaf.edu. In January 2008, she opened The Sketchy Artist at 300 Division Street, determined to offer artists and hobbyists a new home base stolaf.edu. The name hints at April’s playful sense of humor, but her mission was earnest: she blended the beloved inventory people missed (paints, canvases, brushes) with fresh, unique finds of her own. It was a true passion project; after nearly a decade in web design and advertising, April funneled her creativity into making The Sketchy Artist a “fun, laid-back and explorative environment” for customers stolaf.edu. From day one, it’s been a place where seasoned artists, college students, and curious kids alike feel inspired to unleash their inner Picasso.
The Vibe
Quirky, colorful, and a touch whimsical – The Sketchy Artist is part art supply shop, part gift boutique. Every inch of the small space is packed with “art supplies for all ages and skill levels”, plus surprises you wouldn’t expect mspmag.com. One shelf might brim with professional-grade watercolors and sketchbooks, while another overflows with kawaii Japanese pens, journals, and silly stickers (yes, there’s an entire section influenced by the owner’s love of Japantown treasures). The store feels like an artist’s studio collided with an international stationery bazaar – in the best way. Parents often park their strollers by the door as kids dart to the little art table up front, set up for doodling. Meanwhile, college art majors ponder over charcoal pencils and Golden acrylics. The ambiance is friendly and hands-on; April and her staff are quick to demo a fancy fountain pen or let you test a swatch of that handmade paper. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger and play, whether or not you consider yourself an artist.
How to Visit:
Address: 300 Division St. S, Northfield, MN 55057
Website: thesketchyartist.com
Social: Facebook
@TheSketchyArtistIdeal time: Late morning, after coffee – the shop usually opens around 10 a.m., giving you time to browse before the lunchtime rush downtown.
Hastings Insider Tip: Don’t be shy about testing the merch! Grab a scratch pad near the pen display and try out those fancy Japanese brush pens or the glitter gel markers. The staff loves it when visitors get hands-on. Also, check the back corner for a rotating selection of Northfield-themed postcards and prints – a perfect little souvenir of your day trip.
3. Content Bookstore
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Northfield’s literary scene got a new chapter in 2014 when Content Bookstore opened its doors. Founder Jessica Peterson White, a passionate bibliophile and community advocate, started Content out of a love for the written word and a belief that a town known for its “Cows, Colleges, and Contentment” deserved an indie bookstore to match shelf-awareness.com. Jessica took over the space (and spirit) of a former book shop called Monkey See, Monkey Read, refreshing it under the apt new name “Content.” Right from the beginning, the shop was embraced by locals and college faculty alike – after all, Northfield hadn’t had a dedicated bookstore in a couple of years, and people missed that cozy, bookish haven. With warm wood shelves and a carefully curated selection, Content quickly became more than a retail store; it turned into a community gathering space. Jessica’s hunch was spot on: Northfielders were indeed enthusiastic about supporting an indie bookstore shelf-awareness.com. Within just three years, demand was so high that Content expanded into a larger space across the hall in its building (celebrated with a big party on Independent Bookstore Day 2017) shelf-awareness.com. What began as a small startup is now the literary heart of downtown.
The Vibe
Content Bookstore radiates the welcoming charm of a neighborhood bookstore combined with the refined selection of a literary salon. The space is sun-filled and intimate – think creaky hardwood floors, comfy chairs tucked into corners, and the gentle aroma of paper and coffee. Staff picks and handwritten recommendation cards adorn the shelves, guiding you to hidden gems. The inventory is “lovingly curated… for readers of all ages” (as their motto goes), which you’ll feel as you drift from the children’s nook (stuffed with picture-book classics and a toy or two) to the fiction and local history sections contentbookstore.com. In the back, there’s a little stage area often set up with folding chairs; Content is known for its robust schedule of author readings, book signings, and poetry nights, reinforcing that sense of community connection. Customers chat in hushed tones about their latest reads, and friendly booksellers stand by ready with a suggestion or simply a smile. “Cozy yet intellectually alive” best describes the atmosphere – it’s the kind of place you could spend an hour and leave with a new favorite novel (and the feeling that you’ve made a few bookish friends).
How to Visit:
Address: 314 Division St. S, Northfield, MN 55057
Website: contentbookstore.com
Social: Facebook and Instagram
@ContentBookstoreIdeal time: Early afternoon. Pop in after lunch to digest with some browsing – you might even catch a mid-day book talk or a quiet moment to chat with the owner about recommendations.
Hastings Insider Tip: Follow Content on Facebook for event announcements – if your trip lines up with an author event or kids’ storytime, it can add an extra special memory to your day. Also, don’t forget to sign the guestbook (often by the front counter); the owner loves seeing where visitors come from, and it subtly signals that Hastings supports Northfield’s indie lit scene!
4. The Rare Pair
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
A Northfield retail legend, The Rare Pair has been outfitting feet (and more) since the disco era. This family-owned footwear and apparel store first opened in 1977, launched by two style-savvy friends, Deb Bohnhoff and Ellen Cox downtownnorthfield.org. Deb and Ellen carved out a niche selling “rare” pairs of quality shoes – a welcome alternative to big-box stores – right on Division Street’s busiest corner. For over a decade they built a loyal following of “townies,” college students, and even visitors from the Twin Cities drawn to the shop’s personalized service. In 1991, the founders passed the torch to a young local couple, Krin and Dale Finger, who have owned and operated The Rare Pair ever since downtownnorthfield.org. Under Krin’s leadership, the store expanded its offerings beyond shoes to include clothing and accessories, all while maintaining the high-touch service and community feel established back in the ’70s. Generations of Northfielders can recall getting their first walking shoes or prom heels at The Rare Pair – its history is literally woven into the fabric of the town. Even 46+ years on, this “cornerstone” business continues to innovate (for instance, embracing online sales) without losing its retro soul.
The Vibe
Housed in a historic brick building with big front windows, The Rare Pair invites you in with a rotating display of trendy outfits and, true to its name, an eclectic mix of shoes. Inside, it’s a roomy, well-organized boutique where rustic wooden beams overhead hint at the store’s long heritage. Yet the vibe is fresh and current. One section showcases comfy European footwear and Birkenstocks; another corner is all about fun socks and Northfield-themed tees (yes, you can snag a shirt proudly proclaiming “Cows, Colleges, and Contentment”). The shop manages to cater to “all – comfortable shoes, clothing & accessories for all”, as their motto suggests facebook.com. You might see a Carleton College student trying on Doc Martens while a local dad gets fitted for walking shoes. Staff members are attentive but never pushy – they’ll measure your foot, check the back for sizes, and give honest opinions. There’s a sense of pride in their faces, knowing they’re continuing a downtown tradition. With its blend of old-school service and contemporary style, The Rare Pair feels like visiting a favorite aunt who just happens to have a fabulous shoe closet.
How to Visit:
Address: 401 Division St. S, Northfield, MN 55057
Website: rarepair.com
Social: Facebook
@TheRarePairIdeal time: Mid-afternoon. After a morning of strolling, your feet might be begging for a break – or new shoes! Stopping here around 2 or 3 p.m. means the store is calm, and you can take your time trying things on.
Hastings Insider Tip: If you’re visiting on the third Thursday of the month, you’re in luck – downtown Northfield often throws special “Third Thursday” events, and The Rare Pair extends hours and sometimes offers deals. Also, be sure to ask about their clearance section (often tucked toward the back or upstairs); you might step out with a bargain on those cute sandals you spotted.
5. Hogan Brothers Acoustic Café
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
In the fall of 1991, the aroma of freshly baked bread began wafting down Division Street thanks to a young entrepreneur named Greg Heymans. He opened Hogan Brothers’ Acoustic Café in October of that year, seizing on a simple concept: Northfield needed a great sandwich shop, and Greg had a secret weapon – an old family recipe for honey-cracked wheat bread nextdoor.com. The café’s name is a bit of a misnomer (Greg isn’t actually a “Hogan,” nor are the other founders brothers named Hogan – it just had a nice ring to it!), but that didn’t matter. From day one, locals lined up for the toasted hoagies slathered in “Special Sauce.” After seven successful years in a smaller storefront, Hogan Brothers moved down the block to a bigger location at 415 Division, doubling its space and allowing room for an in-house bakery nextdoor.com. This expansion was a game-changer: suddenly they could bake even more of that signature bread and churn out enough soup and sandwiches to feed 1,000 customers a day nextdoor.com. Over thirty years later, Hogan Brothers is still family-run and going strong – a testament to how one great idea (and perhaps one addictive secret sauce) can become a town staple.
The Vibe
Hogan Brothers is the kind of warm, bustling eatery that hits the spot whether you’re a student on a study break or a visitor looking for a hearty lunch. The interior is casual and welcoming – think exposed brick walls covered with vintage Coca-Cola signs and local sports team banners. There’s usually a playlist of ’70s rock or acoustic folk strumming in the background (hence “Acoustic Café,” a nod to the laid-back music vibe). You order at the counter, where the menu board lists a variety of hoagie sandwiches named for their fillings. Their specialty: hot hoagies on fresh-baked honey-cracked wheat bread with “signature special sauce” – a sweet-tangy dressing that many say is the magic ingredient nextdoor.com. The sandwich assembly line is in full view, so you can watch staff pull bread loaves from the oven and pile them high with turkey, roast beef, veggies, and cheese before a quick toast. In cooler months, the smell of homemade soup is irresistible (they ladle out classics like chicken wild rice or tomato basil daily). Despite often being busy, the café maintains a relaxed small-town pace – regulars chat between bites, and you might share a long wooden table with a mix of college professors and high school kids. Don’t be surprised if you end up striking up a conversation; Hogan Brothers exudes that friendly Northfield spirit that makes everyone feel like a local.
How to Visit:
Address: 415 Division St. S, Northfield, MN 55057
Website: hoganbros.com
Social: Facebook
@HoganBrothersIdeal time: Lunchtime, of course. Aim for 11:30 a.m. to beat the noon rush (locals pour in around 12). If it’s a weekend, the lunch crowd might be a bit lighter, giving you more elbow room to enjoy your hoagie.
Hastings Insider Tip: When you order, say “extra sauce, please.” Trust us – that special sauce is the stuff of legend, and true insiders know you can never have too much. Also, save room for dessert: Hogan Brothers serves up 12 flavors of ice cream and makes an awesome root beer float. Grabbing a cone to go and wandering down to Bridge Square (the little park by the river) is the perfect way to savor your post-lunch bliss.
6. CakeWalk Custom Cakes & Dessert Bar
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
For pastry chefs Teara Myers and Jody Breathwaite, opening CakeWalk was the realization of a frosting-tinged dream. The two met while working in the bakery of a Twin Cities Byerly’s grocery store – over years of crafting elaborate cakes and pastries together, they often mused, “Someday we should open our own place.” In 2012, they turned that dream into reality. With nearly 30 combined years of professional baking experience patch.com, Teara and Jody found the perfect downtown Northfield location: a former café space at 303 Division Street, which they transformed into a dessert wonderland patch.com. CakeWalk opened its doors in October 2012 with a grand flourish (and lots of cupcakes) to instant fanfare patch.compatch.com. The concept was unique for the town – a boutique bakery and “dessert bar” serving not just custom cakes to order, but also gourmet cupcakes, cookies, European pastries, and even a bit of artisan coffee for drop-in customers patch.com. Northfield’s sweet tooth had found its happy place. Over the years, CakeWalk’s reputation has only grown (they’ve been voted Best Cupcakes in Southern Minnesota multiple times), and Teara and Jody’s creative confections have graced everything from intimate birthday parties to grand weddings across the region. What started as two friends “throwing convention out the door” in pastry design has become a cornerstone of Northfield’s culinary scene cakewalknorthfield.com.
The Vibe
Walking into CakeWalk is like stepping into a celebratory confectionery heaven. The shop is small but styled in cheerful pastel colors – think mint-green walls, a chandelier made of whisks (yes, really), and a display case that will make your eyes widen like a kid in a candy store. Inside the case, an ever-changing array of cupcakes steals the show: towering frosting swirls topped with sprinkles, candies, or fresh fruit, each flavor more inventive than the last. On any given day you might find their signature “Black Velvet” cupcake (a dark chocolate masterpiece) alongside seasonal creations like lemon blueberry or salted caramel. The owners’ philosophy is that desserts should be as unique as the chef who created them cakewalknorthfield.com – and it shows. Beyond cupcakes, there are fudgy brownies, French macarons, scones, and artistic sugar cookies that are almost too pretty to eat. A couple of café tables invite you to sit and savor with a cup of locally roasted coffee or a scoop of ice cream (yes, they have that too). The atmosphere is fun and just a bit fancy – casual enough for an impromptu treat with the kids, but special enough that people come from miles around for CakeWalk’s custom birthday and wedding cakes. You’ll often overhear delighted newcomers exclaiming “Oh my goodness” as they take their first bite. In short, CakeWalk delivers big-city bakery quality with small-town warmth.
How to Visit:
Address: 303 Division St. S, Northfield, MN 55057
Website: cakewalknorthfield.com
Social: Facebook
@CakeWalkNorthfieldIdeal time: Mid-afternoon for a sweet pick-me-up. They open at 10 a.m. most days, but by 2 or 3 p.m. you can treat yourself after exploring shops. (Earlier is better if you have a specific cupcake flavor in mind – popular ones can sell out by late day.)
Hastings Insider Tip: Cupcake connoisseurs, take note: the Black Velvet cupcake is CakeWalk’s claim to fame and tends to disappear fast on weekends. If you’re planning to arrive later in the day, call ahead to reserve one (they’ll hold your goodies behind the counter). Also, ask if any “secret menu” flavors are available – occasionally they experiment with new recipes in-store before they hit the official menu. You might get lucky and sample a creation that no one else has heard of yet!
7. Antiques of Northfield
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
In a town that proudly preserves its history, it’s fitting that Northfield’s most eclectic antique shop is itself a bit of local lore. Antiques of Northfield was founded in the early 2000s by Carole Christensen – an antique aficionado known to many by her alter ego, “Lulu LeMay” locallygrownnorthfield.org. Carole, a Northfield native, had been collecting vintage lamps, mid-century decor, and curiosities for decades (earning a reputation for her astonishing array of 1950s TV lamps). When the opportunity came to open her own store on Division Street, she jumped at it, eager to share her treasures with the community. What started as a single-owner shop soon grew into a small antique collective: today Antiques of Northfield houses 14 different dealers under one roof, each contributing their finds to the ever-changing inventory business.northfieldchamber.com. Over the years, Carole’s shop even gained a nickname – the “TV Lamp Museum” – thanks to her unparalleled collection of kitschy ceramic TV lamps displayed on high shelves exploreminnesota.com. Though the items for sale rotate constantly, Carole’s knack for showmanship and nostalgia ties it all together. This is the place where history isn’t just preserved, it’s presented with flair and a wink.
The Vibe
Part store, part museum, Antiques of Northfield is a delightfully crammed emporium of bygone eras. The shop itself sits in an old brick building (of course), and as you step in, a mishmash of vintage furniture, lamps, and trinkets spills out onto the sidewalk, practically pulling you in locallygrownnorthfield.org. Inside, every nook and cranny is filled: there are shelves reaching the ceiling showcasing Carole’s famous TV lamp menagerie – nearly 2,000 quirky ceramic lamps from the 1950s (imagine pink flamingos, prancing horses, and tropical fish all aglow) exploreminnesota.com. Antique china hutches hold collections of Depression glass and retro kitchenware. Racks of vintage dresses and coats line one wall, while another corner is dedicated to old vinyl records and turntables. It’s the kind of place you might find a Civil War era postcard, a 1960s board game, and a perfectly restored Art Deco floor lamp all in one visit. The atmosphere is whimsical and unpretentious; there’s a faint scent of old paper and a Sinatra tune often playing on a record player. Shoppers – from serious antique hunters to college students looking for funky apartment decor – meander slowly, knowing that treasures here reveal themselves only if you take the time to look. And if you run into Carole (chances are good), she’ll happily regale you with the story behind a piece – each item in the store seems to carry a bit of history and a personal story attached.
How to Visit:
Address: 416 Division St. S, Northfield, MN 55057
Website: (Find updates via the Northfield Chamber site or their Facebook page)
Social: Facebook
@AntiquesOfNorthfieldIdeal time: Post-lunch afternoon. Around 2–4 p.m. is perfect – you’ll have ample time to browse without worrying about the clock, and it’s a nice break between eating and later-day activities. Allow at least an hour to explore here; it’s bigger than it looks!
Hastings Insider Tip: Chat with the proprietor if she’s in – Carole “Lulu” Christensen is a walking encyclopedia of antique lore. Ask her about the most unusual TV lamp in her collection (there’s one shaped like a pink panther that has a wild backstory) or about any item that catches your eye. You’ll get a mini history lesson and maybe even a deal – Carole has been known to give a friendly discount if she knows an item is going to a good home.
8. Imminent Brewing
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Imminent Brewing is what happens when four friends bond over beers and decide to brew their own destiny. The story begins in 2012, when Northfield homebrewers Tonja and Derek Johnson and Laura and Randy Meyers were camping together, beers in hand, dreaming aloud about opening a brewery. It was one of those “what if…?” conversations that, a few years later, turned into a concrete plan bestamericancraftbreweries.com. They chose the name “Imminent” as a cheeky nod to the feeling that something good is about to happen. After meticulous planning and recipe experimentation (and support from a community eager for a hometown brewery), Imminent Brewing officially opened on June 17, 2017 bestamericancraftbreweries.com. The founders found an ideal location steeped in character – Northfield’s old National Guard Armory building – and transformed it into a working brewery and taproom, complete with stainless steel tanks and long communal tables bestamericancraftbreweries.com. From the get-go, Imminent focused on local: much of their grain and ingredients come from nearby farms, and sustainability was built into their business ethos. They quickly became Northfield’s living room, hosting trivia nights, live music, and community fundraisers along with pouring pints. In just a few years, Imminent Brewing has gone from that spark of an idea among friends to a beloved gathering place that exemplifies Northfield’s collaborative spirit (with a great aftertaste to boot).
The Vibe
Housed in a repurposed armory garage, Imminent Brewing’s taproom perfectly blends industrial chic with small-town friendliness. The first thing you’ll notice is the huge garage door – on warm days they roll it up, merging the indoor and outdoor seating so that kids and dogs wander freely and live music spills onto the street. The interior features high ceilings, concrete floors, and the gleam of brewing equipment in the back, but also plenty of warmth: local artwork on the walls and twinkling string lights overhead. Long picnic-style tables encourage you to sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers (who quickly become friends after a couple of Northfield Amber ales). The bar offers a rotating lineup of fresh, locally-sourced beers – from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts – all brewed just feet away from where you order bestamericancraftbreweries.com. There’s usually a food truck parked outside (they don’t have a kitchen, but they partner with food vendors), and on weekends there might be a folk band or acoustic guitarist performing on the modest corner stage. Despite its growth, Imminent retains a community-first feel. Families with young children mingle with college professors and craft beer aficionados. The brewers themselves often roam the floor, chatting about beer or giving impromptu tours of the brew setup. It’s lively, yes, but also relaxing – the kind of place you could spend a whole afternoon playing board games from their shelf or just soaking up the camaraderie. As their name suggests, there’s always the sense that something fun (a new beer release, a song you love, an interesting conversation) is imminent.
How to Visit:
Address: 519 Division St. S (in the Northfield Armory building), Northfield, MN 55057
Website: imminentbrewing.com
Social: Facebook & Instagram
@ImminentBrewingIdeal time: Late afternoon or early evening. Come around 4 p.m. to beat the evening rush, sample a flight of beers, and maybe catch the start of live music (often scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays around 5 or 6 p.m.). If the weather’s nice, aim for a day when they have that big garage door open – it’s a treat.
Hastings Insider Tip: Bring a growler (or buy one there) – you can take your favorite brew home with you. Imminent’s staff will fill it on the spot, a great memento of your trip and perfect for sharing with friends back in Hastings who couldn’t join. Also, ask what’s new on tap: they often experiment with seasonal ingredients (think local hops, berries, or even pumpkins in the fall) and those small-batch brews can be delightful one-offs that you won’t find bottled elsewhere.
9. Loon Liquor Co.
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Northfield isn’t just a beer town – since 2014, it’s been home to one of Minnesota’s craft distilling pioneers: Loon Liquor Company. The venture was co-founded by high school friends Simeon Rossi and Mark Schiller, who set out to create organic, grain-to-glass spirits right in their hometown startribune.com, startribune.com. When Loon opened, it was the first legal distillery in Southern Minnesota in over a century startribune.com, rekindling a craft that hadn’t been seen in these parts since before Prohibition. Starting with a handmade copper still and big dreams, Rossi and Schiller began producing their signature small-batch whiskey (cheekily dubbed “Loonshine,” a clear moonshine-like whiskey) in a modest industrial park space on Northfield’s outskirts instagram.com. They were determined to do things differently – all of Loon’s spirits are made from scratch using locally sourced organic grains, and you can taste the terroir of Rice County in every bottle startribune.com. Over the years, Loon Liquor Co. expanded its lineup to include gins, liqueurs, and even premixed craft cocktails, garnering awards and a devoted following across Minnesota. As of 2024, the co-founders are finalizing a major expansion: they’re moving the distillery and cocktail room to a historic building downtown, aiming to create a “destination distillery” experience by late 2025 startribune.com. It’s a true grain-to-glass success story – one that started with two friends and is now putting Northfield on the craft spirits map.
The Vibe
The current Loon Liquors distillery and cocktail room (tucked in an industrial area just a short drive from downtown) has a laid-back, rustic vibe that reflects the founders’ personalities. It feels part laboratory, part cabin hangout. Through the windows behind the bar, you’ll spot the gleaming stills and rows of oak barrels where spirits age. The bar itself is constructed from reclaimed wood and old barrels, giving a nod to upcycled Minnesota heritage. Chalkboard menus list the day’s creative cocktail offerings – each showcasing Loon’s own spirits with house-made syrups and local herbs. Perhaps you’ll see the “Loonar Eclipse”, a popular cocktail featuring their whiskey and cold brew coffee liqueur, or a seasonal gin concoction with fresh garden mint. The tasting room is intimate, seating maybe 40 people, which makes conversations with the bartender easy and inviting. Shelves display Loon merchandise and bottles for sale, from their flagship Loonshine whiskey to artisan gin. If you’re lucky, one of the founders might be on site and offer a quick peek at the backroom operations, proudly explaining how they mash local organic barley or the origin of the botanicals in their gin. The vibe is both artisanal and unpretentious – you’ll see Northfield locals sipping cocktails alongside out-of-town spirits enthusiasts doing sampler flights. It’s the kind of place where you quickly feel part of a community experiment in flavor. And keep an eye out for quirky touches: the loon-themed art (a nod to the company’s name and Minnesota’s state bird), or the occasional acoustic guitar in the corner for impromptu jam sessions. It’s clear that Loon Liquors is not just about the liquor – it’s about the spirit of Northfield innovation and hospitality.
How to Visit:
Address: 1325 Armstrong Rd. #165, Northfield, MN 55057 (Note: New downtown location coming late 2025!)
Website: loonliquors.com
Social: Facebook & Instagram
@LoonLiquorsIdeal time: Early evening. Stop by around 5–6 p.m. to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. Weekdays are quieter if you want a more personalized tasting, while Friday/Saturday evenings you’ll find a livelier crowd. (If you can, consider booking a tasting or tour in advance for a deeper dive into their process.)
Hastings Insider Tip: Not driving? Sample a flight of mini cocktails – it’s a fantastic way to taste the range of Loon’s creations, from whiskey to gin to unique liqueurs, without overindulging. If you are driving, opt for the take-home option: they sell bottled versions of their craft cocktails (like the famed “Loonshine Lemonade”) startribune.com that you can bring back to Hastings. And before you leave, snap a selfie with the big loon mural (or statue) – it’s kind of a rite of passage for visitors, and it’ll make your friends ask, “Where on earth is that?!”
10. The Ole Store Restaurant
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
A trip to Northfield wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging its Scandinavian roots – and no place embodies that history better than The Ole Store Restaurant. The Ole Store has been a Northfield institution since 1889 olestorerestaurant.com, when it actually began as a general store serving the St. Olaf College neighborhood (the name “Ole” nods to the college’s Norwegian heritage and its founders). For decades, it was where students and locals alike could pick up groceries and gossip. Over the 20th century, the old store evolved – at times a cafe, a bakery, and eventually a full-fledged restaurant – changing hands through generations but always maintaining a food-centric purpose olestorerestaurant.com. Fast forward to the 2010s: a pair of Northfielders with a passion for cuisine revived The Ole Store into a modern restaurant while honoring its legacy. They preserved the original brick and wood interiors and even some recipes (famous caramel rolls, anyone?). In 2022, Northfield native Kendall Horton-Clements took over as the latest steward of The Ole Store olestorerestaurant.com. Under her guidance, the restaurant continues to thrive as a beloved local gem – the kind of place where the walls could tell stories. It’s a living piece of history that’s gracefully kept up with the times, now known for Nordic-inspired dishes and warm hospitality that echoes over a century of service.
The Vibe
Housed in a charming white-clapboard building on a tree-lined residential street, The Ole Store exudes historic charm from the moment you step onto its wraparound porch. Inside, the ambiance is equal parts “classic charm and culinary innovation” patch.com. One dining room features exposed brick walls and original hardwood floors – remnants of the 19th-century general store – complemented by tasteful Scandinavian decor like simple linen curtains and vintage photos of Northfield. Another section, often used for brunch or overflow, has bright windows and a cozy fireplace. The atmosphere transitions seamlessly from day to night: in the morning/afternoon, sunlight and the smell of fresh coffee fill the space, giving off cafe vibes; by evening, white tablecloths and candlelight come out, creating an intimate bistro setting. The menu reflects this balance of heritage and modern taste. You’ll find Swedish meatballs and lefse alongside a gourmet “Sven Burger” with lingonberry sauce, and farm-to-table specials that change with the seasons olestorerestaurant.com, patch.com. The Ole Store prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients – you might be dining on salad greens from a farm just down the road and bread from a nearby bakery. Service is attentive in that small-town way: the staff likely knows half the diners by name, and even newcomers are treated like regulars. On a given visit, you might see a multigenerational family celebrating a birthday in one corner, a couple on a date night in another, and a table of college alums toasting with lingonberry mimosas. It’s refined but not stuffy – the kind of place where you can be comfortable in jeans or dress up for an anniversary. The Ole Store manages to be fancy enough for special occasions yet familiar enough for Tuesday lunch, all under the aura of living Northfield history.
How to Visit:
Address: 1011 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057
Website: olestorerestaurant.com
Social: Facebook & Instagram
@OleStoreRestaurantIdeal time: Dinner to cap off your day-trip. Aim for an early dinner (5:30–6 p.m.) if you want to catch daylight on the lovely porch, or later for a candlelit vibe. They also serve a popular weekend brunch (if your “day trip” starts early or extends overnight, Sunday brunch here is stellar). Reservations recommended for prime times.
Hastings Insider Tip: For a true taste of Northfield’s Nordic heritage, try the Swedish meatballs – a house specialty that’s been on the menu in one form or another for generations. And if you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, their brunch is the town’s worst kept secret (read: extremely popular). Get there when doors open to snag a famous caramel Pulla roll – they often sell out fast! It’s a sweet piece of history you can literally taste.
After a full day collecting stamps in your Cannon River Passport, you’ll likely drive back to Hastings with a trunk full of goodies and a heart full of small-town warmth. Northfield’s charm isn’t just in its postcard-worthy buildings or river views – it’s in the people behind each of these businesses, folks who greeted you like a neighbor even though you’re from out of town. In many ways, Hastings and Northfield are kindred spirits: two river cities proud of their history, invested in community, and enriched by thriving local businesses. By day’s end, as you cross back over the Mississippi into Hastings, you might find that the 35-minute drive was enough to forge a new connection. After all, sharing a river (and a love of hometown hospitality) makes us more than just neighbors – it makes us family. Here’s to our local entrepreneurs, our shared heritage along Minnesota’s waterways, and many more weekend day-trips bridging our wonderful communities.
