Carleton offers the best of both worlds—small-town friendliness and charm, with a major metropolitan area just a short drive away.

Northfield, Minnesota

Northfield (pop. 19,000) is a scenic river town and farming community that's also home to two nationally recognized colleges, Carleton and St. Olaf. Hence the town motto: "Cows, Colleges, and Contentment."

Northfield earned its place in the history books on September 7, 1876, when Jesse James and his gang rode into town to rob the First National Bank. The brave residents of Northfield upset Jesse James's plan and defeated the raid—a victory still celebrated annually in Northfield's annual Defeat of Jesse James Days festival.

While staying true to its small-town heritage, Northfield offers resources and attractions that belie its size. In addition to two colleges, Northfield is home to the Malt-o-Meal corporation, a wide range of unique shops and restaurants, a large hospital and numerous clinics, 25 churches of all denominations, a lively arts community, and many opportunities for all-season outdoor recreation.

Learn more at: Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau

Minneapolis and St. Paul

Just 40 miles from Carleton you'll find the vibrant Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, a major metropolitan area offering something for everyone:

• Lively nightlife with theaters, restaurants, concert halls and clubs.
• More theater production companies than any U.S. city except New York. The Ordway and Orpheum are the premiere musical theaters in town while the acclaimed Guthrie Theater is a prime venue for major and experimental productions. The Fitzgerald (in Saint Paul) hosts National Public Radio's "Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor.
• A dizzying choice of shopping in both cities, plus the Mall of America with more than a million square feet of shopping and entertainment.
• Year-round sporting events with Twins professional baseball, St. Paul Saints minor-league baseball, the Vikings, the Timberwolves, soccer and, of course, hockey with the Wild. Or check out a less expensive sporting event at The University of Minnesota (just say "U of M").
• Classical arts with the American Ballet Theater, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera Company, and the Minnesota Orchestra.
• Outdoor recreation around the metro area's 35 large lakes and 330 parks with 200 miles of trails.
• Major museums and galleries including the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Walker Art Center, the Weisman Museum, Minnesota History Center, and Minnesota Children's Museum.
• Two major zoos, the Minnesota Zoo and Como Zoo.
• Countless festivals and special events in every season.
• Convenient transportation options, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, light rail system, city buses, Amtrak and more.

Learn more:

• Explore Minnesota
• Minneapolis Chamber
• St. Paul Chamber
• Minneapolis.org
• Visit St. Paul