🌤 Weather at Mill Towns State Trail by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–68 °F | 57–82 °F | 24–73 °F | 5–29 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Faribault, 10 mi away, elevation 970 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 River Heritage Trail — Trail connecting historic mill towns along the Cannon River
Mill Towns State Trail connects the historic flour milling towns along the Cannon River in southeastern Minnesota. The trail links communities that once powered the state’s flour milling industry — which made Minnesota the “Flour Capital of the World” in the late 1800s. The route passes through river valleys, hardwood forests, and charming small towns with preserved 19th-century commercial districts.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Cannon River Valley, SE Minnesota |
| Trail | Multi-use, connecting mill towns |
| Fee | MN Ski/Trail Pass required |
| History | Former “Flour Capital of the World” |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which towns does it connect?
The trail links Faribault, Northfield (famous for the failed Jesse James bank robbery of 1876!), and surrounding communities. Northfield’s historic downtown celebrates the famous 1876 raid annually.
What happened during the Jesse James raid?
On September 7, 1876, the James-Younger Gang rode into Northfield to rob the First National Bank. Armed citizens fought back — killing two gang members and wounding others. Only Jesse and Frank James escaped. The raid ended the James Gang’s career as bank robbers. Northfield celebrates with the annual “Defeat of Jesse James Days” reenactment.
More parks nearby: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is a short drive away, while Sakatah Lake State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
🏭 Visit Mill Towns State Trail
Flour capital heritage — mill towns and the Jesse James raid trail.
About Mill Towns Trail
Mill Towns State Trail connects Faribault to Northfield through the rolling river valley of southern Minnesota — passing through historic milling towns that once ground the wheat that fed a growing nation. Northfield is famous as the town that defeated the Jesse James gang’s bank robbery in 1876 — the citizens fought back and killed or captured most of the gang.
Things to Do
Biking the scenic trail between historic towns, visiting Northfield’s Jesse James history, touring the Malt-O-Meal factory area, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and exploring the milling heritage of southern Minnesota.
Insider Tips
Flour milling heritage: Mill Towns Trail connects Faribault and Northfield — historic mill towns where waterpower drove 19th-century industry. Pro tip: Northfield is famous for the 1876 Jesse James gang raid — the Northfield bank robbery was foiled by armed townspeople who killed or captured most of the gang. College town: Northfield has two excellent liberal arts colleges — St. Olaf and Carleton — giving the town a vibrant cultural scene.
Best Time to Visit
September: The Defeat of Jesse James Days festival in Northfield. Fall: River valley foliage. Summer: Cycling and college town exploring. Winter: Cross-country skiing.
Wildlife & Nature
Mill Towns Trail — a paved trail connecting Faribault and Northfield — follows the Cannon River through historic mill towns. Bald eagles fish the river. Great blue herons wade the shallows. White-tailed deer cross the trail. Painted turtles bask on logs.
Nearby Attractions
Faribault — southern terminus — has the Faribault Woolen Mill. Northfield — northern terminus — has Carleton and St. Olaf colleges and the Jesse James bank raid site (1876). Nerstrand Big Woods SP — 10 miles west.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Mill Towns State Trail
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
Are dogs allowed at Mill Towns State Trail?
Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us. More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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