Mill Towns State Trail
🏆🏆🏆 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
🏭 Visit Mill Towns State Trail
Flour capital heritage — mill towns and the Jesse James raid trail.
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