Celebrating Conservation & Community in Northfield, Minnesota
This fall, Northfield is proud to host the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener, a long-standing tradition that celebrates our state's rich outdoor heritage, strong conservation partnerships, and ongoing commitment to wildlife habitat.
While the hunt itself includes invited participants and conservation partners, the event is about much more than hunting. It recognizes the importance of responsible land stewardship, highlights habitat preservation efforts, and shines a spotlight on the communities that make these initiatives possible.
Public Land Program & Celebration
Join members of MN Department of Natural Resources, Explore Minnesota and other guest speakers as we celebrate public lands in Rice County. Parking and busing from the Forest Township Hall starting at 4pm.
3625 Millersburg Blvd, Faribault, MN 55021
Shake your tail feather at the Rooster Roundup, a community celebration in the heart of downtown Northfield! Locals and visitors are invited to enjoy an evening featuring live music by the Northfield Youth Choir and The Main Thing, food trucks, local restaurants, shopping and family-friendly fun.
Stroll through downtown, grab a bite to eat and enjoy beverages from Fermentation Friends. Non-alcoholic refreshments, including water, pop and freshly popped popcorn, will also be available from the FiftyNorth Popcorn Wagon. While you’re downtown, be sure to visit Northfield’s unique shops and check out the creative hunting-themed window displays throughout the district.
The Northfield Historical Society will also be open late, giving guests another fun way to explore Northfield while enjoying all the Rooster Roundup festivities. Come downtown, bring your friends and family, and join us for a great night of music, food and community fun!
Northfield Outdoors Podcast Series
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Northfield Outdoors with Jane Bartho and Rachel Trnka of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce 8/1/26
In this introductory episode, the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jane Bartho and the Chamber’s Outreach Director Rachel Trnka discuss the upcoming Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opneing Weekend which will be celebrated in the Northfield, MN area this year on October 9th & 10th.
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Northfield Outdoors with Benji Kohn of the Minnesota DNR and Hunter Host Dave Vesledahl 8/8/26
Leading up to the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener on October 10th, Dave Vesledahl and Benji Kohn discuss the Hunter Host program and the importance of having local hunters participate in the big event.
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Northfield Outdoors with Lauren Borer and Sophia Maruska of Clean River Partners 8/16/26
Hosts Rich Larson and Jane Bartho talk with Clean River Partners’ Community Engagement Manager Lauren Borer and Conservation Program Manager Sophia Maruska about the Cannon River Watershed, the organization’s efforts with conservation, the Cannon River Watershed Cleanup on September 19th and other events leading up to the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener on October 9th & 10th.
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Northfield Outdoors with Lisa Havelka of Explore Minnesota and Phillip Weyhe of the Minnesota DNR 8-23-26
Hosts Rich Larson and Rachel Trnka of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Northfield Convention & Visitors Bureau speak with Lisa Havelka of Explore Minnesota and Phillip Weyhe of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the upcoming Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Openr, which will be in Northfield on October 9th & 10th.
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Northfield Outdoors with Melissa Bernhardt of Northfield Community Education 8/30/26
This week, hosts Rich Larson of KYMN Radio and Jane Bartho, the President of the Northfield Chamber of Commerce and the Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, speak with Melissa Bernhardt with Northfield Community Education about Pheasant School, the program that a class of 4th Graders will go through during the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener on October 9th & 10th.
Our Sponsors
Platinum Pheasant Sponsors
Silver Pheasant Sponsors
Bronze Pheasant Sponsors
Benjamin Bus ~ Ziggy’s ~ Defeat of Jesse James Days ~ Steele Waseca Co-Op
Heritage Bank ~ Community Resource Bank ~ Just Food Co-Op
Rotary Club of Northfield ~ By All Means Graphics/Graphic Mailbox
Brass Pheasant Sponsors
McDonald’s ~ Culligan ~ Tri Lakes Sportsmans Club
About the Tradition
The Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener has been held in communities across Minnesota for decades. The event brings together conservation leaders, outdoor organizations, and community representatives to spotlight:
Wildlife habitat protection
Conservation partnerships
Agricultural land stewardship
Outdoor recreation and heritage
In collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism, Northfield has the opportunity to share our natural resources, local character, and commitment to preserving Minnesota’s landscape for future generations.
Conservation at the Core
Pheasant habitat represents much more than a single species — it reflects healthy grasslands, clean water systems, and strong partnerships between landowners and conservation professionals.
Efforts highlighted during the event support:
Sustainable land management
Wildlife habitat restoration
Soil and water conservation
Rural economic vitality
Northfield and the surrounding Rice County area are proud to be part of Minnesota’s conservation story.
Why Northfield?
Nestled along the scenic Cannon River, Northfield offers a unique blend of outdoor beauty, agricultural heritage, and vibrant downtown charm.
From rolling countryside and river views to locally owned shops and welcoming gathering spaces, Northfield reflects the spirit of stewardship and community that defines this event.
Hosting the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener allows us to:
Showcase our natural landscapes
Highlight our agricultural and conservation partnerships
Share our local businesses and hospitality
Celebrate the people who care deeply about Minnesota’s outdoors