Discover Northfield’s One-of-a-Kind Sidewalk Poetry
Discover Northfield’s One-of-a-Kind Sidewalk Poetry
When exploring Northfield, you’ll find plenty to see at eye level—historic buildings, local shops, colorful murals, public art, and the beautiful Cannon River. But there’s another unique experience waiting right beneath your feet.
Northfield’s Sidewalk Poetry project has transformed ordinary sidewalks into a community-wide collection of poetry, with more than 260 poems stamped into concrete throughout the city.
As you stroll through historic downtown, walk along neighborhood sidewalks, or make your way along pathways near local schools, keep your eyes on the pavement. You may come across a poem that makes you pause, smile, think, or see your surroundings in a new way.
Poetry You Can Discover While You Explore
Sidewalk Poetry is one of those experiences you might not expect to find when visiting a small town—and that’s part of what makes it so special.
The poems can be found throughout Northfield’s historic downtown, along safe pathways to schools, and in residential neighborhoods, making poetry a part of the everyday landscape. Rather than being displayed in a gallery or museum, these poems are stamped directly into the concrete, waiting to be discovered as you walk.
The project also offers a fun way to explore Northfield beyond the traditional attractions. Make a game out of finding as many poems as you can, or simply enjoy discovering them one at a time as you wander through town.
A Project Rooted in the Community
Northfield’s Sidewalk Poetry Project was launched in 2011 by the Arts and Culture Commission, with support from the Friends and Foundation of the Northfield Public Library, the Streetscape Task Force, and the Northfield City Council.
Since 2012, the project has also received grants from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, supported through Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Additional support has come from the City of Northfield, local organizations, businesses, and individual donors.
The very first poem was installed on the Third Street hill, south of the Northfield Public Library, marking the beginning of what has grown into a truly distinctive part of the community.
Explore the Poems Before You Go
You don’t have to wander aimlessly hoping to stumble upon a poem. Northfield offers an interactive Sidewalk Poetry map that allows you to explore the locations of the poems, read them, and even hear them.
You can also browse collections of winning poems from past years, including poems from 2011–2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, with Spanish-language winning poems also available from 2020.
Make Sidewalk Poetry Part of Your Northfield Visit
Sidewalk Poetry is an easy addition to a day spent exploring Northfield. Start downtown with a stroll through the historic district, browse local shops, grab a coffee or sweet treat, and walk along the Cannon River. Along the way, keep an eye on the sidewalks—you never know when you’ll find your next poem.
Pair your poetry hunt with Northfield’s community artwork walking tour, historic sites, the Northfield Historical Society’s Digital Division, and the many locally owned businesses that make downtown such a fun place to explore.
And remember: sometimes the best discoveries are right beneath your feet.
A Unique Northfield Experience
There are plenty of places to see public art. There are plenty of places to visit historic downtowns. But in Northfield, you can walk through town and discover poetry stamped right into the sidewalks along the way.
That’s a pretty special way to experience a community—and it’s uniquely Northfield.
Sidewalk Poetry is a City of Northfield community project.