Event runs Oct. 9-10
Northfield’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant businesses and nonprofits will be highlighted during the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10.
In addition to pheasant hunting Saturday morning, the opener weekend will include a celebration of public lands at a nearby wildlife management area (time and location details to be announced) and the Rooster Round-Up street dance and community event, featuring food trucks and live music in downtown Northfield’s Bridge Square 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 9.
“The Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener is a great opportunity to celebrate one of Minnesota’s favorite upland game birds. It’s also an opportunity to highlight pheasant habitat, public lands, and how Minnesota communities connect to the outdoors,” said Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “I look forward to spending a fall weekend enjoying Minnesota’s wildlife management areas, chasing birds, watching the dogs work and enjoying all that the Northfield community has to offer.”
Within a 25-mile radius of Northfield, hunters and outdoor recreationists can explore nearly 24,000 acres of public land open to hunting and other outdoor recreation, including about 12,000 acres of WMAs. Hunting traditions are created on WMAs, and this year marks the 75th anniversary of WMAs in the state. Learn more on the Minnesota DNR website.
Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota, said Northfield offers a standout blend of beautiful scenery, amazing art, charming small businesses and welcoming hospitality.
“Northfield is an ideal host for the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener, showcasing how communities across our state connect people to the outdoors, support local businesses, and inspire visitors to explore more of Minnesota. We’re excited to see Northfield and the surrounding area shine, welcoming hunters, families, and travelers for a memorable fall weekend,” McGinty said.
The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau successfully applied to host the 2026 opener, and a local committee was formed to help plan the event.
“We are honored and thrilled to host the 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener and to welcome visitors from across the state to Northfield,” said Jane Bartho, president and CEO of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. “Our community has so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts — from hiking, biking and birding to hunting, boating and cross-country skiing. We’re excited for this event to shine a statewide spotlight, not only on Minnesota’s pheasant hunting tradition, but also on Northfield’s incredible outdoor resources and the community that makes this such a special place to visit.”
Northfield prides itself on its strong education system, including excellent public, private and charter schools, along with two prestigious colleges, Carleton and St. Olaf. The schools help keep youth and young adults in the community active with extracurriculars; among them, the Northfield High School clay target team is one of the most successful in the state, both in terms of participation and accomplishments.
The community also boasts about its hometown healthcare, arts and business communities, and network of nonprofit organizations. Bridge Square is at the center of downtown Northfield, featuring a riverwalk, numerous historic buildings, and locally owned shops.
Northfield is located in south central Minnesota, about 40 miles south of the Twin Cities. The community is known for its scenic river valley setting and offers access to high‑quality outdoor recreation, including nearby hunting opportunities. Northfield has a population of approximately 20,907 (2020 census) and spans both Rice and Dakota counties.