cowling arboretum at carleton college

This is a great place to walk in a wonderful hardwood forest along the beautiful Cannon River. This is also a good birding location.

The advantage that Carleton and many rural colleges have is land. Their campus isn't the absolute prettiest in the country, but it is spacious. The Arb, as another reviewer has said, isn't really an arboretum in the sense that the University of Minnesota has an arboretum (about an hour's drive to the northwest)--it isn't a carefully maintained collection of trees and other plants for scientific study. This arboretum is plot of land, preserved for enjoyment. There are some good picnic areas here, some good walking, etc. I don't know that this is terribly necessary in a place like Northfield, which is close to a lot of nature and county and state parks, but hey, it's nice that it is preserved anyway. I rate this as "good" rather than "very good" because I wouldn't say that this is something to flag as a destination in its own right. If you're on campus, it's good to talk a walk and enjoy what it has. Or if you're living in the area, take advantage of it. But don't come here from miles away to see this.

Owned and maintained by Carleton College, "The Arb" is open to the public. It is divided by Highway 19--the Lower Arb runs along the Cannon River and the Upper Arb is at a slightly higher elevation just to the east. While both sides of The Arb are nice, I prefer the Lower Arb because it is larger and has more diverse habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, and prairie. The Arb is great for birding and nature walks. Many people also run through the arb, though the trail surfaces really vary, including paved, sand, dirt, and pebbles. During the summer, you may want to bring your bug spray. Away from the arb entrance and short loop trail, there are usually few people around, and I enjoy the solitude (so maybe I shouldn't have written such a positive review!).

The Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College is the place to seek if you want to be alone with nature. You walk or run on a long winding path through the woods and can view prairie plantings along the way. It's very soothing to the soul.

Our family has been enjoying the Carleton Arboretum for years and years. We have hiked, run, cross-country skiied, and fished on the banks of the Cannon River there. A jewel right on the edge of Northfield's historic downtown, in the Carleton College campus!

Paved trails...or dirt/sand trails...woods and prairie land. Safe and close to town with lots of parking.

OK, so these are my running trails and cross country ski trails. I'm partial . But whenever I come back from travels I am again amazed at what a treasure the "Arb" is. Fifteen kilometers of ski trails and miles of connected trails wandering through a delightful array of habitat. Bringing back the prairie and oak savanna is a mighty task and Carleton has done a phenomenal job of it over the last two decades. Get a map and wander for two or three days. The upper arb is bikeable but the lower arb is only for walkers and runners. But you'll want to stop again and again to listen for birds -- many species of which have found their way back into the prairie as it expands. And the upper arb spills into the college campus, so make sure you take a stroll along the Lyman Lakes. There is a labyrinth on one of the islands that should have its own review. You'll see it if you park on the left along Highway 19 at the entrance of the lower arb. Cross the highway, walk alongside the lake and cross the first footbridge you come to. Very serene (except during finals week!)

Not really an Arboretum - just a woods/savanna - nice place to get some nature near Carleton College

Every time I visited our son at Carleton I'd head over to the Arb for a walk. It's peaceful. Beautiful. No matter which season. Spotted a few deer, lots of ducks, other birds and more than a few squirrels. Not to mention runners, other walkers and a few friendly dogs. There are several well-maintained trails. It's a lovely way to learn a bit more about the prairie and the plants and trees that grow there. And I always felt refreshed after my walk through The Arb. Our son loved his four years of running through The Arb and I certainly understand why!

Carleton's "Arb" as the locals call it, is a fantastic way to spend a morning or afternoon. The Arb is frequented by walkers, runners, skiers, or people who just really want to sit and enjoy nature. Easy to get to, good parking, beautiful place.

I especially like a good run in the lower arb on a cool, crisp morning with small animals are sitting on the path at every turn. Unfortunately, a muggy July morning this past week didn't quite fit that profile, but regardless of the weather, the trail is always a welcome opportunity to enjoy nature and get a little exercise in the morning when visiting Northfield.

This is a great to walk, explore with little kids, with a loved one, or by yourself. It's a FREE beautiful resource, maintained by Carleton. We saw a muskrat and ducks, but what we really saw was the Cannon River, trees and lovely nature.

Cowling is already a beautiful place, but they are restoring the native prairie, and that will make it even nicer . . .