Welcome back to our cherished Minnesota series! It’s been far too long since we last shared our local adventures, and today, Team Fit Foodie is thrilled to whisk you away to two truly remarkable destinations just south of the vibrant Twin Cities: an exhilarating canoeing journey on the Cannon River, followed by a delicious and rustic experience at the Red Barn Pizza Farm. This particular escapade was born from a very special occasion. Instead of a traditional birthday gift for Linley back in May, Emily and I conspired to give her an unforgettable experience – a surprise day packed with fun, food, and friendship. We eagerly blocked our calendars for July 16th, ready for a day that promised laughter, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. Our meticulously planned itinerary unfolded as follows:
- Nick’s Downtown Diner, Cannon Falls, MN
- Cannon River Canoe and Bike Rentals, Cannon Falls, MN
- Tanzenwald Brewery, Northfield, MN
- Red Barn Pizza Farm, Northfield, MN
There’s an undeniable magic in spending quality time with your closest friends, and this day trip perfectly encapsulated that joy. While this is an adventure we would have happily embarked on together regardless, Linley’s birthday provided the perfect impetus to actually get it on our busy schedules and make it happen.
The Adventure Begins: Fueling Up in Cannon Falls
Our Sunday began with an unusually early start, but the excitement for the day ahead was palpable. We drove an hour south to the charming town of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, where our first stop was the beloved Nick’s Downtown Diner. If you’re planning a similar day trip involving the Cannon River, we cannot recommend this breakfast spot enough! Nick’s is a quintessential small-town diner, radiating an adorable, welcoming atmosphere with its retro charm and friendly service. The food is simply divine – my personal highlight was the spicy meatloaf Benedict, which was an absolute revelation. Beyond the delicious menu, its location is incredibly convenient, situated just a two-minute drive from the river, making it the ideal starting point for a day of paddling. We savored our breakfast and enjoyed a leisurely round of bloodies, soaking in the morning camaraderie before heading off for our 11 AM river send-off.
Paddling Paradise: Canoeing the Cannon River
The moment Linley discovered stop number two was canoeing, her reaction was pure, unadulterated joy – as captured in the photo above! Having canoed the Cannon River many times, I knew it would be the perfect activity for our short day trip. Mark and I had actually just bought our own canoe the week before, but we opted for the sheer convenience offered by Cannon River Canoe and Bike Rental. Their setup is incredibly user-friendly: you rent a canoe for a flat rate of $40, launch directly from their outfitter location, and after an exhilarating 8-mile journey downstream, they conveniently pick you and the canoe up at the Welch landing. This ingenious system allows you to leave your car safely parked at the starting point, eliminating any concerns about paddling back upstream against the current – a task that would be practically impossible given the river’s strong flow.
This particular trip felt extra special as the river was bustling with more activity than I had ever witnessed before. Seeing so many people out enjoying the natural beauty – fishermen casting their lines, casual floaters drifting along, enthusiastic kayakers, and fellow canoers – filled me with such happiness. The Cannon River is a true gem, offering a wonderful escape into nature for everyone. As I mentioned, there’s a steady current, allowing you to float serenely for much of the journey, though paddling adds an extra layer of engagement. The river also boasts a few sections with gentle “rapids,” which are always a delightful thrill and add a touch of excitement to the experience. We chose the popular 8-mile trip to Welch, a perfect duration for a half-day adventure, though a longer 16-mile option is available for those seeking an extended challenge – definitely on my list for a future exploration!
For almost the entire 8 miles, our group was a symphony of laughter and camaraderie. We sang along to our favorite tunes, shared anecdotes, and indulged in some classic river snacks: Mike n’ Ikes and Sour Patch Kids (Linley’s absolute favorite candy), all while sipping on refreshing rosé from cans. We found ourselves floating more than paddling, letting the river’s gentle current guide us through the picturesque landscape. The entire experience lasted just under three hours – a truly perfect duration that left us refreshed, reconnected, and invigorated by the beauty of Minnesota’s outdoors.
Northfield’s Delights: Craft Brews and Farm-to-Table Pizza
After our refreshing canoeing excursion, we packed up our gear and made the short drive to Northfield, Minnesota, home to our final two exciting stops. This charming town perfectly balances its historic academic roots with a thriving local culture, making it an ideal destination for an afternoon of exploration.
Tanzenwald Brewery Experience
Tanzenwald Brewery was our interim stop, and it quickly became a place we didn’t want to leave. What an incredibly cool brewery! Emily and Bryce (Linley’s brother, who, by the way, are true beer connoisseurs, having visited more breweries than anyone I know) were instrumental in choosing this gem. I was pleasantly surprised to discover they offered a full food menu, a rarity for many Twin Cities breweries that typically focus solely on their brews. Tanzenwald’s menu was absolutely exceptional, offering a fantastic array of delicious options that elevated the experience beyond just drinks. They also boasted an impressive selection of craft beers on tap, catering to every palate.
Mark, Linley, and I decided to share a flight – a generous 10-beer flight that allowed us to sample every single brew they had on offer. It was a fantastic way to explore the breadth of their craftsmanship, from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts. My personal favorite was their Funky Sour, reflecting my recent appreciation for the complex and refreshing flavors of sour beers. The atmosphere at Tanzenwald was vibrant yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot to unwind, discuss our river adventures, and prepare for our next culinary delight.
The Red Barn Pizza Farm: A Rustic Culinary Gem
Just an 11-minute scenic drive from the brewery brought us to stop number four: The Red Barn Pizza Farm of Northfield, MN – truly a dream come true for foodies and nature lovers alike. What sets this place apart, and indeed many pizza farms across Minnesota, is its incredible commitment to freshness and community. The Red Barn hand-makes its dough daily, and the vast majority of ingredients used for their delicious toppings are harvested directly from their amazing on-site gardens. This farm-to-table ethos is not just a trend here; it’s a way of life.
The unique charm of the pizza farm experience is its “BYOEverything but the pizza” concept. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own beverages (beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks), appetizers, desserts, and even their own comforts like blankets, chairs, and small tables to create a personalized picnic atmosphere. It transforms a simple meal into a delightful communal gathering. The pizza flavors at Red Barn evolve with the seasons, ensuring that every visit offers a fresh and exciting culinary surprise. Everything is crafted and baked right there on the property in a massive, traditional wood-fired pizza oven. Oh, and trust me, there’s nothing quite like the irresistible char and smoky flavor that gives the crust that perfect, slightly burned finish. Each large pizza is a flat $25, and every single penny is well worth it for the quality and experience.
To complement our pizzas, we brought along a growler of craft beer we’d picked up from Tanzenwald. For dessert, we came prepared with Linley’s favorite: s’mores! We even brought a mini camp stove to perfect our marshmallow toasting. Sitting under the open sky, enjoying gourmet pizza, sipping local brews, and roasting s’mores with friends was the perfect culmination of our adventurous day. The Red Barn Pizza Farm isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an experience that embraces nature, community, and delicious, honest food.
The Gift of Experience: A Minnesota Day to Remember
What.
A.
Perfect.
Birthday.
Surprise.
The ultimate takeaway from this incredible journey is simple: when in doubt, choose the gift of an experience over a traditional present. This surprise day trip, filled with the serenity of the Cannon River, the lively ambiance of Tanzenwald Brewery, and the rustic charm of the Red Barn Pizza Farm, created memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. It was a beautiful reminder of the joy of discovery, the warmth of friendship, and the unique adventures that await right here in our home state. We wholeheartedly encourage you to explore Minnesota’s hidden gems and consider planning your own unforgettable day trip. It’s an investment in joy, connection, and stories that will last long after the day is done.