You are invited to tour the completed 1888 Northfield depot

Because of you and others in the community, the journey from 2011 – 2021 to Save the Northfield Depot and rehabilitate it for use has been completed! It took a village!

Although the COVID-19 pandemic extended our finish date to some extent and our fundraising significantly, we recently completed the renovation and obtained an occupancy permit. As reported earlier, we had planned to have a major fundraising effort in spring 2020 and finish the project last fall. We cancelled that plan to avoid competing for funds with worthy social needs project and opted to borrow funds to continue. The work was also slowed by both the need to work in family/small units rather than groups of volunteers and the high demand for skilled workers when we needed them.

Many of you have probably seen the finished sculpture garden and grounds. We are delighted with the number of people who visit and spend time in the garden area. This spring and summer the paver platform under the track-side roof has been a popular morning meeting site. The depot exterior has also been the background for wedding photos, senior photos, and holiday cards.

While we have decided to postpone our major ribbon-cutting celebration until Spring 2022 for safety reasons, we would like you to be able to visit the interior (using COVID protocol) before it gets too cold to keep the doors open!

Join us for a tour – a modest thank you for your efforts and contributions!

• Tours will be given every 30 minutes on Saturday, Oct. 2 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 3 (1 to 4 p.m.).
  
  
• For safety, the groups will be limited to 10 individuals; masks are required regardless of vaccination status. Doors and windows will be open to assure ventilation.

How to order

• Reservations are required. Reserve your ticket by clicking the Reserve your free ticket button above. Then click the green arrow to the right of your preferred date and select a tour time. Follow the remaining prompts.
  
  
• If you have problems registering online, Sue at Rob Martin’s Farmer Insurance Office can place the order for you. She can be reached at 507-645-5500, Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 11 a.m. or noon to 2:30 p.m.

We hope to see you at the depot!