Cannon Falls offers peaceful valley living by the Cannon River
Cannon Falls is a riverside community along U.S. Route 52, between Rochester and Minneapolis. “The topography of the area gives it character,” says Laura Qualey, who is the community and business development specialist in Cannon Falls. “We have lots of trees, valleys and natural beauty.” The Cannon River winds through town and alongside waterfront parks, and provides residents with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Apart from outdoor activities, the small community of about 4,000 enjoys proximity to larger metro areas like Red Wing and a host of year-round community celebrations as well as local shopping and dining options in the historic downtown district.
Cannon Falls has both historic Victorian homes and new developments
Neighborhood streets in Cannon Falls are mostly linear, and the cityscape has a grid pattern. The community has many historic houses, ranging from 19th-century and late-Victorian workers' cottages and American Foursquares to homes with colonial and Queen Anne influences. Other housing stock includes Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and split-levels; new builds often have New Traditional architecture. Occasionally a few homes may sell for under $150,000, but most single-family properties go for between $200,000 and $400,000. Houses built after the 1970s, new construction and properties with over 20 acres of land go from approximately $450,000 to over $1 million. Townhomes and duplexes typically go between $240,000 and $300,000.
Water recreation at parks, the Cannon River and Lake Byllesby
Cannon Falls has about a dozen public parks, a seasonal community pool, trails and sports fields for recreation. Hannah's Bend Park has a frisbee golf course, a playground and walking trails that connect to the Mill Town Trail. The park is also home to waterfront festivals and events in the summer. Archie Swenson Fields has several baseball and softball fields, and Riverside Park has a canoe launch point. “The Cannon River is an attraction for residents, and people go there for canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing,” Qualey says. Lake Byllesby is another recreation spot for kayaking and ice fishing, and the 20-mile-long Cannon Valley Trail connects to Red Wing.
Shopping and dining options in the city's historic downtown district
Many local restaurants and shops are situated in the city’s historic downtown district, which was established in 1854. Popular restaurants include Nick's Downtown Diner, which has a cozy, vintage setting and offers all-day breakfast and classic diner food. Mill Street Tavern serves traditional American fare and has an outdoor patio. Other local spots such as Cannon River Winery and CannonBelles Coffee & Ice Cream are also along Fourth Street. “Another unique thing is that we have lots of local food producers,” Qualey says. “We have our own winery, breweries, pet food, coffee and dairy farms, so people buy local foods a lot.” Other grocery options include Family Fare Supermarket and Ferndale Market, and Target is about 15 miles west in Northfield.
Public schools in Cannon Falls' school district
The city has its own school district, Cannon Falls Area Schools. Cannon Falls Elementary School teaches prekindergarten through fifth grade, and Cannon Falls High School & Middle School goes from Grade 6 to Grade 12. Both schools have a B rating from Niche. Cannon Falls High offers Advanced Placement courses and electives in business, industrial technology, agriculture and art.
Community celebrations in Cannon Falls
The annual Cannon Valley Fair is typically held on the weekend of Independence Day, featuring a Grade Day Parade, live entertainment, horse harness races and festival rides. “The Cannon Valley Fair is over 100 years old and is one of the last local community fairs in the state,” Qualey says. “All the other ones are county fairs.” Other events include the Midsummer Festival and Tractor Parade, and Deck the Falls, which kicks off the winter holidays with a tree lighting ceremony, a fireworks show, local vendor booths and a parade.
Highway access and distance to Red Wing, Minneapolis and Rochester
U.S. Route 52 and Minnesota state Route 19 pass through Cannon Falls. Minneapolis is about 45 miles north, and Red Wing is about 20 miles east of the city. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is approximately 35 miles away, and the Cannon Falls Hospital and Clinic is located at the southern tip of the city. Hiawathaland Transit can schedule rides in Goodhue and Wabasha counties.
