Named after the rich, fertile farmland in the area before the city’s formation, Richfield officially became a Minnesota city in 1908. Since then, Richfield has grown to a population of 35,990 people. Nearly 15,000 households are nestled within seven square miles of land area, tucked in the suburb of some of Minnesota’s largest cities.

Richfield is just under about 20 miles from Minnesota’s capital and second-largest city, St. Paul, and less than 10 miles from Minneapolis — Minnesota’s largest city. Plus, Bloomington, Minnesota’s fourth-largest city, is less than five miles away. With so many things to do in Richfield and its surrounding areas, it’s an excellent spot for plenty of family fun.

Music and Entertainment

If you’re looking for an enjoyable evening in Richfield or its surrounding areas, consider some music and entertainment. You could enjoy a theatrical production, live concert, comedy routine or dance performance. Consider the following music and entertainment options the next time you visit the Richfield area:

1. Attend a Live Music Event

Music can help alleviate stress and even lift your mood, so get in high spirits and attend a live music event in Richfield. Since 1979, the Richfield Symphonic Band — a freestanding nonprofit — continues to play music for Minnesota residents in Richfield and other parts of the state.

Similarly, the Northern Winds Concert Band was also formed in 1979 and has around 50 members. The band continues to play monthly concerts at senior centers, indoor and outdoor parks and churches in Richfield and the surrounding metro areas around the year, so make sure you catch at least one of each band’s concerts.

2. Enjoy a Theatrical Production

Whether you’re a theater-buff or a newcomer, see a Minneapolis production for guaranteed entertainment. Minneapolis, just a short drive from Richfield, is home to theaters like Guthrie Theater and Jungle Theater.

The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis opened in 1963 with “Hamlet.” There was only a summer season of four productions during the early years, but it’s now turned into numerous productions, including concerts and special events, all year round with a staff of more than 500 people.

The Jungle Theater is tucked in Minneapolis’ Lyn-Lake neighborhood and was founded in 1991. Since then, the theater has won numerous awards, including a dozen Ivey Awards for its impressive productions.

3. Have a Laugh at a Comedy Theater

For your next night out, check out a comedy show at Brave New Workshop or ComedySportz Twin Cities in Minneapolis — just a short trip from Richfield.

Brave New Workshop is a comedy theatre that has put on more than 290 productions since it opened in 1958. In addition to its hilarious original comedy, improv and satire shows, the theatre offers improv classes for youth and adults and even has youth and teen improv summer camps.

ComedySportz Twin Cities has two Minneapolis stages — one at HUGE Theater and one at Strike Theater. This comedy club opened in 1989 and specializes in improv shows, so you’re guaranteed a new experience every time. ComedySportz also offers improv classes, but only for adults.

4. Dance Over to the Cowles Center

The Cowles Center in downtown Minneapolis is the largest nonprofit dance complex in the Midwest and offers various performing arts shows throughout the year. The center also works to keep costs low for local dance companies and even offers their studio space below market value. The Cowles Center also administers professional training to choreographers, dance educators and dancers alike. Try something new to do and become mesmerized as talented dancers leap across the Cowles Center stage.

Nature and the Outdoors

There are plenty of recreational things to do in Richfield. If you’re looking for some of the area’s best recreation and leisure attractions, consider the following.

1. Visit the Wood Lake Nature Center

Wood Lake Nature Center opened in 1971 as the only municipal nature center in the area. Even if you’ve driven north on Interstate 35W a bunch of times, you may have zoomed right past this natural oasis without even knowing it. That’s because a wall creates a definitive line that separates the hustle of the city and the sound of cars driving on the highway from the serenity you’ll find in Wood Lake Nature Center.

Wood Lake Nature Center spans 150 acres. Venture just outside of the Twin Cities, and you’ll be treated to a genuine, undisturbed observational and educational outdoor experience.

2. Go to Minnehaha Falls Regional Park

For unforgettable views, make the short drive to Minneapolis’ Minnehaha Regional Park. The park, which attracts more than 850,000 visitors each year, is known for its 53-foot waterfall, gorgeous river overlooks and limestone bluffs. The 193-acre park also features a biking and walking path, a disc golf course, a picnic area, wading pools for the warmer months and more.

3. Explore Veterans Park

Veterans Memorial Park boasts the largest playground in Richfield and the largest picnic pavilion in the city. It also hosts the Richfield Farmers Market and Winter Market, so you can pick up some fresh produce and other local food or grab some unique gifts from craft vendors. From early June until late August, you could take a swim in the park’s outdoor pool or do some open ice skating at Richfield Ice Arena in the colder months.

4. Walk the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail

The Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail is an awesome way to spend a day in Minnesota. When you enter from Richfield, you can access the Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail and travel north or south to Lake Nokomis or the Minnesota River.

Historical Attractions

In addition to the state’s ample entertainment and recreational attractions, Minnesota is also rich in history. The Minnesota Historical Society now boasts 24,000 members since its establishment in 1849 and welcomes more than one million guests every year. While historical attractions are spread out statewide, Richfield and its surrounding areas certainly aren’t short on places to visit. While you’re visiting Richfield, one of Minnesota’s oldest suburbs, check out the Richfield Historical Society at the Bartholomew House and consider visiting some of the other history hotspots, like:

1. The Bartholomew House

The Bartholomew House is headquarters for the Richfield Historical Society. The house originally belonged to Riley Bartholomew, who first came to Minnesota in the early 1850s and served in the Minnesota Senate. The Riley Bartholomew House is Richfield’s oldest remaining home, and The Richfield Historical Society is actively working on restoring the home to ensure people can continue touring the historic site.

2. Historic Fort Snelling

Less than 10 miles from Richfield in St. Paul sits Historic Fort Snelling. It sits on Bdote — a point where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers converge — and offers visitors a deep dive into its history featuring trade, Native people, soldiers and veterans, immigrants, enslaved people and the landscape. At Fort Snelling, enjoy guided theme tours, activity stations, demonstrations and more.

3. Mill City Museum

Visit what was once the largest, most advanced flour mill in the world and plan a trip to Mill City Museum. The museum, which opened in 2003, sits on the ground once occupied by the Washburn A Mill flour mill — Washburn-Crosby Company’s flagship mill. At Mill City Museum, check out special exhibits and experiences, such as the flour tower, the baking lab or the observation deck. With plenty of exhibits and hands-on activities, a trip to this historic location is sure to be fun for your whole family.

4. Basilica of Saint Mary

Did you know Minnesota is home to the first basilica ever built in America? Better yet, The Basilica of Saint Mary is less than 15 miles away from Richfield, making it the perfect historical attraction to check off your list. Many gather to the basilica to appreciate its intricate art and architecture, from the building itself to the bells and stained glass windows.

Seasonal Events

Looking for summertime events in Richfield? Here are three excellent options.

1. Attend the Richfield Farmers Market

On summertime Saturday mornings, head to the Richfield Farmers Market for jams, honey, veggies, baked goods and other tasty treats. You can also enjoy live music and yoga sessions and celebrate National Farmers Market Week in August. It’s the perfect way to spend time outdoors and support local Minnesota businesses.

2. Check out Penn Fest

Once every year, Penn Avenue from 62nd Street to 76th Street closes to motorized traffic and remains open to walkers, bicyclists and skateboarders. Meander the streets to shop, listen to music, check out the Pet Zone or play games. The event is free to attend and attracts thousands of visitors every year!

3. Go to a Sports Event

You can also check out professional sports during your trip to Richfield. The following stadiums are a quick and easy drive:

• Target Field: Grab a hot dog and an ice-cold drink, and catch a Minnesota Twins baseball game.
• Target Center: Watch an NBA basketball game at Target Center — not to be confused with Target Field.
• U.S. Bank Stadium: See the Minnesota Vikings play in Minneapolis.

Activities for Kids

We know how essential it is that every member of your family has fun on a trip. Since there are an abundance of things to do in Richfield, even the youngest ones have plenty of options. You definitely won’t run out of kid-friendly attractions in Richfield and the surrounding areas.

1. Visit a Museum

Consider visiting one of the nearby museums, such as the Minnesota Children’s Museum, The Works Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota. The Minnesota Children’s Museum in nearby St. Paul has three floors of fun with 11 hands-on exhibits. Your child can climb up the four-story Scramble and walk across the 40-foot-high catwalk before sliding down a giant slide. They can also explore a vibrant pretend town, learn about shipwrecks and play in a sensory garden.

You could also take your little engineer to The Works Museum in Bloomington, a museum for hands-on engineering and design experiences. Your child can use brick pixel pics to create 2D art or even build a circuit. The museum isn’t only for children — attend a class at the workshop as a family, and everyone can learn a new thing or two.

The Science Museum of Minnesota in Saint Paul can also keep your family busy for the day. It offers an excellent way to learn about animals, space, dinosaurs, math and more. You could even take a break from walking around the museum and enjoy a movie at the Omnitheater. With so many exciting opportunities at all three museums, you’ll have a never-ending to-do list of family fun.

2. Play Some Mini Golf

You’ll find this exciting 18-hole course right behind the Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion. It’s a nice, affordable place to spend quality time with your family, hang out with your friends or go on a date. After some friendly competition, you can head to the snack bar for ice cream cones, malts, pizza, floats or pop.

3. Have Fun at the Mall of America

The Mall of America in Bloomington hosts more than 300 events and 32 million people per year. In addition to shopping, you can ride roller coasters, go to the M&M’s store, visit Minnesota’s biggest aquarium and more.

There are so many kid-friendly attractions to see that you may never even step foot in a store. Whether you have a family of Lego-lovers, thrill-seekers or artists, you’ll have plenty of things to do to keep the good times rolling. On your next trip to the largest mall in the United States, consider the following attractions for the whole family:

• The Lego Store: This store features eight huge Lego figures, including a robot that’s more than 34 feet tall.
• Nickelodeon Universe: The Mall of America also features the largest indoor theme park with more than two dozen rides and attractions and opportunities for children to meet their favorite characters.
• The Crayola Experience: The Crayola Experience features 60,000 square feet of attractions, such as naming and wrapping your own crayon and appearing on a coloring page. You’re sure to keep your whole family busy for hours.

4. See Wildlife

On your next family outing in the Richfield area, consider spending time with some animals. At the Minnesota Zoo, you can see everything from ring-tailed lemurs to West African dwarf crocodiles. You can also visit the Como Zoo, which was officially established in 1897 when the City of Saint Paul built a fenced-in pasture to hold three deer that were gifted to them. Today, you can see animals like polar bears, gorillas, giraffes and big cats.

You could also take your family to Bloomington’s Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, just about 5 miles from Richfield. The refuge allows families to experience nature in the wild and offers seasonal activities all year round. In the summer, you can go boating, canoeing or biking, and you may go skiing or snowshoeing in the winter to search for animal tracks.

5. Swim at the Richfield Outdoor Pool

The Richfield Outdoor Pool is a fantastic place to spend warm afternoons with your family and friends. The pavilion has two swimming areas that are fenced off from one another. The deeper pool and the shallow wading pool each have their own eating and gathering spots. This separation allows parents with young children to enjoy their time without having to worry about their toddlers being able to access the deeper pool.

The wading pool has fountains, slides and other features that little kids will have fun exploring. The larger pool is perfect for older kids, teenagers and adults. This 50-meter pool has two lap lanes, a diving board, water volleyball and a pair of twisty waterslides that children of all ages will get a kick out of.

6. Skate at Richfield Ice Arena

Previously home to the Minnesota Whitecaps, Minnesota’s professional-level women’s hockey team, the Richfield Ice Arena now offers open skating, skating lessons, hockey camps and ice rentals. If you’re looking to get active on a vacation, this is a great spot.

Historical Attractions

In addition to its ample entertainment and recreational attractions, Minnesota is also rich in history. The Minnesota Historical Society now boasts 24,000 members and welcomes more than 1 million guests every year.

While historical attractions are spread out statewide, Richfield and its surrounding areas certainly aren’t short on places to visit. Consider visiting some of these historical hot spots.

1. Visit the Bartholomew House

The Bartholomew House is the headquarters for the Richfield Historical Society. The house originally belonged to Riley Bartholomew, who first came to Minnesota in the early 1850s and served in the Minnesota Senate. The Riley Bartholomew House is Richfield’s oldest remaining home, and the Richfield Historical Society is actively working on restoring it to ensure people can continue touring the historic site.

2. Check out Historic Fort Snelling

Less than 10 miles from Richfield is Historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul. It sits on Bdote — a point where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers converge — and offers visitors a deep dive into the history of trade, native peoples, soldiers and veterans, immigrants, enslaved people and the landscape. Enjoy guided theme tours, activity stations, demonstrations and more.

3. Go to Mill City Museum

Visit what was once the largest, most advanced flour mill in the world and plan a trip to Mill City Museum. The museum, which opened in 2003, sits on the ground once occupied by the Washburn A Mill flour mill — Washburn-Crosby Company’s flagship mill.

At Mill City Museum, check out special exhibits and experiences, such as the flour tower, the baking lab or the observation deck. With plenty of exhibits and hands-on activities, a trip to this historic location is sure to be fun for your whole family.

4. Explore the Basilica of Saint Mary

Did you know Minnesota is home to the first basilica ever built in America? Better yet, the Basilica of Saint Mary is less than 15 miles away from Richfield, making it the perfect historical attraction to check off your list. Many gather at the basilica to appreciate its intricate art and architecture, from the building itself to the bells and stained glass windows.

Eateries and Restaurants

These restaurants are the perfect places to start and end your day in Richfield!

1. Get Breakfast at Patrick’s Bakery & Café

This little gem is a great place to hang out, catch up on work, meet friends and indulge in some tasty treats like pastries, truffles, macaroons, cookies and bread.

When visiting Patrick’s Bakery & Café, you’ll often see professionals using their laptops and cellphones at the tables near the front of the establishment and couples sharing intimate meals in the back.

2. Enjoy Lunch or Dinner at Giordano’s

Whether you’ve spent the day at the pool, in the nature center or playing miniature golf, chances are you’ve worked up an appetite after a fun-filled day. Visit Giordano’s to try our Chicago-style stuffed pizza! If you aren’t in the mood for one of our handmade stuffed pizzas, you have a full menu of other options available to you when you dine in, carry out or order delivery.

In addition to our famous stuffed pizzas, the Giordano’s Richfield menu also includes thin-crust pizza, Italian sandwiches, delicious pastas, yummy appetizers, fresh salads and more.

Enjoy the Best Chicago-Style Pizza in Richfield at Giordano’s

Every day you spend eating Giordano’s pizza in Richfield, Minnesota, is a great day. Giordano’s puts a twist on Chicago deep-dish, serving our signature stuffed pizza, built from the crust up. It starts with our perfectly cooked flaky crust. Then, we add toppings, cheese, another thin layer of crust and sauce to create the deliciousness our customers have grown to love since opening our first location in Chicago more than 40 years ago. Since then, we’ve expanded locations and our menu, which also includes various appetizers, pasta and sandwiches.

Visit our location on West 66th Street, or place an order online. We know you’re hungry.