The coming spring won’t just bring back the calming flow of the Cannon River.

It’ll also bring the opportunity for residents to follow the river's current when Cannon River Outfitters opens in downtown Northfield.

Cannon River Outfitters is a full-service bike, kayak, canoe and tubing rental store. There will also be limited fishing equipment and tackle in stock. Local anglers will be happy to hear nightcrawlers will also be available.

“I thought it would be a good fit for Northfield,” said proprietor Dale Gehring. “We need to take advantage of the river here in Northfield and I feel that this would be a great addition—a good start.”

Gehring, a member of the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, is also an advocate for bike trail connectivity in the area, particularly the Mill Towns Trail route project.

After seeing many full-service rental shops in his travels and researching the idea of a similar business in Northfied, Gehring thought a rental shop would work here and could bring more tourism to the area.

Cannon Rivers Outfitters is slated to open in late April or early May, Gehring said. It will be located on the backside of The Local Joint, 310 Division St.; the entrance will be in the back of the building.

Gehring said rentals will be available Tuesday through Sunday and will be done through online reservations and walk-ins. A website is in development. There will be extended hours on the weekend and there will be specialty group activities on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Gehring said.

Interested parties can reach out to Gehring now by emailing him at cannonriveroutfitters@gmail.com

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