Seasons

Despite what you may have heard, Minnesota is not a frozen tundra year round. We have four distinct seasons: spring brings blossoming trees and beautiful flowers, warm summers allow us to enjoy our 10,000 lakes, and, perhaps best of all, autumn means the countryside will be ablaze in shades of red and gold.

As for winter? It’s mostly a matter of dressing right and being prepared for the extremes. With appropriate clothing and gear, you can be as active outdoors as you want to — although if you’d rather hibernate, that’s OK too.

Here’s a sampler of our favorite things to do at Carleton year round:

Fall

September: 74°F / 53°F (24°C / 12°C)
October: 60°F / 40°F (16°C / 5°C)
November: 45°F / 28°F (7°C / -2°C)

• Student Activities Fair, your opportunity to get acquainted with — and join — a dizzying array of student groups
• Apple picking at nearby Fireside Orchard
• The Defeat of Jesse James Days celebrates Northfield’s victory over the notorious James-Younger Gang back in 1876
• Homecoming includes a whole menu of special events along with the traditional football game
• Walking, running, and biking in The Arb and on scenic country roads

Winter

January: 25°F / 9°F (-4°C / -13°C)
February: 28°F / 10°F (-2°C / -12°C)
March: 43°F / 25°F (6°C / -4°C)

• Broomball. Arguably Carleton’s favorite winter sport, it’s basically hockey played with no skates and no puck. It may sound silly, but you’ll have a lot of fun and work up a sweat, even on the coldest days. We have a rink right on campus, so it’s easy to start or join a game.
• Ice skating. If you can get the broomball players to give up the rink.
• Traying. A version of sledding that is not officially approved, because it requires borrowing trays from the dining hall. You can also use an actual sled.
• Midwinter Ball. It’s a chance to dress up and dance the night away, but there are lots of other activities, too, including an ice sculpting competition.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Carleton’s 880-acre arboretum is right on campus and offers miles of beautifully groomed trails. It’s the perfect way to take a break from your studies and reconnect with nature.