Actors at the annual Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield
The annual Defeat of Jesse James Days reenactment in Northfield

Things to Do in Northfield During the Defeat of Jesse James Days

By Lisa Havelka

The James-Younger gang seemed unstoppable until September 7, 1876, the day the Midwest's best-known outlaws galloped into Northfield with their guns draped in floor-length dusters and unsuspecting locals going about their day.

The town's Defeat of Jesse James Days (DJJD) celebration is held the weekend after Labor Day every year to honor the townspeople who rose up against the rowdy group during their infamous raid of First National Bank.

Here’s the best way to experience the Defeat of Jesse James Days festival in Northfield. 

  1. Watch History Unfold

    Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield
    Credit: Visit Northfield

    “Get your guns, boys; they’re robbing the bank!”

    The annual reenactment of the James-Younger Gang’s failed bank raid draws visitors from around the world. Staged on the street where the outlaws strolled into downtown Northfield, volunteers reenact the events of this ill-fated day.

    For premium viewing, purchase a $5 button from DJJD volunteers to sit on the bleachers along Division Street or find standing room around the performance area at no charge.

    Reenactor at Defeat of Jesse James Days
    Reenactors play out the Jesse James Gang robbery of First National Bank in Northfield

    The raid reenactment takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It starts with a narrative of the events leading up to the live-action appearance of the gang and its horses. Guns are fired, discharging blank rounds of ammunition and leaving some actors wounded or dead.

    Please take the necessary precautions to protect your hearing and be sensitive to the age-appropriateness of the event.

    Bank raid reenactments take place multiple days and times during the DJJD weekend, with American Sign Language Interpretation offered and a Spanish Interpretation script available. Learn more about the historical account of the bank raid and view the reenactment schedule.

  2. View the First National Bank Building

    The Northfield History Center reverts back to First National Bank
    The Northfield History Center reverts back to First National Bank

    Now home to the Northfield History Center, this is the original building where the bank raid occurred in 1876. Three men entered the bank announcing the holdup while the rest remained outside on guard. A bank teller defied the gang three times before townspeople started a gunfight in the streets to stop them.

    When the gun smoke cleared, two locals had been killed along with two outlaws, two more of whom were badly wounded. The remaining six outlaws fled southwest, triggering the then-largest manhunt in U.S. history.

    See the teller’s counter and vault where the failed robbery took place and check out the storyboards and many artifacts related to the raid, including an original gun used in the gunfight outside the bank.

  3. Watch a Proper Rodeo

    A Sutton Rodeo performance during Northfield's Defeat of Jesse James Days
    Credit: Defeat of Jesse James Days

    The PRCA-sanctioned Sutton Rodeo adds to the cowboy-themed weekend festivities, bringing its brisk, action-filled gymnastic feats to the grounds just a few blocks from downtown Northfield. The equine athletes (horses) and rodeo riders bring death-defying stunts and extreme horsemanship skills to spectators.

    Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the rodeo grounds two hours prior to the performance. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids between the ages of 3 and 10, and children under 2 are free. All seating is general admission on outdoor bleachers.

  4. Enjoy the Riverfront Fine Arts Festival

    Riverfront Fine Arts Festival in Northfield
    Riverfront Fine Arts Festival / Credit: Defeat of Jesse James Days

    The Riverfront Fine Arts Festival is held in conjunction with the Defeat of Jesse James Days. Set along the walkway of the Cannon River, the Northfield Arts Guild curates dozens of fine artists and craftspeople who sell their art, including ceramics, jewelry, paintings, fiber, wood, and steel work.

    This one-of-a-kind art and river walk experience is not to be missed during the DJJD weekend.

  5. Stay for the Grand Parade

    Northfield's Grand Parade during the Defeat of Jesse James Days
    Northfield's Grand Parade / Credit: Defeat of Jesse James Days

    Wind down a weekend of fun with the Grand Parade. Starting at 2 p.m., it runs through the heart of Northfield — starting at the high school, running straight down Division St. through downtown and past the Public Library. The parade’s average elapsed time runs between 90 minutes and 2 hours.

    Bring a blanket and huddle up near Bridge Square, where the announcer's box is located, to see and hear who is marching along the route. This parade is very well-attended, so arriving early is recommended.

    See the show's actors, some of the state's top marching bands, and a marching choir! Don’t forget a bag from home to collect all of the candy and treats tossed to spectators from the parade floats.

    Check out Visit Northfield’s DJJD Tips for First-Timers visiting or find more things to do during the Defeat of Jesse James Days here:

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Lisa Havelka

Lisa Havelka is the southern regional coordinator for Explore Minnesota. Born and raised in southern Minnesota, Lisa loves antiquing, visiting Minnesota wineries, riding motorcycles, and catching live shows at Minnesota’s many music venues.