Sidewalk Poetry

Map of poems

Find the locations of the poems, see the poem and hear them.

Sidewalk poetry interactive map Opens in new window

Launch the sidewalk poetry interactive map

Previous winners

Winning poems can be found in more than 260 locations throughout the historical downtown area, along safe pathways to schools and in residential neighborhoods.

2020 Winning Spanish Poems

2020 Winning Poems

2019 Winning Poems

2018 Winning Poems

2017 Winning Poems

2016 Winning Poems

2011-2015 Winning Poems

Want a poem stamped on your property?

As a bonus for Northfield residents, anyone wishing to have a poem installed on their own property, the installation stamps of the winning poems are available for use with a damage deposit. Interested persons should contact the Public Works Department at 507-645-3020 for information about using a stamp on private property.

Sidewalk Poetry Reservation Form

History and support

The Arts and Culture Commission launched the Sidewalk Poetry Project in 2011 with support from the Friends and Foundation of the Northfield Public Library, the Streetscape Task Force and the Northfield City Council. Since 2012, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council has provided grants for the project thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund made possible by the voters of Minnesota. Additional funding has come from the City, The Friends and Foundation of the Northfield Public Library, Northfield Shares, local businesses and individual donations.

First poem imprinted was located on the Third Street hill, south of the Library.

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Northfield's sidewalk poetry contest logo.

Make Your Mark text

Minnesota Legacy Amendment

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