Carleton College

I like to get outside and walk when I can. However, in Minnesota it can be challenging. The winter weather is not always conducive to walking outdoors. 

Since I was a previous employee at St. Olaf College I have access to their indoor track.  It’s a retirement benefit and I’m thankful for it…but walking outside is my preference. Even in the cold. It’s the ice that is the problem. And this year the ice seems to be especially bad…early on we had an ice storm and many public sidewalks were never cleared properly, leaving icy spots in several places and making it unsafe to walk, probably for the whole winter.

Behind my favorite tree on campus is the 1887 Goodwill Observatory (listed on the National Register of Historic Places).

Fortunately there are two colleges in town and both keep their sidewalks cleared of snow and ice for the many students walking across campus all day long. Carleton College is a little over a mile from our house so I tend to go there often to walk outdoors.

I thanked these two custodians for their hard work, as they walked by carrying shovels.

I can count on Carleton’s sidewalks to be cleared down to the cement with not many traces of ice anywhere…and pretty much within a few hours of a snowstorm…or at least it’s always cleared when I’m ready to get out for a walk. 

Carleton College is a beautiful and interesting place to walk: the academic and administration buildings are impressive,

I believe this is the newest building on campus…still being worked on, Anderson Hall which houses Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Astronomy. The curved elevated seating is an outdoor classroom space.
Another view of the outdoor classroom…in winter. I can only image how lovely it is in fall and spring.

the chapel is stunning,

Marvelous Skinner Chapel. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

and there are a variety of trees and ponds and bridges.

Beautiful winter-laden trees.
Interesting branches.

The sidewalks meander all over campus…some tucked away and fun to follow.

An inviting but obscure passageway.

And if one gets too cold you can always duck into a building to warm up for a few minutes. 

It’s great to see the occasional bicycle…not a fat tire. It can ride on the sidewalks because they are clear.

Carleton College campus offers me, and the community, a safe place to walk outdoors and I am grateful.



6 thoughts on “Carleton College”

  1. Your photography is exceptionally beautiful! The campus of Carleton College is certainly well laid out for walking and the architecture so interesting. Keep enjoying your walks!

  2. Thanks for the lovely photo tour on Carleton. I’ve been on campus several times, including visits to the observatory during their monthly open houses. You’re right, this college setting is beautiful. And the snow and ice-free sidewalks are a bonus.

    1. Carleton does have a lot to offer…the observatory is another delight. I’m glad you’ve experienced it. And so is the arboretum for all year round and a Japanese Garden in summer and a great sliding hill in winter, and interesting athletics and concerts….the list goes on and on.

      1. You do such a wonderful job of using both words and photography to share your thoughts. I so enjoy your blog!

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