This small Swedish town near the Arctic Circle has become a winter testing ground for car manufacturers. Its frozen lakes and snow-covered roads attract engineers year after year.
Greenfield has the Riverside Market, where vendors sell fresh fruit and handmade pottery every morning. You can climb the 1890 Clock Tower to see the city from its highest point. The Greenfield Botanical Garden displays over 500 types of plants, including a section dedicated to desert species. Walk along the paved river trail that stretches from the train station to Maple Park. Local buses run frequently, with stops near major hotels and the central library.
Top Attractions in Greenfield The Clock Tower’s spiral staircase has 150 steps leading to an observation deck. From there, you see the river, the red brick buildings of downtown, and the pine forests to the north. Riverside Market opens daily at 7 AM; arrive early for the best selection of seasonal berries and honey. At the Greenfield Botanical Garden, guided tours explain how the staff cultivates tropical plants in glass greenhouses. The garden’s butterfly exhibit runs from May to September, with over 20 species fluttering in a dedicated enclosure.
Local Food and Drink River’s Edge Cafe serves smoked trout on cedar planks, a recipe perfected by the owner’s grandfather. Three bakeries on Main Street bake sourdough loaves in brick ovens installed in the 1920s. Bean & Leaf Coffee roasts its beans in small batches and grinds them fresh for each order. On Saturdays, farmers in the town square offer samples of sharp cheddar and strawberry-rhubarb jam. Avoid the crowded lunch hour at popular spots by arriving before 11:30 AM.
Getting Around the City Rent bicycles from bright blue kiosks near the train station and return them to any location. Buses numbered 1 through 12 cover routes between residential areas, shopping districts, and the botanical garden. Drivers can park free in the lot behind City Hall after 5 PM on weekdays. Taxis charge by the meter, with a base fare of $3.50. For walking routes, pick up a free map at the visitor center marked with public restrooms and water fountains.
Practical Tips Wear sturdy shoes if climbing the Clock Tower—the stairs are narrow and uneven. The botanical garden closes at dusk except during the summer light show. Carry cash for market vendors; many don’t accept credit cards. Check the bus schedule online, as weekend routes differ. Most museums charge admission under $10, but the history museum is free on the first Sunday of each month.
