Activity Overview
Afton State Park located on the bank of the St. Croix River in Washington County, Minnesota is the perfect place to get out into nature. Throughout this Park there are all kinds of landscapes from rolling hills to prairies and ravines. There are plenty of trails for hikers to walk and for bikers to cycle. Also canoers and kayakers can head out on to the lake. There are a number of places to camp and cabins to rent too.
Things to Do
- There are a number of different trails which can be enjoyed within the park. The hiking trail lasts a total of 20 miles, there is a specially laid out biking trail and also a wheelchair accessible trail. In winter the park lays out special trails for cross country skiing and also for snowshoeing.
- If you really enjoy the sights and sounds of the Park and want to stay a bit longer then there are plenty of camping and lodging options.
- There are Backpack camping sites a mile from the park itself, a special camp specifically for canoers and kayakers and another two group sites which can both accommodate up to 40 people.
- There are also four cabins which you can stay in too. Two of these sleep 6, the other two sleep 5 and are wheelchair accessible.
- Afton State Park holds semi regular naturalist programs and activities. Upcoming events include Fall colors hikes, candlight walks, owl walks by moonlight and a "Discover Winter" snowshoe hike. Check their website before you head there to see if your visit coincides with any events. There is also a link on their page to see listings of events in other Minnesota parks.
Afton State Park Insider Tips
- A summer map, winter map and campground map are all available to be downloaded and printed off their webpage. If you are a fan of bird-watching you can also print off a bird checklist.
- You can take a virtual panoramic tour of the park to get a sense of the nature there is to be enjoyed there before you go.
- The park may close some trails if the river rises unnusually high.
- If you are going to make a fire make sure you buy your wood from the park vendors.