Afton ; St Croix Valley Area Guidebook

Kathy
Afton ; St Croix Valley Area Guidebook

Sightseeing

There are hiking trails, beautiful sceneries. The St Croix River as a back drop.https://alltrails.com/us/minnesota/afton Afton State Park GPS coordinates - Lat:44.847822, Lng: -92.797608 Park Information Grand oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the rugged, rolling landscape of this park. Trails pass through remnant and restored prairies, wind down deep ravines, and rise up to the grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the scenic St. Croix River. The trails are perfect for hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. The park offers visitors a swimming beach, backpack campsites and a visitor center with interpretive displays. Wildlife Birdwatchers can observe hawks and waterfowl on the St. Croix flyway, bluebirds and meadowlarks in the grasslands, and waves of migratory birds in the floodplain. Deer, fox, and badgers live here along with the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, turkeys, gray and fox squirrels. History Situated along the lower St. Croix River in Afton Township, the park was established in 1969 to preserve unique natural features and to provide opportunities for nature-oriented recreation. Geology The park is cut by deep ravines which drop 300 feet to the river. The ravines display spectacular outcrops of sandstone and the rugged terrain affords spectacular views of the St. Croix River Valley. Landscape The park is set in a rolling glacial moraine and bluffland. It contains a combination of oak openings and woodlands. The forests combine upland hardwoods with some pine plantations. Remnant prairies are being expanded and oak savannas are being restored through an aggressive resource management program that makes extensive use of volunteers. Park wildflowers include prairie pasque flowers and woodland ephemerals in the spring; butterfly weed and puccoons on the summer prairie; and sunflowers and blazing star in the fall.
21 locals recommend
Afton State Park
6959 Peller Ave S
21 locals recommend
There are hiking trails, beautiful sceneries. The St Croix River as a back drop.https://alltrails.com/us/minnesota/afton Afton State Park GPS coordinates - Lat:44.847822, Lng: -92.797608 Park Information Grand oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the rugged, rolling landscape of this park. Trails pass through remnant and restored prairies, wind down deep ravines, and rise up to the grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the scenic St. Croix River. The trails are perfect for hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. The park offers visitors a swimming beach, backpack campsites and a visitor center with interpretive displays. Wildlife Birdwatchers can observe hawks and waterfowl on the St. Croix flyway, bluebirds and meadowlarks in the grasslands, and waves of migratory birds in the floodplain. Deer, fox, and badgers live here along with the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, turkeys, gray and fox squirrels. History Situated along the lower St. Croix River in Afton Township, the park was established in 1969 to preserve unique natural features and to provide opportunities for nature-oriented recreation. Geology The park is cut by deep ravines which drop 300 feet to the river. The ravines display spectacular outcrops of sandstone and the rugged terrain affords spectacular views of the St. Croix River Valley. Landscape The park is set in a rolling glacial moraine and bluffland. It contains a combination of oak openings and woodlands. The forests combine upland hardwoods with some pine plantations. Remnant prairies are being expanded and oak savannas are being restored through an aggressive resource management program that makes extensive use of volunteers. Park wildflowers include prairie pasque flowers and woodland ephemerals in the spring; butterfly weed and puccoons on the summer prairie; and sunflowers and blazing star in the fall.
Stop at this very interesting learning center. It is located at the site where the Mississippi and the St. Croix Rivers meet. The center is located on a bluff so the views of both rivers are incredible. On the first day of April the rivers still had bits of ice floating in the water. We were lucky to see two eagles flying high in the sky. The river boats had not yet started up for the season but the trains were running. The volunteer in the learning was able to answer many questions and there are many brochures and exhibits to help explore and learn about the history of the area. The outside area around the center provides for walking paths, great viewing areas, a play area for little ones and picnic areas with clean restrooms just inside the building. This is really worth a stop.
The Great River Road
The Great River Road
Stop at this very interesting learning center. It is located at the site where the Mississippi and the St. Croix Rivers meet. The center is located on a bluff so the views of both rivers are incredible. On the first day of April the rivers still had bits of ice floating in the water. We were lucky to see two eagles flying high in the sky. The river boats had not yet started up for the season but the trains were running. The volunteer in the learning was able to answer many questions and there are many brochures and exhibits to help explore and learn about the history of the area. The outside area around the center provides for walking paths, great viewing areas, a play area for little ones and picnic areas with clean restrooms just inside the building. This is really worth a stop.
We visited Willow River State Park for the day with the sole purpose of playing in the falls. The hike down to the falls is on a wide paved path, but is extremely steep. The falls are large and amazing. You are free to play in the falls and swim at the base. There is even a part that allows you to walk behind the falls! Such fun! Wear water shoes or durable sandals (Chacos) to protect your feet from rocks. We also did a few hikes and found the paths to be clearly marked. Be prepared for the STEEP hike back up to the parking lot. Take breaks and bring water. If you like the winter, and like snowshoes or cross country skiing, dig in!
26 locals recommend
Willow River State Park
1034 Co Hwy A
26 locals recommend
We visited Willow River State Park for the day with the sole purpose of playing in the falls. The hike down to the falls is on a wide paved path, but is extremely steep. The falls are large and amazing. You are free to play in the falls and swim at the base. There is even a part that allows you to walk behind the falls! Such fun! Wear water shoes or durable sandals (Chacos) to protect your feet from rocks. We also did a few hikes and found the paths to be clearly marked. Be prepared for the STEEP hike back up to the parking lot. Take breaks and bring water. If you like the winter, and like snowshoes or cross country skiing, dig in!
Historic Hastings offers many places to see and visit.
MN-95, Minnesota, USA
Historic Hastings offers many places to see and visit.

Activities

Winter activities for individuals, families, friends! *Ski Rentals *Baby Hill for beginners and youth. * A Vail Property offers discount to members. * A Warming Chalet and more. *Large recreation area is loaded with outdoor fun including downhill ski runs, and an 18-hole golf course.
32 locals recommend
Afton Alps
6600 Peller Ave S
32 locals recommend
Winter activities for individuals, families, friends! *Ski Rentals *Baby Hill for beginners and youth. * A Vail Property offers discount to members. * A Warming Chalet and more. *Large recreation area is loaded with outdoor fun including downhill ski runs, and an 18-hole golf course.
This Golf Course will give you plenty of challenges but also a few very playable holes to keep you coming back. Nice design, the fairways are awesome, and the greens require a few looks to get the breaks right. It also has a nice practice range, good pro-shop and a nice bar serving up some New Glarus for us MN players
Troy Burne Golf Club
295 Lindsay Rd
This Golf Course will give you plenty of challenges but also a few very playable holes to keep you coming back. Nice design, the fairways are awesome, and the greens require a few looks to get the breaks right. It also has a nice practice range, good pro-shop and a nice bar serving up some New Glarus for us MN players
I so enjoy this course! It’s like you’re in Northern MN or Northern WI without the drive. The course is in amazing condition from tee to green. The staff from the pro-shop to the grounds crew do an outstanding job, always with a smile on their face.
White Eagle Golf Club
316 White Eagle Trail
I so enjoy this course! It’s like you’re in Northern MN or Northern WI without the drive. The course is in amazing condition from tee to green. The staff from the pro-shop to the grounds crew do an outstanding job, always with a smile on their face.
This is a wonderful place to hike or walk. There is a historic swing bridge! Here is more information if you would like to explore. Riverfalls is a great college town approximately 12 miles from Afton. Call Center Staff Available 7 Days a Week (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Call Toll Free 1-888-WDNRINFO (1-888-936-7463) Open a chat session, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8 locals recommend
Kinnickinnic State Park
W11983 820th Avenue
8 locals recommend
This is a wonderful place to hike or walk. There is a historic swing bridge! Here is more information if you would like to explore. Riverfalls is a great college town approximately 12 miles from Afton. Call Center Staff Available 7 Days a Week (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Call Toll Free 1-888-WDNRINFO (1-888-936-7463) Open a chat session, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We were able to visit the Phipps center, and went to see one of the center's finest hidden gems, their theater pipe organ. Although the auditorium is not huge, the Wurlitzer originally from the KSTP studios in St. Paul, sounds beautiful. They apparently will be using it for their Christmas show this year and hope many of the locals will get to hear it. This is a hidden gem in the Saint Croix Valley. Art galleries with themes relating to local interest from first class artists. It's free, open to the public, easily accessible, and a great cultural experience for all ages.
9 locals recommend
Phipps Center for the Arts
109 Locust St
9 locals recommend
We were able to visit the Phipps center, and went to see one of the center's finest hidden gems, their theater pipe organ. Although the auditorium is not huge, the Wurlitzer originally from the KSTP studios in St. Paul, sounds beautiful. They apparently will be using it for their Christmas show this year and hope many of the locals will get to hear it. This is a hidden gem in the Saint Croix Valley. Art galleries with themes relating to local interest from first class artists. It's free, open to the public, easily accessible, and a great cultural experience for all ages.
Things to Do in Hudson: Lake Front Park; Birkmose Park; Historic Octagon House Museum; Cracked Barrel Winery and Vineyard; Nostalgia; Knoke's Chocolates and Nuts; Seasons on the St.Croix; Pitchfork Brewing; Hudson Trolley Co; St Croix River Cruises; Splat-Tag!
25 locals recommend
Hudson
25 locals recommend
Things to Do in Hudson: Lake Front Park; Birkmose Park; Historic Octagon House Museum; Cracked Barrel Winery and Vineyard; Nostalgia; Knoke's Chocolates and Nuts; Seasons on the St.Croix; Pitchfork Brewing; Hudson Trolley Co; St Croix River Cruises; Splat-Tag!

Food scene

An old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
Selma’s Ice Cream
3419 St Croix Trail S
An old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

City/town information

Things to Do in Stillwater; Teddy Bear Park; Browns Creek Trail; Stillwater Lift Bridge, as seen in Grumpy Old Men; Blueberry fields of Stillwater; Lift Bridge Brewing; St.Croix Vineyards; Aamodt's Apple Orchard, Locally made wine and wine tasting, some of the best! They also give tours! Washington County Historic CourtHouse; Warden's House Museum; Lowell Park; Northern Vineyard Winery; Mid-Town Antique Mall; The Zephyr Theater;
94 locals recommend
Stillwater
94 locals recommend
Things to Do in Stillwater; Teddy Bear Park; Browns Creek Trail; Stillwater Lift Bridge, as seen in Grumpy Old Men; Blueberry fields of Stillwater; Lift Bridge Brewing; St.Croix Vineyards; Aamodt's Apple Orchard, Locally made wine and wine tasting, some of the best! They also give tours! Washington County Historic CourtHouse; Warden's House Museum; Lowell Park; Northern Vineyard Winery; Mid-Town Antique Mall; The Zephyr Theater;
This is a great downtown and riverfront park to visit! Please see details under Activities please
25 locals recommend
Hudson
25 locals recommend
This is a great downtown and riverfront park to visit! Please see details under Activities please
Many historic building, unique details!
Hwy 55, Hastings, MN, USA
Many historic building, unique details!