Discover Afton

In Afton, nature, activities on the St. Croix River, and local history come together. When choosing a hotel in Afton, it’s worth first organizing your planned stay around its priorities: the trails vary in length and scenery, the bison herd in the prairie is present seasonally, and astronomy events take place on specific dates. The park and museum add attractions in the Historic Village to this selection.

Trails through prairie and forest

The Tallgrass Trails comprise 2.5 miles of easy trails through tallgrass prairie and native forest. They appeal to travelers who want to experience open grassland and forest as distinct landscapes. The Oxbow Trails offer 1.25 miles of wood-chip-covered paths that pass wooded hillsides and shady areas, as well as along Valley Creek. At 1.25 miles, the stated length of Oxbow is half the 2.5 miles of the Tallgrass Trails; the surface and scenery also give the trails distinct characteristics.

Parts of the Tallgrass Trails are groomed in winter for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. The Oxbow Trails are open seasonally and are currently accessible from dawn to dusk. Before your trip, check the seasonal conditions on the Tallgrass Trails, as well as Oxbow’s operating status and hours.

Plan bison viewing by season

Belwin’s restored bison prairie is home to a bison herd each year from mid-May through the end of September. The herd roams 130 acres of restored prairie. The Bison Observation Platform is open from dawn to dusk; check operational details before your visit. For planning, consider the time frames separately: the herd’s seasonal presence and the platform’s daily opening hours.

Stargazing and astronomy

Several times a year, Belwin hosts events with the Minnesota Astronomical Society to observe the Moon, galaxies, and planets. Check the event dates separately if you’d like to include one in your stay. The Joseph J. Casby Observatory houses a 10-inch TMB apochromatic refractor telescope that is eight feet long. Along with the event dates, it offers a specific instrument as another point of interest for astronomy enthusiasts.

River, park, and Historic Village

The St. Croix River offers opportunities for boating and fishing in Afton. These activities offer a different focus from walking the trails and wildlife viewing.

Afton Town Square Park is at the southern end of the Historic Village. The playground and play structure remain open to the public at all times during the park’s regular hours. Since park hours can change, check them before making plans. The Afton Museum is located in the Historic Village in a former Congregational church building dating from 1868.

Discover more destinations: Forest Lake, Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Oakdale, Cottage Grove

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