Afton State Park
Overview
Afton State Park was established in 1969 for visitors to experience unique natural features and enjoy outdoor recreation. Just forty minutes east of the Twin Cities, the park lies along bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River. Here you will see wildflowers and grasses in restored prairies that were once agricultural fields. Below, outcrops of limestone jut from the sides of deep, forested ravines that drop three hundred feet to the river. Make your way down to the water’s edge and watch for wildlife. The park’s diverse habitats make it a birdwatcher’s haven with over 190 species, some of which are rare.
- Trails
- 14
- Viewpoints
- 7
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 36
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Overlook
- horseback
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at park office or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- The Minnesota DNR reports that fire danger is very high at Afton State Park.
- To reduce the risk of wildfires, campfires are strictly prohibited at all backcountry campsites, including all hike-in, backpack, and boat-in locations, regardless of whether a fire ring is present.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking/Horseback (Prairie Loop)
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking/Horseback
Hiking (Deer Valley Loop)
Hiking (Bobolink Loop)
Hiking (Trout Brook Loop)
Hiking (Terrace Prairie Trail)
Paved (Interpretive Trail)
Hiking/Horseback (Oliver Charley Trail)
Unpaved - Crushed Rock/Wood Plank Mix (South River Trail + N River Trail)
Hiking
Hiking/Horseback (Bobolink Loop + Prairie Loop)
Hiking (Campground Trail +Trail to the end of the line + Oliver Charley Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.1 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.3 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.5 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.6 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.8 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.9 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
1.1 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Afton State Park?
Afton State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Afton State Park?
Afton State Park was established in 1969 for visitors to experience unique natural features and enjoy outdoor recreation. Just forty minutes east of the Twin Cities, the park lies along bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River.
Where is Afton State Park located?
Afton State Park is located in Hastings, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Afton State Park?
Afton State Park has 14 mapped trails covering 22.9 miles in total. The longest is Hiking/Horseback (Bobolink Loop + Prairie Loop) at 3.6 miles.
What is there to see at Afton State Park?
Places to see at Afton State Park include Overlook, Camper Cabin, Dock, Hike-In Campsite, Swimming beach and Yurt.
What facilities are available at Afton State Park?
Facilities at Afton State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, horseback, Overlook, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Swimming Areas / Beaches and 1 more.
Is there parking at Afton State Park?
Yes, Afton State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Afton State Park?
Yes, Afton State Park has 3 campsites marked on its map: Backpack Campground, Primitive Group Camp and Wall Tent.
How can I contact Afton State Park?
You can contact Afton State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Afton State Park know?
The Minnesota DNR reports that fire danger is very high at Afton State Park. To reduce the risk of wildfires, campfires are strictly prohibited at all backcountry campsites, including all hike-in, backpack, and boat-in locations, regardless of whether a fire ring is present. Attended campfires remain permitted only within designated, established fire rings at regular drive-in, cart-in, and walk-in campground sites.
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