Grand oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the
rugged, rolling landscape of this park. Trails traverse 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.
Quick stats:
1,695 acres
179,626 annual visits
6,766 overnight visits
Naturalist:
The best way to learn more about Afton State Park is to stop at the park
office for a map and information about the park. See the interpretive exhibits
in the visitor center for more information about the vegetation and wildlife
resources in the park. Although the park does not have a naturalist on staff,
activities are offered occasionally throughout the summer season and self-guided
programs are also available.
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
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.
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