Excerpts

Afton State Park (est. 1969) 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, 55033, (651) 436-5391 Located 9 miles east of St. Paul. Take Interstate 94 to County Road 95, then head south for 7 miles to County Road 20, then go east for 3 miles. Description: The park, located just east of the Twin Cities, encompasses over 1,600 acres of land along the St. Croix River. The park's many trails cover miles of prairie and forested ravines. Some of the trails are quite rugged, providing a challenging place to hike or cross-country ski. Why You Should Go: Afton is a wilderness area that is easy to access and a great way to escape the crowded city. After just a short drive from the Twin Cities, you can enjoy backpacking to a secluded campsite. Trails: There are 20 miles of hiking trails at the park. There is also a short self-guided interpretive trail and a trail accessible for those with disabilities; both trails are less than a mile long. There are 5 miles of equestrian trails and 4 miles of biking trails. In winter, there are groomed cross-country ski trails. Snowshoers can make use of the 7 miles of groomed trails or can wander anywhere else in the park except the cross-country skiing trails. The park also maintains winter hiking trails. Recreation: Fishing is popular on the St. Croix River, and there is a fishing pier at the park, but public boat launches are located outside of the park. The park has two picnic areas. One is located on higher ground near the visitor center and the other is along the river near the beach. There are three open picnic shelters. Volleyball and horseshoes are also available at the park. Geocaching is available, and you can bring your own GPS or borrow one from the park. If time permits, staff members will offer tips. The park also loans out fishing, birding and kids' discovery kits and participates in the "I Can! Camp" program and Archery in the Parks. Campground: The park has 28 rustic backpack-in sites. There are no drive-in sites, but there is one canoe-in site on the St. Croix River. There are also two group sites; one is accessible by vehicle, while the other is carry-in only. There are four camper cabins and two yurts available year-round. Interpretive Programs: There are interpretive programs, but check with the park for a schedule. The visitor center also has exhibits and displays. Nearby Attractions: Afton Alps is located next to the park. In the winter, it offers downhill skiing and snow tubing. During the summer, you can enjoy golfing and mountain biking. 6600 Peller Ave S, Hastings, 55033, (651) 436-5245. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park spans 579 acres along the St. Croix River. The park offers camping, swimming, and boating, among many other activities. 10191 S St. Croix Trail, Hastings, 55033, (651) 430-8240. Vermillion Falls is located at the intersection of Highway 61 and 21st Street East in Hastings. It is a great place to picnic, bike, hike, and see the falls. Anne's Tips: Hike down to the river to follow the North River Trail. Then follow the trail up the bluff to an observation area. After that, the trail passes through some restored prairie before heading back to the visitor center. The river is a great place for birding. Grab the park's bird list and see if you can spot the warblers and bluebirds. Plan ahead and reserve one of the park's heated camper cabins, and enjoy a day of skiing. During the day, you can cross-country ski on the wonderful trails in the park, and in the evening, you can head over to nearby Afton Alps for an evening of downhill skiing. Excerpted from Minnesota State Parks: How to Get There, What to Do, Where to Do It by Anne Arthur, Signy Sherman All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.