Afton State Park
Afton State Park
4.5
About
Located near St. Paul, this 1,700 acre-park offers camping, hiking, biking, swimming and cross-country skiing.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
12 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
117 reviews
Excellent
71
Very good
33
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Scott
17 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
If you are planning to camp at the backpack camp sites, DONT!! It’s horrible getting there. Says it’s a 3/4 mile hike From the parking lot but that’s to the first site. Add another 1/2 mile to the furthest sites. Plus, it’s mostly an uphill hike in. I’m talking steep climbs where you need to rest every 100-200 feet. Add all the stuff you are carrying. If just you, it may work. If you are taking a family, you’ll regret ever doing the trip with all the stuff you need for a family camping trip. It took us 45 minutes to get to site 22. That night a huge storm came in and there was nothing we could do. Your trapped there unless you want to make the long hike back to the parking lot. We were there two nights and all we did was think about the miserable experience it was getting there and what was going to be miserable experience getting out of there. I can’t believe the put the campsites where they did. Very poor planning. I met so many people making the hike to the camp sites and they all were stunned how bad of a hike it was. Please go somewhere else with your family.
Written 29 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaopas
Minneapolis, MN90 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
We drove an hour and a half to visit this location, to see a sign along the road, saying that the park was closed due to youth hunting. Something like that, should have been posted on it's website. 6 other vehicles were sitting there also.
Written 7 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptTrouble
Hudson, WI7,852 contributions
Jun 2020
My husband and I went here for a nice long hike. There is varied terrain and you can take an easy, intermediate, or difficult hike. We opted for an intermediate to difficult walk.
We walked along part of Afton Alps; boy, they really store the junk right next to the park property. They should be ashamed of themselves. The trail there is a little steep and had some ruts, but it wasn't bad. We hiked so we came out near the St. Croix River and the swimming beach. We sat on the benches and watched the river for awhile and enjoyed the breeze.
We really enjoy hiking here even though there is no easy way to get here from our house.
We walked along part of Afton Alps; boy, they really store the junk right next to the park property. They should be ashamed of themselves. The trail there is a little steep and had some ruts, but it wasn't bad. We hiked so we came out near the St. Croix River and the swimming beach. We sat on the benches and watched the river for awhile and enjoyed the breeze.
We really enjoy hiking here even though there is no easy way to get here from our house.
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN7,574 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Great hiking options. Enjoyed the 7 mile combination of the North and South Loops including views of the St Croix River. Several spots from the trail that let you access the shores oh the river
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mick n
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Solo
Do not camp here! It is home in only which normally isn't an issue for me. But the hike at this park to get to the campsites here is horrible. It's a long step hill you have to climb. Unless you're in very good shape I wouldn't recommend it!
Written 1 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BVELock
Mankato, MN375 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
I stopped here for a quick hike on the .4 mile prairie loop trail. The park was average and the gift shop and visitor center were closed because of covid. The trail was nothing special. The other trails might be better by the river but I did not have time to go try the other ones. Nothing special about this state park from my experience.
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HelMuttDog
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Absolutely Sensational Trail Hiking!
Explored Deer Valley Loop & Trout Valley Loop 1st Day
North Loop 2nd day. Seen 5 Deer, 1Eagle, lots of Turkey Vultures and Yellow Finches.
Used a Rustic Restroom & it was Clean! WoW!
Met a few Park Rangers,learned about a Osprey Nest
and enjoyed Sun and Sand on a Great Beach on the St. Croix River!
Explored Deer Valley Loop & Trout Valley Loop 1st Day
North Loop 2nd day. Seen 5 Deer, 1Eagle, lots of Turkey Vultures and Yellow Finches.
Used a Rustic Restroom & it was Clean! WoW!
Met a few Park Rangers,learned about a Osprey Nest
and enjoyed Sun and Sand on a Great Beach on the St. Croix River!
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rehoboth5
Helena, MT509 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Stayed in one of the cabins on our way through Minnesota. The cabin was clean, well kept and nicely designed. Traditional, understated, just right. Nice screened porch. And outside, two benches. One thing we really liked is that our cabin had lots of privacy: trees and bushes screened it off from other cabins. No restroom anywhere (just outhouse). For us, a pleasant stay.
Written 27 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Honey Badger
Afton, MN1 contribution
Mar 2019 • Solo
Ndn7400, it’s very unfortunate that you would write a smearing and negative review about Afton State Park staff, especially implying that they don’t welcome runners there.
I run there daily and have never (like ever) experienced anything but respect, friendliness, and welcoming from all the staff at Afton State Park. The ski trail are designated for skiers only during the winter snowy months as all the other MN State Parks that have cross-country skiing. It takes them hours and sometimes days to go through each trail and groom them. Running along side of them only disrupts the groomed trails and ruins their very long hard work they put in and it’s unfair for the skiers who pay for special passes to only come out and find the groomed trails a mess.
Yes, areas where hikers, snow shoeing and runners are allowed to be has its challenges at times but they designated 12 miles for us to run. It has snowed a lot in February and snow can reach knee high in a certain area that cuts across the Prairie Loop and the more foot traffic that goes across it the easier it becomes when it’s packed down.
Last year, I mentioned the high snow on trails for foot traffic and how difficult it was to run in to the Manager Gene, he and his crew packed the snow down for runners in almost every area designated for us each time we got snow.
Unfortunately this year due to the high snowfall almost twice a week, it would be impossible for them to pack it down as their equipment would get stuck especially the area that runs through the Prairie Loop which leads to the Trout Brook Loop.
Parking at Afton Alps gets you in the Trout Brook Loop which is only feet away. The Deer Valley Loop has more variety of elevations, hills, etc. than any other Loop which can be accessed by parking in the lot by the visitor center.
Last week on Wednesday after running, an AftonSP employee and I packed the trails by foot with snow shoes so us runners can run on, including, the area through the Prairie Loop. It can only be packed down by as much foot traffic that goes through it.
Every year in June there’s a 25 & 50K Ultra held in Afton and the staff work day and night for several weeks beforehand to clear brush, make repairs to the trails etc. and it’s ALL FOR THE RUNNERS. To me that doesn’t indicate they don’t welcome runners at Afton SP. They welcome everyone but there are rules that must be followed by all.
I run there daily and have never (like ever) experienced anything but respect, friendliness, and welcoming from all the staff at Afton State Park. The ski trail are designated for skiers only during the winter snowy months as all the other MN State Parks that have cross-country skiing. It takes them hours and sometimes days to go through each trail and groom them. Running along side of them only disrupts the groomed trails and ruins their very long hard work they put in and it’s unfair for the skiers who pay for special passes to only come out and find the groomed trails a mess.
Yes, areas where hikers, snow shoeing and runners are allowed to be has its challenges at times but they designated 12 miles for us to run. It has snowed a lot in February and snow can reach knee high in a certain area that cuts across the Prairie Loop and the more foot traffic that goes across it the easier it becomes when it’s packed down.
Last year, I mentioned the high snow on trails for foot traffic and how difficult it was to run in to the Manager Gene, he and his crew packed the snow down for runners in almost every area designated for us each time we got snow.
Unfortunately this year due to the high snowfall almost twice a week, it would be impossible for them to pack it down as their equipment would get stuck especially the area that runs through the Prairie Loop which leads to the Trout Brook Loop.
Parking at Afton Alps gets you in the Trout Brook Loop which is only feet away. The Deer Valley Loop has more variety of elevations, hills, etc. than any other Loop which can be accessed by parking in the lot by the visitor center.
Last week on Wednesday after running, an AftonSP employee and I packed the trails by foot with snow shoes so us runners can run on, including, the area through the Prairie Loop. It can only be packed down by as much foot traffic that goes through it.
Every year in June there’s a 25 & 50K Ultra held in Afton and the staff work day and night for several weeks beforehand to clear brush, make repairs to the trails etc. and it’s ALL FOR THE RUNNERS. To me that doesn’t indicate they don’t welcome runners at Afton SP. They welcome everyone but there are rules that must be followed by all.
Written 5 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VVN
1 contribution
Feb 2019 • Solo
I was on a solo run/hike training for an ultra 50 miler. I go to Afton because it has elevation gain and hills.
I had just finished hiking/running on Trout Brook Loop which is designated for snow shoeing. As I finished I missed the path to the next snow shoeing trail so I had to be on the ski trail for a bit. I was aware of where I was going because I walked on the far left of the ski trail to not disturb the trail. My only goal was to get to the next sign to see where I was going. It can be easy to get turned around in that area. As I was making my way to the next sign, I saw a state park worker. He immediately yelled at me from the snow plow. I didn’t understand what he was saying so he stopped and yelled at me with aggression. I explained that I was just trying to get to the next sign. He told me I had to walk several feet away from the trail. Basically I was walking in knee deep snow. I started feeling very vulnerable and scared as I was being yelled at because I was trying to get to my next stop. By that point, I was in tears. I wasn’t treated gently and I felt belittled by this worker. As I walked ahead of him, I fell in knee deep snow and the park worker just droved passed me. I walked 3 miles back to the parking lot in knee deep snow.
I went to the front office to complain to the supervisor about the incident. The man I encountered was already there. His supervisor accused me of breaking the rules. I explained it was not my intention to break the rules. I was just trying to get back to my vehicle. The supervisor sided with the man and showed no sympathy. The woman at the front did show me sympathy and apologized to me.
I did not intentionally try to break the rules of the park. I do my best to respect the ski trails. If Afton does not want trail runners, they should post it on their site. Or maybe give more for us to enjoy the trail as well. I am deeply disappointed in how I was treated as female alone on the trails. I now know that I am not welcomed there.
I had just finished hiking/running on Trout Brook Loop which is designated for snow shoeing. As I finished I missed the path to the next snow shoeing trail so I had to be on the ski trail for a bit. I was aware of where I was going because I walked on the far left of the ski trail to not disturb the trail. My only goal was to get to the next sign to see where I was going. It can be easy to get turned around in that area. As I was making my way to the next sign, I saw a state park worker. He immediately yelled at me from the snow plow. I didn’t understand what he was saying so he stopped and yelled at me with aggression. I explained that I was just trying to get to the next sign. He told me I had to walk several feet away from the trail. Basically I was walking in knee deep snow. I started feeling very vulnerable and scared as I was being yelled at because I was trying to get to my next stop. By that point, I was in tears. I wasn’t treated gently and I felt belittled by this worker. As I walked ahead of him, I fell in knee deep snow and the park worker just droved passed me. I walked 3 miles back to the parking lot in knee deep snow.
I went to the front office to complain to the supervisor about the incident. The man I encountered was already there. His supervisor accused me of breaking the rules. I explained it was not my intention to break the rules. I was just trying to get back to my vehicle. The supervisor sided with the man and showed no sympathy. The woman at the front did show me sympathy and apologized to me.
I did not intentionally try to break the rules of the park. I do my best to respect the ski trails. If Afton does not want trail runners, they should post it on their site. Or maybe give more for us to enjoy the trail as well. I am deeply disappointed in how I was treated as female alone on the trails. I now know that I am not welcomed there.
Written 16 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you bring floaties to the beach?
Written 21 June 2018
I'm not familiar with Minnesota State Parks. Does this one require admission sticker or a pay to park? or is it free?
Written 2 September 2017
MN State parks require either a daily or a yearly sticker.
$7/day or $35/year.
Written 8 September 2017
No. Hike in camping only.
I think there is a KOA in Woodbury if you want to stay there and hike in Afton State park.
You can buy a MN State park sticker to hike Afton State park, get a day pass
OR park on the south side of 50th st about a half mile east of Cty Road 21. There is a metal gate to prevent vehicles but everyone walks around it. There is a map on a post about a quarter mile into the park. Lots of hiking options from there.
Written 11 August 2017
Are there any paved bicycle trails in the park?
Written 30 July 2017
there are 4 miles of paved bike trails. Mostly from the park entrance to the north end of the park partially along the old railroad bed with good views of the river.
If you can, walk up to the south end of the Prairie loop. Good views of the ski area.
Written 31 July 2017
Showing results 1-6 of 6
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing