Minnesota's Afton State Park

The Afton State Park in Minnesota consists of 1620 Acres of woodlands and bluffs that drop as much as 300 feet offering some amazing views of the St. Croix River Valley and attracts over 190,000 visitors each year.  There are many activities to participate in including bicycling, camping, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and swimming.

  • Bicycling - There are four miles of paved bicycle trails.
  • Camping - There are a total of 28 campsites for backpackers, one canoe camping site, four camper cabins and two yurts.  
    1. Camper Cabins - The Big Bluestem and the Burr Oak Camper Cabins each sleep six people and the wheelchair accessible Bluebird and White Pine Camper Cabins are each big enough for 5 people.
    2. Yurts - The two yurts each sleep 7.  One (the Coyote Yurt) is wheelchair accessible and offers a covered outdoor cooking area.
  • Cross-country Skiing - Eighteen miles of trails throughout the Afton State Park offer the opportunity for cross-country skiing during the winter months.
  • Fishing - The St. Croix River offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.  Boat access to the river is available within ten miles of the park.
  • Hiking - The 20 miles of hiking trails throughout the Afton State Park offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to take in spectacular views all along the way. 
  • Horseback Riding - There are five miles of trails for those who enjoy bringing their horses along.
  • Swimming - The Afton State Park features a swim beach for those who enjoy getting their exercise in the water.

There are two virtual tours available so you an get a peek inside the park before visiting.  These tours are the Panoramic Tour and the Snapshot tour.

Anyone looking for a place to visit in Minnesota should certainly look into the Afton State Park.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

Michigan's Algonac State Park

The Algonac State Park in Michigan features about 1500 acres of land along with a half-mile frontage along the St. Clair River.  Some of this parks attractions include lake plain parries as well as oak savannas.  

The Algonac State Park offers many activities for its visitors including:
  • Camping
  1. Algonac River Front - Modern - 220 campsites - off season camping is available
  2. Algonac Wagon Wheel - Modern - 76 campsites
  3. Algonac Group Use Area - 1 group use area
  • Fishing - The shoreline along the Algonac River provides excellent opportunities for walleye fishing.  The Marine City and the Algonac North Channel Boating Access areas are located nearby.
  • Hiking - Trails include:
  1. The Algonac Blazing Star is one half mile in length
  2. The Algonac Oak Savanna Trail is two and a half miles in length
  3. The Bridge To Bay Trail is one mile in length
  • Hunting - During the fall and winter months the Algonac State Park is open to both big and small game hunting.
  • Metal Detecting - The State of Michigan allows metal detecting in designated areas in some State Parks.  There are maps available showing where these areas are.  Any items found must be checked by park staff before you will be allowed to leave with them.
  • Nature Observation - There are ample opportunities for nature watching in the Algonac State Park.
  • Skiing - There are trails available for cross-country skiing use.
Whether you are interested in watching nature, fishing, hiking, hunting or skiing, the Algonac State Park in Michigan is worth checking out.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day