Dog walking in Afton

Afton

Head to the southern end of Afton with your pooch to access Afton State Park. This 1,620-acre facility offers picnic areas, fishing, and trails for you and Fido to explore. Hike up the bluffs from the lower picnic area and walk along the three-mile river trail. You can also investigate the other 20 miles of trails throughout the fields and forested areas in the park. Dogs are welcome in state parks, provided they're kept on a leash up to six feet long. To get out on the water with your special pal, check out the public boat launch at Windmill Marina. Parking and launch access are available here for a fee.

Historic Afton

The neighborhood of Historic Afton is a quiet downtown community that includes a small park, a charming main street with unique shops, and views of the St. Croix River. Stroll along St Croix Trail and do some window shopping with your pup. Stop by Steamboat Park and wander through the woods and fields. Remember to keep your four-footed friend on a leash that's no more than six feet long while in public areas. After you and your canine pal stretch your legs, grab a pizza or home-cooked meal at Sail Away Cafe & Bar. Dogs are welcome to join you at the tables on the patio.

Hudson Rd S/Indian Trail

Up in the northern area of Afton, the Hudson Rd S/Indian Trail neighborhood offers easy access to a pupcredible nature conservancy. Take Fido over to the Stagecoach Prairie on Stagecoach Trail S to explore this 280-acre natural wilderness. There are 4.5 miles of public trails for you and your four-footed pal to investigate. Dogs are welcome to accompany you here, but they must be on a leash to help protect threatened birds that nest in the conservancy. This is an undeveloped area, so bring your own water, take appropriate precautions while hiking, and make sure to pick up any waste.

Stonemill Farms

Just six miles west of Afton, the neighborhood of Stonemill Farms in Woodbury includes a pawtastic off-leash dog park where you and Fido can get some exercise. Andy's Bark Park is a partially fenced, 70-acre facility. Let your canine pal romp and play with other four-footed friends, or head out on one of the mowed walking trails. There are benches, a watering station, and a picnic area where you can relax while your pooch explores this vast playground. Remember to deposit your pup's waste into one of the waste disposal stations. To use the park, dogs need to be licensed in the city of Woodbury.

Lakeland

Located on the St Croix River just four miles north of Afton, the community of Lakeland has three area parks where you and Fido can stretch your legs. Head over to Cully Park and wander through the fields or catch a game at the baseball diamond with your special pal . If you're looking for a trail, take Fido to Crocker Park and hop on the Afton to Lakeland Trail. This level, four-mile pathway winds through residential areas from Lakeland, through St Marys Point, then heads out into wooded areas on the way to Afton. Dogs  can join you on this trail if they're on a leash and you pick up their messes.