Afton, Minnesota is situated in a bay where Valley Creek empties into the St. Croix River, a few miles north of its confluence with the Mississippi River. The Washington County city is in the eastern part of the state, and is known for Afton Alps, a ski and snowboard area, as well as Afton State Park. North of Afton are St. Mary’s Point, Lake St. Croix Beach, Lakeland Shores, and Lakeland. Afton State Park is to the south. St. Paul, Minnesota is about twenty miles west of Afton. The community was settled in 1837, originally by Gaspare Bruce, a French-Canadian who staked a claim on 160 acres near Bolles Creek. Others came over the next few years. In 1845, Lemuel Bolles established a grist mill, which became known as Milton Mills. Bolles became the first postmaster in 1852. The town was platted in 1855, and named for Sweet Afton, a poem by Robert Burns. That year, a school was established, and several new business soon opened in the area now known as the “Historic Village.” In 1857, the mill was improved, and a blacksmith shop and machine shop were built in a nearby village that came to be known as Valley Creek, which soon had a corn and feed mill, a flour mill, and a post office in 1874. Another early settlement was South Afton, located on Lake St. Croix, about one mile south of Afton Village. In 1971, Valley Creek and South Afton were incorporated into the City of Afton.
Recommended Resources
Afton 4th of July Parade & Celebration
Sponsored by several local businesses and organizations, the annual parade and associated events are highlighted, with a list of sponsors, a schedule of activities and events, area maps, parking accommodations, parade rules, and contacts, as well as photographs from previous celebrations.
http://www.aftonparade.com/
Situated in the St. Croix Valley, just outside Minneapolis and St. Paul, the resort features nearly three hundred skiable acres, encompassing forty-eight trails, eighteen lifts, and four terrain parks, as well as golfing, disc golf, and scheduled events. Season passes, a calendar of events, lessons, racing, and other programs are highlighted.
http://www.aftonalps.com/
Afton Area Business Association
The AABA is a membership organization made up of Afton, Minnesota area business owners that works to promote area business and tourism, and to host annual and periodic events. An organizational profile, membership directory, and guide to local attractions and events are featured.
http://exploreafton.com/
Established in 1867, the hotel and restaurant features forty-six guest accommodations, each individually apportioned, as well as in-house dining, catering, and event facilities. Photographs, a list of amenities, rates, special offers, gift certificates, a menu, and a calendar of events are listed.
http://www.aftonhouseinn.com/
Located about fifteen miles from downtown St. Paul, on the eastern border of Minnesota, the town hosts a variety of events each year. The official municipal web site publishes the local government’s comprehensive plan, city newsletters, and administrative and departmental contacts, as well as a guide to local facilities and services.
http://www.ci.afton.mn.us/
Serving the St. Croix Valley region since 1882, the congregation meets at its facilities on South Afton Boulevard in Afton, Minnesota. Worship schedules, a church calendar, contacts and office hours are published to the site, along with a history, beliefs, practices, and affiliations. A blog is also available.
http://memoriallutheran.org/
Affiliated with the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, the Afton, Minnesota congregation meets regularly on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, and for other activities and events according to its church calendar. Directions, contacts, and office hours are published to the site.
http://stpeterafton.org/
