Afton State Park

The weather was gorgeous last Saturday, and Dan and I decided to make the most of the day and drive out to Afton, MN, and hike the state park, located on the St. Croix River. What we expected to be a 1-hour hike turned into a 2 1/2-hour hike! Photos from the afternoon:

Up on the bluffs, we found many "scenic overlooks"


Crown Vetch:


Another spectacular view:


A wee creek, that must have emptied into the St. Croix:


The smallest baby toad I've ever seen:


Sulphur Cinquefoil:


A hillside of ferns:


The edge of the river:


Praire restoration:


Common St. Johnswort:


Late-afternoon sun:


I cannot figure out what these crazy, strange, and interesting flowers are called, but they were everywhere!

(*** UPDATE: This flower is called "Grecian Foxglove." I took a chance and emailed the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and they emailed back, with the name of the flower and links and everything!! How incredible is that!)

Black-Eyed Susan:


Creeping Bellflower:


Old farm machinery:



More farm remnants:


Prairie sun:


Common Milkweed:


One last scenic overlook:


Late in the day:


Red pines (I think!)


Prairie Lily:


And one last view of the river: