Outdoor Recreation

       Vermillion River and Falls

Named for its red clay banks, the Vermillion River crosses Dakota County’s farmlands entering the Mississippi below Hastings. The river provided water power for three Hastings mills at the end of the "Pioneer Wheat Trail" which extended to Northfield. Today, the Vermillion’s Falls and rapids are settings for Hastings city parks including the Vermillion Falls Park.


Afton State Park

This park is located northeast of Hastings on the St. Croix Trail (Cty. Rd. 21) along the St. Croix River. Backpack Campsites, picnic grounds and a swimming beach, which is only accessible by trail. There are also hiking, biking, and cross county ski trails. Call 651-436-5391 for more information. 

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

This park is located about five miles south of Afton, MN on the St. Croix Trail (Cty. Rd. 21). This park was first opened to the public in the spring of 1997 and has much to offer.  This park has tenting and recreational vehicle campsites, three picnic shelters, a baseball field, and a horseshoe pit. There are also volleyball, basketball and tennis courts as well as hiking trails and boat launches.

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

This park is located near Miesville on the Miesville Trail. Here you will find good trout fishing at Trout brook and at cannon River. There is also a picnic area onsite.