Afton

Nestled between wooded river bluffs and the St. Croix River sits the historic village of Afton. In the center of this quiet residential community is a small business district offering restaurants, marinas, unique shops and services. Most of the village businesses are located in 19th century houses or buildings, which makes for a charming experience. The village is surrounded by parks, farms and nature preserves. Afton is a growing residential area populated by middle and upper bracket housing.

One of Afton's most well known landmarks is the Afton Alps Recreation Area. Open year round, Afton Alps offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, golfing and mountain biking in a beautifully scenic setting.

Bayport

Bayport boasts a charming downtown area, including a park, marinas, shops and restaurants: all just steps from the St. Croix River.

Located just south of Stillwater, Bayport was actually a part of Stillwater when lumber was floated down the river to accommodate the nation's pioneer building boom. Today, Bayport is home to another river and timber related industry: Andersen Windows, the country's single largest producer of windows and patio doors.

Bayport also holds the first state prison, as well as a new city hall, library and police facility.

Lakeland

Lakeland is the entrance to Minnesota from Wisconsin via I-94. A mostly residential community, Lakeland enjoyed a housing boom in the 1970's, which drove up property values in this quiet community. Today, Lakeland remains mainly a bedroom community, with stunning views from many of the neighborhoods.

St. Croix Beach

Just 15-20 minutes east of downtown St. Paul, St.Croix Beach is yet another residential haven for those who want to remain near the Twin Cities but still enjoy the quaint, small town feeling of yesterday. The two communities of St. Mary's Beach and Lake St. Croix Beach are hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city and provide its residents with a resort-like atmosphere. Businesses are centered around the "river town" lifestyle.

Schools

The new Stillwater Area High School is not only a state-of-the-art educational center, but a community center as well. The school boasts a professional-grade auditorium, stage, and sound/lighting system - which can host performers throughout the area.

District 834 also utilizes an early version of outcome based education at Stonebridge Elementary School in Stillwater. Here, multi-age groupings of students learn together.

Government

St. Croix Valley Links