Encompassing 1,500 acres, Belwin Conservancy is more than just one single point on a map. Depending on whether you’re meeting a field trip, looking for the bison, or coming for a hike, you’ll need a different set of directions. Chart a course for your next outdoor adventure below.
Public Hiking – Stagecoach Prairie Trails
Open 365 days, dawn to dusk.
Parking locations: 825 Stagecoach Trail, Afton, MN (one mile south of I-94 on Stagecoach Trail) and a small lot .3 miles south of the main lot at 11th Street.
Public Hiking – Trails at Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields
Open 365 days, dawn to dusk.
We recommend that hikers park at 15551 Division St., Afton, MN (bison parking lot) and access the trails from the trailhead on the other side of Division Street.
Bison Observation Platform
Open dawn to dusk, May through October
Parking location: 15551 Division St., Afton, MN
Belwin Offices and Education Center
Belwins main office address is shared with the Education Center, Joseph J Casby Observatory, and the Special Education Classroom:
1553 Stagecoach Trail South, Afton, MN
Belwin Conservancy Main Office
The office is currently closed. As you enter the driveway from Stagecoach Trail, Belwin’s offices are located in a small building on the right. Park in the gravel lot across the driveway on your left and take the wooden staircase up the hill to access the office.
Education Center
The Education Center is used primarily by Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) as home to Belwin Outdoor Science (BOS); during weekdays it is closed to the general public. If you are coming to meet a field trip, enter the gravel driveway from Stagecoach and turn left at the sign. You will likely encounter a locked gate. Please call the main BOS number to gain access: (651) 744-7967
Education Center trails are open select Saturdays and for events only.
Belwin Outdoor Science Field Trips
Field trips through Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) and Belwin Outdoor Science take place at the Education Center building at 1553 Stagecoach Trail South, Afton, MN 55001. (This address is also home to Belwin’s main offices.)
Accessing the Education Center
If you are coming to meet a field trip, enter the gravel driveway from Stagecoach Trail, pass the gravel parking lot on your left, and turn left at the sign. You will likely encounter a locked gate. Please call the main BOS number to gain access: (651) 744-7967
You’ll proceed up a long driveway through dense pines before arriving at the Education Center building. There are lots adjacent to the building, as well as overflow lots nearby.
NOTE: (When you first enter from Stagecoach, the small building to the right is Belwin’s Main Office, not the Education Center.)
Creative Center
Open by invite only.
795 Indian Trail S., Afton, MN
Joseph J. Casby Observatory
Open during events only.
1553 Stagecoach Trail, Afton, MN
Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields
Lucy Winton Belwin Athletic Fields are located south of I-94 on the Hudson Rd. frontage road at 15601 Hudson Rd. N., Lakeland, MN 55043.
The facilities are managed and scheduled by our partner, St. Croix Valley Athletic Association and St. Croix Soccer Club, please see their websites for hours and information.
