Belwin Conservancy: Stagecoach Prairie - Afton, MN
Belwin Conservancy: Stagecoach Prairie Dog-Friendly Trails in Afton, Minnesota
Discover the natural beauty of Belwin Conservancy: Stagecoach Prairie, a pet-friendly destination offering scenic hiking and walking trails in Afton, Minnesota. This unique area features expansive prairie landscapes, meandering loop trails, and peaceful woodlands – perfect for dog owners looking to explore with their furry companions. With trails ranging from short strolls to multi-mile adventures, there’s an option for every level of hiker and canine friend.
Known for its tranquil atmosphere and open spaces, Belwin Conservancy offers a blend of grassy meadows, shaded forests, benches at strategic spots, and well-maintained mowed paths. While dogs are welcome, they must remain on-leash throughout your visit. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking quiet time in the outdoors with their pups. Please remember to bring your own waste bags and be prepared to carry out any dog waste, as services are limited for pet clean-up. Parking is available in a gravel lot and the area is typically peaceful, especially on weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash at all times throughout the trails and grounds.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? There are no poop bag stations or trash cans specifically for pet waste, so owners need to bring their own and pack out waste.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, benches are placed at strategic locations throughout the park.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The area is good for kids and offers kid-friendly hikes, but there is no mention of a specific playground.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a gravel parking lot at the entrance. It may be busier on weekends due to nearby sports fields, but is generally peaceful on weekdays.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, a variety of loop and cross trails ranging from 1 to 5 miles are available, with both flat and hilly terrain options.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Portions of the trails go through woodlands providing natural shade, though there is not a dedicated shelter structure.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The area near the soccer fields can be busy on Saturdays; the trails themselves tend to be quiet, especially on weekday mornings.
Reviews
Really nice autumn walk with some expansive views. We walked the perimeter and added in the extra loop on the top of the knoll bringing our walk to just over three miles. You can also easily shorten the walk if you want by taking one of the trails that cut across the prairie. Some sections were in woodlands or the shade of trees. We went on a weekday morning and saw nobody. Although the beginning and the end parallel the road there were few cars. Benches are placed at strategic locations. Dogs on leashes are allowed, but there is no trash can in the car park so we had to take the poop bags home.
Great grassy prairie flatland kinda style loop. No challenging inclines of any kind. It can be a quick stroll or as long of a walk as you want it to be trails ranging from 1-4 miles.
6/9/25 1:30pm. Not what I thought. On main entrance, soccer fields galore. Past that, way back, grass lands and the Buffalo. Lots of Porta potties all over. Can get to the Buffalo on Stagecoach and Division St. Trails are mowed and little used by the looks. Drive around one way in conservancy. All gravel and parking spots. Worth a look. Saturdays seem to be packed with sports, so we went on a Monday and only 3 cars spread out.
When we first pulled up, we almost left. It looked rather small… we stayed and started a walk, and took every left turn… it was a beautiful mix of Forrest and meadow trails and some steeper hills, some we found a bit challenging (which is good). We ended up with 5 miles on this trail and didn’t encounter but 2 other groups. Worth is in our view. Doggy approved.
Belwin Conservancy’s Stagecoach Trail is truly a hidden gem. It’s one of those rare places where you can completely unplug, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with nature and with yourself. The mix of peaceful prairies and shaded woodlands creates a stunning contrast, and the variety of terrain—hills, flat stretches, and winding paths—makes every visit feel like its own little adventure.
One of the most special features is the labyrinth, a quiet, meditative space that invites you to slow down and reflect. Whether you’re hiking for clarity, peace, or simple enjoyment, this trail offers a gentle invitation to wander, explore, and just be.
It’s a lovely place to get lost in thought—and, somehow, to find yourself again. Highly recommend to anyone in need of a little fresh air and grounding beauty.