The town of Afton, Minnesota, (population 2,900 or so) was established in 1855. It’s one definitely one of the more charming small towns in Minnesota, and it has long been a favorite destination in the state’s St. Croix River valley, thanks to its charming downtown, the nearby state park that shares its name, and Afton Alps downhill ski area. More recently, however, its perhaps best known as Olympic gold medalist Jessie Diggins’ hometown. In recent years, this local hero has become the most-decorated cross-country skier in United States history.

The historic St. Croix River town of Afton has been a favorite destination among Minnesotans for decades.
R.E. Marshall/Google
They come to ski, to boat, to explore the quaint town, to hike, and to immerse themselves in fall foliage.
Afton also happens to be the hometown of cross-country skiing sensation Jessie Diggins.
Iulius Ascanius/Wikimedia Commons
Although Diggins was technically born in St. Paul, she grew up in Afton, where she developed her love for - and prodigious skill at - cross-country skiing.
Afton doesn't have its own school district; rather, its served by a pair of neighboring districts.
Chase Lau/Wikimedia Commons
Diggins attended school and competed on the Nordic ski team at Stillwater Area High School. Hence, the town of Stillwater also claims Diggins as one of its own, as well.

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From there, she launched into the competitive cross-country skiing scene.
Sandro Halank/Wikimedia Commons
She was named a member of the U.S. National Ski Team in 2011 and went on to win several national and international competitions.
At the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Diggins competed in the women’s team sprint with her teammate Kikkan Randall.
Jessie Diggins/Facebook
The pair became the first American athletes ever to win a gold medal in Nordic skiing. In fact, they were the first Americans to win any Olympic medal in the sport in nearly half a century.
Diggins returned to Minnesota a hometown hero.
Jessie Diggins/Facebook
She was feted in Afton, Stillwater, and throughout the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
After winning Olympic gold in 2018, Diggins went on to make podium appearances in several more international competitions, including a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Jessie Diggins/Facebook
Also in 2022, Diggins became the most decorated Nordic skier in U.S. history. Not bad for a kid who cut her teeth in a couple of Minnesota small towns, eh?

We Minnesotans couldn’t be prouder of Afton’s native daughter! Have you had a chance to spend any time in Jessie Diggins’ hometown? Not only is it a charming town on the beautiful St. Croix River, it’s also home to one of our favorite ice cream shops – so, we encourage you to pay Afton a visit. It’s definitely one of our favorite small towns in Minnesota. The area is particularly stunning in the fall when the whole river valley is bursting with color (just before skiing season)!

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Minnesota

Trent Jonas | April 16, 2024

Are there a lot of small towns in Minnesota?
As anyone who lives in the Land of 10,000 Lakes can tell you, there are many (many!) amazing small towns in Minnesota. As many as we have covered, we certainly haven't covered them all, and there's no way I'm going to list them all here. But I have a few suggestions to get you started on your exploration.

What are some some small towns along the St. Croix River?
The St. Croix River runs along a good stretch of Minnesota's border with Wisconsin, and there are several charming small towns on both sides. On the Minnesota side, you'll find Afton - the hometown of Jessie Diggins - as well as a few other sweet, and historic communities. Traveling upstream (north) from there, you'll encounter:

  • Lakeland
  • Bayport
  • Stillwater - one of the oldest cities in Minnesota and an incredible destination in its own right.
  • Marine On St. Croix - a tiny, charming historic village that's home to both an award-winning confectioner and the state's oldest general store.
  • Franconia
  • Taylors Falls

 

Do any small towns have roadside attractions in Minnesota?
I think most of the best roadside attractions in Minnesota are located in small towns. Some examples include:

  • Vergas (largest loon statue)
  • Akeley (largest Paul Bunyan statue)
  • Pelican Rapids (largest pelican statue)
  • Nevis (largest tiger muskie statute)
  • Darwin (largest ball of twine)

 

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