Welcome to Avon, Minnesota — a charming small town nestled in central Minnesota that’s ideal for a peaceful retreat or a nature-filled weekend. With lakes, trails, and a welcoming community spirit, Avon captures the best of “small-town America” while remaining conveniently close to the amenities of nearby cities.
🌲 Why Avon is worth a visit
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Small-town charm with easy access: Avon sits about 15 minutes west of St. Cloud, Minnesota and roughly 90 minutes from the Twin Cities. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer stay, it offers a relaxing base with convenient access to city conveniences.
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Nature & lakes abound: The town is surrounded by multiple lakes — among them Middle Spunk Lake, Upper Spunk Lake and Lower Spunk Lake — offering plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water.
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Outdoor recreation for all seasons: Whether it’s biking, hiking, skiing or snowmobiling — Avon delivers. The region’s rolling hills and wooded landscape make it a great getaway for people who love being active outdoors.
🎯 Must-Do Attractions in and around Avon
Middle Spunk Lake / Avon Beach
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Middle Spunk Lake features a public beach — a rare gem in the area — with sandy shorelines, shaded grassy spots, picnic tables and restrooms. It’s a perfect family-friendly spot for swimming and a relaxed day by the water. Nearby you’ll also find lakeside dining and atmosphere: for example, local supper clubs and eateries that let you enjoy food with a lake view, making for an easy, scenic meal after a swim.
Lake Wobegon Trail — Biking, Hiking & More
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This multi-use trail spans several miles and runs right through Avon. It’s ideal for biking, walking, rollerblading in summer — and snowmobiling or cross-country skiing in winter.
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The trail is especially friendly for visitors and locals: it provides great access to scenic spots, lakes, and nature — a fantastic way to connect with the landscape without needing a car.
Avon Hills Forest SNA — For Nature Lovers & Birdwatchers
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Covering roughly 350 acres, this protected natural area showcases rolling hills, oak-maple-basswood forest, and wetlands. It’s a quiet, off-the-grid escape — perfect for hiking, bird-watching, or a peaceful walk immersed in nature.
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It’s a particularly great spot during early spring (for migrating songbirds) and in fall (for vivid autumn colors). Perfect if you want a serene, low-key nature experience — no crowds.
Community Vibes: Events & Local Culture
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Each year the town celebrates the lakes with Spunktacular Days (aka “Spunk Days”) — a local festival honoring the community’s lakes and heritage. A festive time to visit if you enjoy small-town charm, local gatherings, and lakeside celebrations.
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If you plan a visit around May, you might also catch the Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon — it passes through Avon and adds an energetic, community-spirited atmosphere to town.
📝 Tips for Visitors
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Avon is a small town with a rural vibe — population was around 1,590 as per recent data — but it’s part of the larger St. Cloud metro area, so you can combine a quiet lakeside stay with easy access to amenities nearby.
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If you visit in summer, pack for lakeside fun: swimsuits, picnic supplies, maybe even a fishing rod. For fall or winter, bring layers — the forests and trails can get chilly, but they’re beautiful in every season.
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Planning to stay over? Consider looking for lodging or rental near the lakes or trailheads — makes it easy to wake up and walk or bike right into nature.
✉️ Contact & Booking
If you’d like help or want to book a trip to Avon — whether for a lakeside getaway, a biking/hiking weekend, or just a quiet escape — you can reach us at 1-877-277-6678.
We’d be happy to help you plan your stay, suggest the best time to visit, and make arrangements for accommodations and local experiences.