Spring 2022
Letter from the General Manager - Jim Clemens
 It has been said many times: Change is a Good Thing. I wholeheartedly believe this is true!
I hope everyone agrees because this year will be full of changes. Some are small and some quite large. As we have been saying for a couple of years, the new gas dock and new fuel tanks are on the way. We have already begun repair work to the riprap and retaining walls around the marina. The Ships Store has under gone a facelift and we are modernizing a many business practices and equipment. Unfortunately, we can’t do much about gas prices. Just remember your time on the water with family and friends is priceless.

This will be an exciting and rewarding year in the Marina and I wish everyone sunny days with a river below 683’.


Jim Clemens
General Manager
A Message from the Service Department
Scott Baken
Hi Everyone,
  
Spring Launch is just around the corner. The ice is clearing and it's time to start thinking about boating again! We are excited to see everyone this summer and looking forward to helping you with all your service needs.

As always, service gets pretty backed up during Launch, with that being said we will complete basic services like oil changes and tune ups after Spring Launch is complete. Our goal is to get everyone boating on the St. Croix River by Memorial Day Weekend!

Give me a call at (651) 436-7744 or email [email protected] to get scheduled for any service or repairs on your boat!

Also, make sure you have batteries, tie lines, fenders and hull plugs on the boat BEFORE you are scheduled to launch!

See you soon,

Scott
Spring 2022 Rates
 $80 per engine
 $58 per generator
 $35 per AC unit
 $15 per faucet (max $125)
 $25 per head
 $30 per ice maker
A letter from Kelly & Abby
Spring is here and the boating season is right around the corner. As we look out the window and see the birds flocking back, we can’t help but imagine all the traffic on the launch ramp 😊. We are looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful customers again in a couple weeks.
Abby and I have been busy making some changes to the ship store, bathrooms and of course we can’t forget that we recently upgraded to a brand-new POS system. We have also been improving our invoicing and contract procedures, please ensure that we have your current email as this will be our primary method for all communications.
You can visit us in the ship store from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays and 9:00am to 4:00pm on the weekends. Service department will be happy to serve you from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during the week. We are looking forward to getting back to life as normal!!!
Please visit our NEW & IMPROVED website at www.windmillmarina.com to check the current river level and no wake status.
Looking forward to seeing everyone this summer,
Kelly & Abby
GOOD BOATING ETIQUETTE
  • Watch your wake. The faster you go, the greater your wake. Boat size and style can also vary your wake. "No wake zones" exist because of the damage wakes cause to the shorelines, moored and docked boats and docks. Wakes can also swamp smaller vessels causing damage to the boat or harm to the passengers. You are responsible for your wake and you may have to pay for damages you create with your boat wake.
  • Know the speed limit. The most common speed limit is 40-mph on a clear day and 20-mph on a clear night. Cloudy, foggy or rainy weather can reduce visibility so decrease your speed accordingly.
  • Respect your neighbor. 
  • Watch where you are going. Smaller boats and boats under sail have the right of way. It is difficult for these vessels to move out of the way with ease. If you are passing one of these vessels, do so at a far distance and slow down. Your wake will affect these boats. Try to pass smaller boats off their stern and in a cross pattern. When being passed, remember to also slow down, it will allow the larger boat to pass at a slower speed, thus reducing their wake.
  • Gas docks aren't for errands. Gas docks are for fueling up and getting the head pumped. If you need to pick up guests or do errands, please do so from your slip or at the city docks, not from the gas dock. Others are waiting to use the gas dock and it is very frustrating when a boat holds the line up.


Summers in Minnesota can't be beat!
They are even more enjoyable when spent on the river. Let's help continue this grand tradition by using common sense and practicing good boating etiquette!
Have some fun in the sun by attending one of our local events this summer!
Kick off the summer by joining in on the fun in downtown Afton during the Strawberry Fest. This festival takes place June 25 from 10-5 and June 26 from 11-4. There will be food, art, and business venders at the park. Find more info here!
The sequel to Art in the Park! Couldn't get enough of Strawberry Fest? You're in luck! Afton Art in the Park takes place on
September 24 from 10-5 & September 25 from 11-4. There will still be food, drinks, live music, but this time with an emphasis on local artists and makers. Enjoy a stroll through the park as the season begins to wind down. Find more information here!
There is an Ultimate Girls night out on the third Thursday of every month from May-October. This is a great time to explore the Afton Area and do some shopping in stores that you wouldn’t find anywhere else! Many of the local business owners offer special discounts on Ultimate Girls Night Out – you never know what great bargain you might find. Enjoy some wine at the Swirl Bar, grab some ice cream down at Selma’s, or enjoy a burger at the new Lumberyard Pub.
As of right now, the 4th of July parade will be on for 2022! The parade is set to begin around 12:15 PM and will go until approximately 3:00 – keep in mind that St. Croix Trail will close during the entire length/duration of the parade, so plan your trip to the area accordingly if you will be spending the Holiday in town.
Please Be Aware of the Afton Leash Law
We love seeing your pet here at Windmill Marina but for the safety of everyone involved (especially your pet) we ask that you follow the Afton City ordinance and keep your pet leashed and under your control. Mutt Mitts are available throughout the marina for your convenience in cleaning up after your pet.

Afton City Ordinance: Sec 6.2             
                                                               
No owner shall permit his animal to be at large in this city, but shall keep such animal under restraint at all times. Animals shall be prohibited in areas of public parks or upon public lands unless leashed at all times

The City has changed their animal impound provider to OLACC            

Otter Lake Animal Care Center
6848 Otter Lake Rd. Hugo, Mn 55038
Animal Control 715-220-1332                         
Otter Lake Animal Care 651-426-8871

All Dogs (& Cats) that venture out-of-doors in Afton are required to be licensed and have current rabies vaccinations. This is for the health and safety of residents, pets and wildlife.
Emergency Response Equipment
Windmill Marina Association has an automated external defibrillator device.

The AED will be located in the hallway of the bathrooms/showers of the Ship's Store.
Wakes on the River: A Reminder from the MN DNR
  • Be aware of your environment and what is going on around you - this applies to all types of boats, including paddlers and those on and around the water.
  • Stay at least 200 feet away from shorelines, docks or other structures. Backing a boat up to a riverbank or lakeshore can damage the area and lead to erosion. Travel slowly in shallow waters.
  • Minimize repetitive passes. Once you've run a line, move to another area. Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
  • Respect the rights of others so everyone can enjoy their time on the water - keep the noise down, be courteous to other boaters and show consideration to all recreationalists on and around the water.

Address:
16065 32nd Street South
Afton, MN 55001
Phone: 651-436-7744