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Top 10 Things To Do in Stillwater

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Leo's Grill & Malt Shop in Stillwater / Micah Kvidt

Top 10 Things To Do in Stillwater

By Caitlin Hannah

The charming river town of Stillwater is located on the banks of the St. Croix River and has been dubbed the “birthplace of Minnesota” due to its significance in Minnesota’s lumber industry. These days, it's known best for its bustling downtown filled with unique local shops, restaurants, breweries, wineries, boutique hotels and biking opportunities. Here's a breakdown of the best things to eat, see and do in Stillwater. 

  1. Go Shopping
    The sidewalk outside Lake and Company in Stillwater

    The sidewalk outside Lake and Company

    Go Shopping

    If you’re ready to shop, downtown Stillwater is the place to be! Dotted with more than 50 charming boutiques and shops, there are treasures for everyone. Showcase your Minnesota pride at Minnesota Made Apparel, Lake and Company, Sota Clothing or The Shirt Factory. For clothing, jewelry and accessories stop in Enchanté and more.

    If you’re on the hunt for antiques, Stillwater is your town. With several spots within walking distance alone, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. Home chefs will love exploring Stillwater Olive Oil and Pinch 'n Rub for cooking gadgets, oils, spices, spreads and sauces. Makers and crafters will want to explore Darn Knit Anyway, Carpe Noctem Candle Co,. or Art N Soul.

  2. Take a Trolley Tour
    Stillwater trolley

    Tour the city by trolley / Alma Guzman

    Take a Trolley Tour

    Hop on the charming red trolley for a fully narrated, scenic tour of Minnesota's oldest town. As the trolley weaves its way into the hills overlooking downtown, it's hard not to be impressed by the beautiful Victorian homes of the wealthy lumber barons of the 1800s. Special, themed trolley tours are available during the holidays and Halloween.

  3. Catch Live Music & Local Art
    Stillwater's River City Sculpture Tour

    Stillwater's River City Sculpture Tour 

    Catch Live Music & Local Art

    Art hounds will find plenty to love about Stillwater, as well. You'll find unique sculptures scattered throughout downtown on the River City Sculpture Tour. Once the sun goes down, Stillwater also becomes a hot spot for live music. Visit any of Stillwater's 15 live music venues, including Ziggy’s, Portside, PD Pappy’s and The Tilted Tiki, for a variety of genres.

  4. Take a Bike Ride
    Stillwater Lift Bridge

    Waiting for the Stillwater Lift Bridge to come back down / Andrew Parks

    Take a Bike Ride

    Shift your trip into high gear when you go for a bike ride in Stillwater. The popular Brown's Creek Trail spans from the western edge of town into downtown. The trail is built on a former railroad grade, offering level and accessible rides to users of all abilities. Or take a spin on the highly anticipated St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail, a 4.7-mile path that goes through Minnesota and Wisconsin.

    For visitors in need of a bike, just make your way to the Herman's Bikes and rent one. Want a boost? Electronic-assist bikes are also available to rent at the Gateway Trailside food truck and Mike’s Bikes on Main Street.

  5. Cruise the St. Croix on a Historic River Boat Tour
    Paddleboats near the shores of Stillwater 

    Paddleboats near the shores of Stillwater  / Thomas J. Wieland

    Cruise the St. Croix on a Historic River Boat Tour

    Of course, there's nothing like a river boat tour on the St. Croix River. Designated as a National Scenic Riverway by the National Park Service, the St. Croix is one of the most beautiful and least developed rivers in the Upper Midwest. It's an incredible, magical place where wildlife flourishes and memories are made. Tours are available from May to October and offer lunch, dinner, beer tasting and fall color cruises.

  6. Pamper Your Palate at a Trendy Restaurant
    Detroit-style pies at Melt Pizza Company

    Detroit-style pies at Melt Pizza Company

    Pamper Your Palate at a Trendy Restaurant

    Thanks to the growing number of trendy restaurants and cafes lining Main Street, Stillwater’s dining scene has been booming in the last few years. Some notable spots to check out are Brick & Bourbon, Howards BarLoLo’s, Melt PizzaFeller, Lolito, Phil's Tara Hideaway and The Dock Cafe

  7. Sip Craft Beers, Cocktails & Minnesota-Made Wines
    Sip Craft Beers, Cocktails & Minnesota-Made Wines

    If you’re into beer, sip a local pint from the source at Lift Bridge Brewery or River Siren Brewing. Craft cocktail bars like Velveteen, No Neck Tony’s and The Long Goodbye offer unique libations or try Forge and Foundry Distillery for local spirits and takeaway cocktail kits. You can sip Minnesota-made wines at St. Croix Vineyards while soaking up the seasons or trying fall treats at Aamodt's Apple Farm next door.

  8. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
    Two kids and dog eating ice cream on bench in Stillwater

    Leo's Malt Shop in Stillwater is one of Minnesota's many must-visit ice cream shops / Paul Vincent

    Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

    Get your steps in while indulging in Stillwater's Treats Trail. It includes the iconic Nelson's Ice Cream, artisanal popsicles at Sticks, creamy fudge at Barbara Ann's, and countless taffy flavors at Tremblay's. Sample legendary malts at Leo's, enjoy Instagram-worthy ice cream at MN Nice, try soft serve at Gloria's to Go, reminisce with vintage candies at Grandpa Joe's, and wrap up your sweet adventure at Candyland, a paradise for every chocoholic and popcorn lover.

    For more information and a free downloadable map, visit Discover Stillwater. Please note that some businesses on the Treats Trail are seasonal.

  9. Attend an Event
    Guess the weight of the biggest pumpkin at the Stillwater Harvest Festival

    Guess the weight of the biggest pumpkin at the Stillwater Harvest Festival / Photo by Thomas Wieland

    Attend an Event

    Not sure when to visit? Plan your trip around one of the many exciting events on Stillwater's events calendar. Standout events include Lumberjack Days, which celebrates with log rolling, a beer garden and live music; the fall Harvest Fest, with its pumpkin regatta on the river and giant pumpkins; and, for winter visitors, nothing will warm up your spirits like a stroll through thousands of lights as part of Main Street's Hometown for the Holidays event.

  10. Stay at a Historic Bed & Breakfast or Boutique Hotel
    The rooftop pool at Hotel Crosby in Stillwater

    The rooftop pool at Hotel Crosby / Discover Stillwater

    Stay at a Historic Bed & Breakfast or Boutique Hotel

    Stillwater’s bed-and-breakfasts and inns are housed in historic Victorian homes like the Aurora Staples Inn, Rivertown Inn or Water Street Inn. Boutique hotels are also new to downtown with spots like Hotel Crosby and Lora, which both have on-site bars and restaurants. You can also find a wide variety of traditional hotels throughout the city.

Caitlin Hannah

Caitlin Hannah is Explore Minnesota's senior digital social strategist. When traveling around the state, she likes spending time near the water, hiking, antique shopping, trying new restaurants, and watching hockey.