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.

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.

Art hounds will find plenty to love about Stillwater as well. Unique murals drive the dynamic revitalization project Union Art Alley, and once the sun goes down, the area becomes a hot spot for live music. Visit any of Stillwater's 15 live music venues for a variety of genres, including Ziggy’s, Portside, PD Pappy’s and The Tilted Tiki.

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 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 Pedego Bikes.

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.

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 Bar, LoLo’s, Melt Pizza, Feller, Lolito, Phil's Tara Hideaway and The Dock Cafe. 

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.

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.

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.

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.