When I say that there are so many fun filled adventurous things to do in MN, I truly mean it! MN is one of the most underrated beautiful destinations in the country. MN is filled with lovely towns, but I wanted to take some time to share with you some of our favorite things to do in one of my favorite towns in MN (my other favorite is Grand Marais). This town is the birthplace of Minnesota- Stillwater!
During the 2010 census, Stillwater had a census of 18,225 people, which I am sure has since grown. Stillwater borders the west bank of the St. Croix River and is across from Houlton, Wisconsin. According to DiscoverStillwater.com, it’s thought to be named after Stillwater, Maine, by John Mckusick, who built the first sawmill there and later became a state senator. As you can imagine being the birthplace of MN, Stillwater is one of the oldest, most historic towns in the state.
Stillwater is about an hour and 20 minutes from my hometown and 20-25 minutes from the Twin Cities. I can tell you from the many times I have been there, it’s a wonderful place to go ANY time of the year. We go there often during summer time (this is the busier time of year), a few times in the fall and we even celebrated Christmas during our kids’ winter break.
It’s my hope that this post can inspire you to pay a visit to this lovely little town along St. Croix River & that it can help you discover some neat things to do- with your partner, entire family, with friends or even on a solo trip (highly recommend doing a solo trip!). Please note that this post features tons of fun things to do, but it may not mention all of them Stillwater has to offer.
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Places to Stay
I won’t highlight EVERY place to stay in Stillwater because there are TONS of options. I will highlight ones we have experiences from or that are on our wishlist that I have researched. I will be highlighting hotels and vacation rental homes.
During our winter break from school, we celebrated the holidays downtown Stillwater at Hotel Crosby. We would stay here again in a heart beat. The room was very clean, beautifully decorated with pristine bathrooms. Comfort and luxury are the two best words to describe our experience. We had access to a hot tub on the roof (and you can see the river from here!) & a restaurant and spa as well in the hotel. Hotel Crosby is within walking distance of anything you want to access downtown. Prices vary depending on which room you rent, but the average nightly rate for a premium 2-queen is $329.
If you are still wanting access downtown, another option is The Lora Hotel, which offers beautiful views, snacks from local artisans and bar credit as well. There are a variety of rooms to choose from, with a king suite’s nightly average at $245, with a standard rate of $215. You can also check for pets being able to stay as well.
The Water Street Inn in faces the St. Croix River and is considered one of the most historic hotels in Stillwater. They have 61 rooms that are Victorian style- a history lover’s dream! At The Water Street Inn, you have access to Charlie’s Irish Pub, Papa’s Rooftop Restaurant and minutes from Lowell Park. Prices vary at an average of $179 per night. View this video tour of The Water Street Inn here.
Another historical find downtown Stillwater is the Lowell Inn. Lowell Inn also has a restaurant inside (check out their Sunday brunches) and is also a well-known venue for events. Their rooms have a classic, Victorian vibe and is a great location for access to downtown shops. The nightly average for a room is $228, depending on which type of room is booked.
Are you a bed & breakfast person? If you are still wanting the downtown access, Aurora Staples Inn is a good option! Their B&B has the classic, Victorian-style feel with 5 unique rooms and private bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. They also put together wine baskets from the local wineries for guests. The average cost for this B&B is $179. Click here for a video tour.
There are also neat vacation rentals through sites like VRBO and AIRBNB for those wanting to spend some time in Stillwater. I recently booked a loft suite in downtown Stillwater with some friends. I have seen other neat places to book as well. They are linked below:
- Downtown Lift bridge Loft: sleeps up to 3 people & average cost $197 per night.
- Downtown Main street Loft: sleeps up to 5 people & average cost $197 per night (this is our upcoming rental!).
- Downtown Stillwater Condo: sleeps up to 5 people & average cost $350 per night.
- Cozy Cabin on the Willow River Banks: sleeps up to 4 people & average cost $150 per night (great reviews & yes- a hot tub!).
- Lake Elmo Cottage: sleeps up to 4 people & average cost $251 per night.
1. Rent a Bike and Cruise by the River
There are numerous electric bike rentals in Stillwater, but the one I am most familiar with is the self service bike rentals through DIRO Outdoors in downtown Stillwater, located in a parking lot by Water Street Inn, at the corner of Myrtle Street and Water Street.
You will need to download to Movatic App from Google Play Store or Apple Store. You have to sign a waiver and pay with a credit card. Make sure to use the Movatic App to end the bike rental when you are finished. You have to be 18 years or older to rental a bike and the cost is $9 for the first hour, then $7 for every subsequent hour.
For more information on DIRO Outdoors Bike Rentals, please click here.
2. Pour Your Own Candle in a Candle Lab
If you like being creative and love candles even more, consider checking out Carpe Noctem Candle Co. They have a lovely store front downtown where you can shop for other items from their home collection. Above the store, they have what’s called a Candle Lab, where you can spend 45-60 minutes at their Pour Your Own Candle Workshop.
Candles take 3-4 hours to dry, so it’d be a good idea to make this one of your first stops, do some shopping at the cute downtown stores, find a place to eat, then come back to get your candle (or pick it up the next day). This experience is offered to those 8 years old and up & booking a time ahead is strongly encouraged.
To schedule your visit to Carpe Noctem Candle Co., click here.
3. Immerse Yourself in Art
Stillwater offers numerous ways to immerse yourself in art. If you want to roll up your sleeves and embrace some art therapy, I suggest you check out Kari’s Create & Paint Studio downtown. The studio offers a variety of fun events that you can attend with family, friends, kids or solo. Examples are pottery, acrylic painting, kids/adult canvas and holiday art. You can also book a party!
Also on Fridays from 7 pm to 9 pm Kari’s Create & Paint Studio offers open mic night where people can share their poems, sing, present a comedy act or anything else. And if you aren’t wanting to be on the mic- you can paint and enjoy the show!
Click here for more information on Kari’ Create & Paint Studio!
If you are more interested in browsing or purchasing art, I suggest the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery. A variety of art is displayed in the gallery from the categories of collage and mixed media, drawings & paintings, fabric & fiber, glass, jewelry, photography, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture and woodworks.
Click here to check out the artists from the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery.
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4. Discover the St. Croix River with Water Activities
Fun fact- did you know the St. Croix River is the Mississippi River’s cleanest tributary? Another fun fact- there are plenty of rental opportunities available to explore the St. Croix River. There is fishing and boat access (click on the link below for more information) as well as shore angling. Some options to explore are the MN Water Trails, St. Croix River Route, WI Water Trails or some of the nearest lakes like Lake Elmo, Square Lakes or Big Marine.
There are boat rentals available for half days or full days through the Stillwater Boat Club, Ole Sawmill Marina and Rental Saint Croix (which also has jet ski rentals). If you are interested in Paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing, you can rent from Brown Dog Paddleboard Co. or Saint Croix Stand Up Paddleboard Co.
Another option is planning a party on a cruise or having a dinner cruise (there are plenty of options for this). A popular experience is the Gondola Romantica, where you can cruise aboard a Venetian gondola for a sunlit or moonlit cruise.
I highly recommend you click here for more information on planning your water activities!
5. Admire the St. Croix Scenic Byway
If you prefer to stay out of the water but enjoy the scenic views and historical sites, there are still plenty of options for you! You can explore Lowell Park downtown Stillwater & walk along the St. Croix River as well as walk across the bridge (it’s a lovely view!). Otherwise, you can cruise the 124 mile Scenic Byway that starts at Point Douglas near Hastings and ends north of Stillwater in Sandstone, MN.
The St. Croix River “Wild and Scenic” River Valley terrain also changes from vistas and rolling landscapes to rugged rocks and cliffs the more north you go (ExploreMinnesota.com). This would be an excellent drive during the fall time!
To get a list of places to stop along the scenic byway and the historical markers in the area, farmers markets and parks & natural areas, please click here!
6. Catch a Flight at a Winery or Brewery
If you are interested in sampling some delicious brews (or you just want good food), River Siren Brewing Company has a great brew and food selection. It also has an outdoor dining area and the faces the St. Croix River. Lift Bridge Brewing Company also has an expansive brewery collection and offers tours and a tap room. If you like cocktails, consider paying a visit to Forge & Foundry’s craft distillery and tasting room. Click here to visit their website to schedule a tour or to order a cocktail kit to go.
If you are more of a wine person, there are plenty of options for you! St. Croix Vineyards’ tasting room is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (no reservations). Explore their award winning wine through the tasting room in their gorgeous, rustic converted barn or schedule a wine tour. You can also have a picnic in the vineyard, which is 10 minutes away from downtown Stillwater. You can view their daily events here.
Other great wineries are 7 Vines Vineyard (about 15 minutes from downtown Stillwater-great food here as well) and a newer winery and Rustic Roots Winery featuring an expansive patio and wonderful snacks.
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7. Treat Yourself to the Ultimate Spa & Wellness Day
Stillwater offers almost ANY kind of spa service you are looking for, encompassing mind, body and soul! If you like a cozy atmosphere (perfect for winter!), tea and an array of beauty services (hair, make up and skin care), check out Asalonna Salon & Spa. Are you hoping to focus on skin care, waxing, brows, hair reduction, spray tanning or lash extensions? Alluring Lash & Spa has you (and you friends) covered for all of these! You also have some massage options.
Brick Alley Studio of Massage and Bodywork offers deep tissue, cupping, ear candling, Chair, Thai, Pregnancy, Postpartum, Sports and more! Stillwater’s Healing & Massage uses massage therapy to address anxiety, mental exhaustion, depression, reduce pain and stress, etc. If you are staying at Hotel Crosby (or even if you aren’t), consider paying a visit to the Local Luxury Med Spa that offers a full line of services from massage, dermaplaning, facials, laser hair removal and skin care.
There is also the Just For Me Spa & Retreat which is the FULL service with an option of staying overnight. On top of all the regular spa services, they offer a LED Light Lounge, Ancient Healing Mineral Pool, Himalayan Salt Cave, Body Wrap and a 60 minute River Soak. You can put together your own package here.
If you are looking for some physical movement, there are some yoga and pole class options. The Healing with Acupuncture and Wellness Center offers drop in yoga classes, acupuncture and craniosacral therapy. Studio One Yoga offers workshops, events, teacher training and a variety of different kinds of yoga classes. If you want to challenge your body in a different way, you can visit The Pole Barn Aerial Arts & Dance Center. They offer aerial skills introductory class (all levels), pole intro (all levels), splits & stretch and also hosts parties.
8. Visit a Vintage Candy Shop
Do you like popcorn, chocolate or anything sweet? My kids would tell you to visit their favorite place in Stillwater- Candyland! Located by Hotel Crosby in the downtown area, you can follow the wonderful smell of popcorn all the way to this cute little store. They also have Peanut characters you can take pictures with as well as a beautiful mural on the side of the store. There is a back entrance as well you can use to pick out some of your goodies. Prepare to go vintage! Discover more about Candyland here.
I also have to give a shout out to Tremblay’s Sweet Shop downtown Stillwater. They have some of the same candy as Candyland, but our favorite part about going there is for the chocolate! We watched them make chocolates with caramel inside& roll truffles. We walked out with some tasty truffles, a peanut roll and fudge. If you are a chocolate fan, it’s not a bad idea to browse the display case. Discover more about Tremblay’s Sweet Shop here.
9. Feed Your Head with a Good Book
One of my guilty pleasures when I travel is checking out the local bookstores. Stillwater is no exception when it comes to neat book store experiences. Black Letter Books features used books, rare books and even out of print books ranging from $1 to even a thousand dollars.
You can also sell your books here too! They have EVERY kind of genre from poetry to photography, best sellers and local history. Click here for more information on Black Letter Books. The Valley Bookseller is open daily from 10 pm to 6 pm and also have fun events they host. Click here to check out their book selection and event page.
10. Shop Stillwater’s Downtown Boutiques
Downtown Stillwater offers THE BEST small boutique shopping experience and has something for everyone. I could honestly write an entire blog post about all the cute shops they have (it would take you a few days to browse through them all). With that in mind, I am just going to highlight some of our favorites.
Enchante (they do not have a website- but are indeed open!) is an upscale boutique that has beautiful casual outfits, summer dresses and dressy fits. They even have a section for dog outfits & the most HILARIOUS candles for sale. They are very friendly too!
If you are an active wear person, I suggest you check out Unpaved Athleisure. I got my FIRST pair of yoga shorts here (yup- you read that right. I usually just wear the pants). They have brands like Beyond Yoga and Spiritual Gangster. They also sell jewelry whose proceeds go towards helping clean up the ocean.
Kenzington has an amazing set up. It’s a large boutique and all items (home items included) are presented in different rooms based on a theme. They have beautiful knitted blankets here and tops for all seasons.
Whatnot Boutique offers the cutest professional clothes or outfits for a casual night/day out. The store is very welcoming and has cute dressing rooms!
I spent A LOT of time at The Lake and Company store. They have the cutest hiking outfits, active wear, clothes for all seasons, back packs, fanny packs, candles (including The National Parks Collection) and children’s clothing as well.
Are you passionate about your Scandinavian Roots? Scandinavian North has beautiful blankets and clothing. I suggest checking them out online as well for the selection. They offer jewelry, bags, house ware, kitchen ware, textiles and more.
Apricot Lane Boutiques was my kind of store because they sell clothes with Free People bohemian vibes. There’s a lot to look at here & everyone is very welcoming! I plan to go back here in the fall to browse their outfits.
If you’re looking for clothes “for him” as well, River Jeans has clothes for men and women. You can find outfits for almost any occasion here.
If you are into beauty or body care items, there are some stores that have beautiful home made soaps, facial items, lotions and more. Stores we visited were Modern Roots, Toxy Free and Blue Sky Soapery.
Downtown Stillwater also has a lot of cute gift shops to pick from. I honestly enjoy them all & you can find your “Stillwater” or “Minnesota” apparel at almost any of them. Some of the gift shops we visited were Art N Soul (if you like humor, crystals, beads, rocks & anything with a hippie vibe, check them out!), Minnesota Made, Smith & Trade Mercantile and Sota Pop.
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11. Dine Downtown by the River
Question: Do you consider yourself a foodie? If yes is your answer, you are in luck because there is no shortage of places to eat-and there are even some patio areas facing the St. Croix River! I won’t be able to highlight everything but I want to share some of our favorites we have tried and a few others on our Foodie list because- yes, I am a FOODIE!
(Also note- these are just places to eat downtown. There are plenty of other delicious food stops in Stillwater. I also already mentioned wineries and breweries, so I won’t repeat them again).
One of my guilty pleasures when I travel is trying any and all French restaurants that I can find. If you like good coffee, fresh baked goods and a delicious breakfast and lunch menu with a French twist, Mon Petit Cheri is a MUST see….or taste! I checked out their seasonal drink menu & picked out the Banana Foster which I would have again and again! For lunch I ordered an avocado sandwich on fresh baked bread with a salad and red potatoes. We were very happy with our meal and the service was phenomenal!
Another coffee place we suggest is MADE Coffee, which has a wonderful outdoor dining area. They also have an immunity boost spritzer along with a variety of coffee items on the menu to try!
Are you feeling a bit tropical? The Tilted Tiki Tropical Bar & Restaurant has delicious mixed drinks (umbrella and everything else tropical), a variety of appetizers, vegetarian friendly meals as well as poke bowls! They also have a lovely outdoor patio to enjoy a beautiful day.
The Mad Capper has a fancy, classic vibe with a great selection of wine and cocktails (they are still kid friendly as well). They offer a variety of Panini, sandwiches, burgers and pasta.
If I am in the mood for Mexican cuisine during my time in Stillwater, I already know I am going to Nacho Mama’s. Their selection of Mexican food is INCREDIBLE. I encourage you to check out their menu to see for yourself (then maybe pay them a visit).
If you need some comfort food or desire a cozy breakfast, stop by The Main Cafe. They have a wonderful breakfast menu of Triple Berry pancakes, various omelet orders and skillets. We had great service during our time here as well & there is a lot of space. The Oasis Cafe also offers wonderful breakfast options and have breakfast sandwiches you can build.
Get ready for some speakeasy vibes and visit the Velveteen Speakeasy. Try a new appetizer off their menu, indulge in Crostinis, try some Adobo (Filipino style), Korean or Carnita tacos or a delicious main meal.
If you are hoping for a beautiful view of the St. Croix River, visit The Dock. They have a wonderful menu with so many options (also seafood and vegetarian friendly) for lunch or dinner.
I LOVE The Wild Hare because it has a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, using ingredients that are wholesome and good for you. You can never go wrong by going here for their Roasted Carrot Soup and Butternut Squash Shakshuka. Also, if you are staying at Hotel Crosby, The Wild Hare is right next door.
If you like the 1950s diner feel, pay a visit to Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop. They have outdoor seating and a classic vibe with the menu to go with it.
12. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Ice Cream
One of the many reasons my kids and I love Stillwater is the ice cream. Does ice cream solve everything? No-but it tastes good so it comes close! There are a lot of places you can get some sweet scoops of ice cream, but here are our favorites.
Have you heard of MN Nice Ice Cream? They also have a store in the twin cities. Stillwater also has one downtown by Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop (they are a good stop for ice cream as well!). They serve Instagram-worthy ice cream cones with edible glitter that are truly works of art. You can order a cone or cup with vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or coconut (OMG truly my FAVE) with any toppings you want. My favorite is their Gone Bananas cone and my kids love the Monster Cookie and Fun Cone. You can view the pictures and more options here.
Stillwater is famous for Nelson’s Ice Cream, open daily from 11 am to 10 pm on Olive Street. They are known for delicious home made ice cream that is served in LARGE portions (click on the link to see more- you have got to see this to believe it!). Nelson’s Ice Cream is a part of Stillwater’s history, serving the community since 1923. Definitely worth a visit!
13. Connect with Nature and Visit a State Park Near Stillwater MN
Interstate State Park and William O’Brien is north of Stillwater along the St. Croix Scenic Byway.
There are many beautiful scenic overlooks, hikes and state parks that accompany the Stillwater area. About 17 minutes north of Stillwater along the St. Croix River is William O’Brien State Park, known for bird watching, canoeing or fishing along the St. Croix River, camping (they have camper cabins and walk in sites) and the oak savanna restoration.
If you are short on time, you can walk to 1.6 mile Riverside trail that takes you to Lake Alice & St. Croix River. Twenty five minutes south of Stillwater is Afton State Park, which has more of a prairie landscape. Afton State Park is a good place to swim, hike, fish and go backpack camping.
Thirty minutes north of Stillwater is Interstate State Park. I just want to say there is SO MUCH to do here & I really suggest going during the fall time to see the gorgeous colors. There are lava flows exposed in the park, glacial formations that make this park unique. There is a large picnic area, a 37-site campground (some are electrical) and canoe rentals available.
While this is not in Minnesota, I have to mention it because it’s only about 16 minutes away from Stillwater and is gorgeous- Willow River State Park! The park is open 6 am to 11 pm year round and is most famous for it’s massive waterfalls that you can walk in, swim in and even go behind the falls. My kids absolutely love this park and we made so many great memories here. Within 2,800 acres of countryside, you can swim, camp, hike, paddleboard and fish. I suggest planning a day here and adding it on to your Stillwater experience. The daily admission for out of state visitors is $11 and in state is $8.
TIP: I recommend buying a MN State Park annual vehicle permit pass. It is $35 per year and will save you time and money! You can purchase one here.
14. Summer Tuesdays at Lowell Park
From July 5th to August 9th Stillwater hosts Summer Tuesdays at Lowell Park by the St. Croix River at 5 pm. The event is free to all. There is an outdoor market that starts at 5 pm and live music is 6 pm to 8 pm. The featured movie starts 10 minutes after sunset. To view the movie schedule for the summer, please click here.
15. Explore the Ice Palace Maze (Winter)
If you are looking for something fun to do during winter (especially in December), Stillwater offers a cozy Christmas feeling with it’s festivities, Christmas lights by the river and downtown shopping. Perhaps what Stillwater is most famous for is having the largest ice palace maze in the ENTIRE country, using up to 2,000 blocks of ice, a huge ice slide and warm treats.
The Ice Palace Maze is open 7 days a week, 2 pm to 10 pm and Sat & Sun 12 pm to 10 pm. Children 4 years and younger are free, children 12 years & under are $12 and ages 13 and up are $20 a person. When it’s closer to winter, you can check out the Ice Palace Maze here.
Bonus: The St. Croix River Boom Site
If you are okay with a moderate 1 mile hike (2 miles as a roundabout trip), consider visiting the St. Croix Boom Site to hike to a waterfall. The Boom Site used to be a logging area when Stillwater was first settled. Now, it’s considered a historical marker where visitors can enjoy a sandy beach day swimming in the St. Croix River or hike to the waterfall.
To get there from downtown Stillwater, you will take about a 5 minute drive north on Main Street. From there, you will pull into the second parking lot to your right (look for the Historical St. Croix Boom Site). There will be a staircase that takes you down to a sandy beach area. You can swim and explore the cave in the sandstone (to the right- you can see the cave opening from the beach). We hiked to the waterfall, but unfortunately there was just a trickle due to the lack of rain lately. The area was still beautiful & decorated with beautiful Cardinal wildflowers. We also saw fish, frogs and baby crayfish in the stream leading to the river.
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Which activity from the list is your favorite? Share in the comments which places in Stillwater you are most excited about!
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