Groups keep returning to our charming, historic river town because it offers incredible scenery, warm hospitality, the convenience of everything within walking distance and fun for all ages. Stillwater, Minnesota is a top destination for group tour buses, family reunions, girlfriend getaways, corporate retreats, travel clubs and more!
Located on the St. Croix Scenic Byway, Stillwater is just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities MSP airport or Mall of America and across the St. Croix River from Wisconsin, Stillwater offers groups close proximity to a variety of things to do, award-winning restaurants, and a shopping district of all locally owned boutiques. Stillwater, MN has 600 guest rooms of every type and visitors enjoy all four seasons!
Inspire your group by choosing the right destination…Minnesota’s historic Stillwater, features over 20 places on the National Register of Historic Places in a pedestrian village with hip city amenities.
Group leaders want to create a memorable experience for their participants. You’ll find many signature experiences or make & take ideas. Plan to stay overnight to make certain your group has time to experience all Stillwater has to offer. Ask about group rates for lodging or activities.
Need help or brochures? Call the Stillwater Visitors Bureau at 651.351.1717 or consider hiring Valley Tours to take your group through architectural gems, historic sites, scenic overviews, Swedish heritage tours and or Victorian-dressed step-on guides for your motor-coach: 651.439.6110.
Start your group off right – Hop on a Stillwater Trolley, featuring a 45 minute narrated history tour that will delight your group and fill them with interesting information about our lumber baron past, give you the lay of the land and view key lookout points: 651.430.0352.
Take some time on the river… enjoy a lunch, dinner, or jazz brunch cruise on board an authentic Paddlewheel Boat. Groups love this relaxing cruise on the St. Croix River: 651.430.1234.
If your group prefers to spend their time independently, give them time on Main Street to wander the 100 unique shops and restaurants.
Browse this list of 50 Group Experience ideas and start planning your memorable trip to Stillwater, Minnesota now!
Tours, Historic Sites & Recreation
| Company | Phone # | Max Capacity | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lumberjack Axe Throwing Bar | 651.705.6005 | 50 for axe throwing, 150 people in venue space | We are not your typical axe throwing bar. We have taken this cathartic back woods play into a warm and friendly environment. We promise a brand new way to enjoy a drink and play with friends. |
| Stillwater Escape Company | 651.357.8844 | 15 per escape room, three rooms available | Stillwater Escape Company's goal is to provide a great puzzle experience for the East Metro. |
| Stillwater Ghost Walks | 608.620.5483 | 33 | Guided haunted history walking tour of beautiful downtown Stillwater. Seasonal May-November. |
| Arcola Mills | 651.439.1652 | 100 | Historic Site. 1800s lumber mill community site and Greek revival home on the St. Croix River. Open for event rental. |
| Lensflare Stillwater | Self-guided on smart phone. See views of Stillwater's past - app/website that recognizes your location. | ||
| Biercycle Adventures | 651.300.2202 | 13 | Pedaling pub private specialty tours. |
| Great River Road | Stillwater is only 20 miles off the America Byway that runs from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, Minnesota to Louisiana on the Mississippi River. From Hwy 61 in Hastings, take hwy 95 north. | ||
| Historic Lift Bridge | On the National Historic Register. One of only 3 remaining lift bridges in the country. Walk/bike over to the St. Croix River to Wisconsin. | ||
| Rivertown Tours | rivertowntours@gmail.com | 15 | Discover the hidden gems that built the birthplace of Minnesota through unique guided walking tours |
| Historic Walking Tours | Self-guided tour of historic sites downtown Stillwater or South Hill historic homes. Info included in visitor guide. | ||
| Hot Air Balloons – Aamodts or Stillwater | 651.351.0101/ 651.439.1800 | Best view of the St. Croix River Valley. | |
| St. Croix Scenic Byway | State designated Scenic Highway 95 runs through downtown Stillwater (Historic Main Street). Entire byway runs from Askov, MN south to Point Douglas, MN. | ||
| Stillwater Trolley | 651.430.0352 | 24-36 | 45 minute history tour or private rental, 7 trolleys available. |
| Valley Tours | 651.439.6110 | Step-on/walk-on guides for your tour bus (we can even dress in period costume!) and custom tours available. | |
| Warden’s House Museum | 651.439.5956 | 50 | Built in 1853. Guided tours through exhibits on Stillwater Prison and MN Civil War history. Operated by Washington County Historical Society. |
| Historic Main Street Downtown District Shops | Historic Main Street downtown Stillwater has nearly 100 owner-operated boutiques, shops, restaurants, pubs, and attractions. Perfect for a free time idea. | ||
| Washington County Courthouse | 651.275.7075 | 200 | Tour Minnesota’s oldest courthouse and jail. |
Culinary Experiences
| Company | Phone # | Max Capacity | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberry Fields of Stillwater | 651.351.0492 | 10 | Pick your own blueberries when in season. |
| Aamodts Apple Farm | 651.439.3127 | 200 | Seasonal apple (Aug-Oct) picking, hay barrel maze, wagon rides, goats, local apple or honey products, etc. |
| Rivertown Inn | 651.430.2955 | 20 | Private culinary team building experiences or dinners at one of Minnesota's Top Luxury B&Bs. |
| High Tea | 651.439.1100 | 175 | Hosted in George Washington dining room of the Historic Lowell Inn, a classic hotel of the 1920s. |
| Specialty Spirits & Cigar Dinners | 651.439.6000 | 220 | Hosted at Historic Water Street Inn: 4-course dinners, hand-rolled cigars and pairings with bourbon, scotch, whiskey, or tequila. |
| Stillwater Restaurants | Complete listing on website. 30+ independently owned establishments. Create your own tour. | ||
| Swiss Fondue | 651.439.1100 | 50 | Hosted in the Matterhorn room featuring authentic wood-carving and décor from a Swiss master. Historic Lowell Inn, a classic hotel of the late 1920s. |
| The Outing Lodge | 651.439.9747 | Themed dinners inspired from European culinary schools. |
Wineries & Breweries & Distillery
| Company | Phone # | Max Capacity | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Stills | 651.359.6281 | 50 | Whiskey tasting room venue behind Hotel Crosby |
| Lift Bridge Brewery | 651.430.2337 | 200 | Stillwater brewery tours & tap room. |
| Thor's Hard Cider | 651.399.0883 | Cider tastings at apple farm. Located next to St. Croix vineyards. | |
| Forge & Foundry | 651.343.1428 | Local distillery tastings |
|
| River Siren Brewery | 651.430.0044 | 40-60 | Local brewery downtown with river views. |
| Pub Crawl | There are over 30 restaurants, pubs, and cafes downtown Stillwater – create your own adventure. | ||
| Stillwater Proper | 651.342.2053 | 15 | Distillery and tasting room. |
| 7 Vines Vineyard | 651.478.6300 | Vineyard west of Stillwater. | |
| Rustic Roots Winery | 651.433.3311 | 40 | Winery north of downtown off Scenic Byway. |
| Saint Croix Vineyards | 651.430.3310 | 50 | One of MN’s largest wineries with on-site vineyard. |
Outdoor & River Adventures
| Company | Phone # | Max Capacity | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gondola Romantica | 651.439.1783 | 6 | Ride in an authentic Venetian gondola on the St. Croix River. |
| St. Croix Loop Trail | Bike/walk over the St. Croix River via the new bridge and historic lift bridge. Start downtown in Minnesota and loop over to Wisconsin. Touch the state line and enjoy the views of the river valley. Voted Best View by City Pages. | ||
| Stand-Up Paddleboards | 651.399.5066 651.271.1643 | 12 | Brown Dog or St. Croix SUP. SUP paddleboard instruction, SUP yoga, and SUP fitness. |
| Brown's Creek & Gateway State Bike Trails | Ride from downtown Stillwater to downtown St. Paul. Trailhead on North end of downtown or at Pine Point Park. 25 miles of trail. | ||
| Green Acres Recreation | 651.770.6060 | Snow tubing hill with tow. | |
| Lady Chateau | 651.430.2770 | 50 | Private Yacht Rental. |
| Afton Alps | Downhill skiing & snowboarding | ||
| St. Croix Riverboats | 651.430.1234 | 25-675 | Public or Private paddlewheel or cruise liner river boats. Lunch or dinner cruises. |
| Stillwater Boat Rentals | 651.439.9000 | varies | Private pontoon boat rentals at downtown dock. |
| Gateway Trailside | 651.242.4415 | Food truck on Gateway State Bike Trail. 4 electric cruiser bikes for rent as well. | |
| Bike Rental | 10 | Self-rental station (via app) for bicycles downtown Stillwater with Diro Outdoors. 18 age min. | |
| Herman Electric Bike Rental | 651.342.1914 | 22 | Electric bike rental near start of loop trail/historic lift bridge. |
| Wahoo Adventures | 651.280.7299 | varies | Enjoy the best of the valley with guided, or on your own kayaking, bicycling, hiking, or snowshoeing tours. |
Spa & Fitness
| Company | Phone # | Max Capacity | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just for Me Spa | 651.439.4662 | 53 | Full-service spa with Himalayan salt cave and serenity room. St. Croix private room rental with Smartboard and 3 adjacent homes for rent as well. |
| Spas, Salons & Massage | Complete list on our website | ||
| Stillwater Historic Stairs | 5 sets of historic stairs downtown to climb and enjoy the views. Steps are marked on Visitor Guide Map. | ||
| Studio One Yoga | 651.430.7155 | 18-25 | Yoga and fitness group classes at downtown studio. |
| Yoga To You | 704.649.5526 | On-site yoga instructor for your events. | |
| KALI | KJH@kali.mn | A space for transformation. Yoga, meditation, breathwork, etc. | |
| The Pole Barn Studio | 651.439.0090 | 24 | Offering Private Parties and Classes in Pole Dance and Aerial Silks. |
Golf Courses
| Company | Phone # | Max Capacity | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applewood Hills Golf Course | 651.439.7276 | 200 | 18 hole, par 62 |
| Oak Glen Golf | 651.439.6981 | 375 | 18 hole, 9 hole executive course |
| Logger's Trail Golf Course | 651.439.7862 | 144 | 18 hole, par 72 |
Theater, Live Music, DIY Crafts, Art & More!
| Company | Phone # | Max Capacity | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| River City Sculpture Tour | Find all the sculptures by Midwest artists on display downtown. | ||
| Live Music | varies | Bring your group to enjoy live music together at one of 15 live music venues downtown. | |
| Antique & Vintage Crawl | Downtown Stillwater is home to several antique and vintage shops. Named Top 10 Best Towns in US for Antiquing. Make your own tour! | ||
| Darn Knit Anyway | 651.342.1386 | 20 | Craft space and instruction available to knit, sew, bead, crochet, spin, felt, or other general electives. |
| Kari’s Create & Paint Studio | 651-500-6588 | 30 | Just Walk-in and paint pottery or canvas or call the studio to schedule your next event. |
| Marquess Studios | 651.278.3538 | 15-18 | Stillwater's hidden gem! Work with a jewelry designer to create a one-of-a-kind piece! Bring your broken jewelry and heirloom pieces (brooches, coins, buttons) or select from their huge vintage and personalized collection to design something funky! They also offer and variety of guided projects for a memorable event! |
| Party On Stillwater | 651.206.4882 | Coordinates private events and group activities in the valley. Bachelorette parties, boat rides, groom’s dinners, surprise parties, weddings, anniversary parties, family reunions, etc. | |
| Zephyr Theatre | 651.342.1542 | 125 | The Zephyr Theatre produces plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances, as well as concerts, dance performances, and film showings. |
| Smith & Trade Merchantile | 651.342.2976 | DIY workshops with local artisans. | |
| Studio Louise Flowers | 651.327.0644 | 10-15 | Florist with onsite floral arrangement workshops. |
| Carpe Noctem Candle Co. | contact@carpenoctemcandleco.com | 16 | Candle shop and candle making workshops. |