Things To Do


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Family Fun

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Discover Fun Times

Stillwater is a great family destination! You might be surprised at the number of things you can find that will appeal to all ages from biking, skiing, picnicking, swimming, boating and kayaking.

Plan your vacation around seasonal events
Summer
  • July 4th Fireworks over the river
  • Summer Tuesdays outdoor movies & music
  • Cruisin’ on the Croix – check out the hot rods and vintage cars
  • Lumberjack Days in July
Fall
  • Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Drop
  • Trick or Treat on Main Street
  • Corn Mazes, Pumpkins & Hay Rides at Axdahl’s
  • Apple Picking at Aamodt’s Apple Farm
Winter
  • Hometown for the Holidays events all December
  • Children’s Twinkle Parade & Tree Lighting
  • Annual Winter Ice Cream Social in January

Kids love….

FUN STUFF – Hop on the Trolley! Start your visit with a 45 minuted narrated StillwaterTrolley tour that gives an insightful look at Stillwater’s history and local lore.  The Biercycle  is a great adventure that holds up to 13 people pedaling for a fun way to see town.

PARKS – Burn off some energy in one of Stillwater’s many parks Lowell Park is right along the river and has a walking path. Pioneer Park is up the hill on 2nd Street and has picnic tables, a playground and fabulous views.

THE HISTORIC LIFT BRIDGE – You can walk across this bridge into Wisconsin. This national historic Stillwater landmark is scheduled to become a pedestrian only bridge by 2020.

CREATIVE CLASSES– Do your kids love to cook, knit, or paint? Drop in to paint pottery or on canvas at Kari’s Create & Paint Studio or seek out classes at Darn Knit Anyway and Smith + Trade Mercantile.

GET ON THE WATER – Yes, you can rent a pontoon for the family or jump on board an authentic Paddlewheel Cruise for lunch or dinner.

SWEETS & TREATS – Give the kids a treat at one of the Historic District’s many candy stores, ice cream or yogurt parlors and pizza places! YUM!

FAMILY FRIENDLY LODGING – Stillwater has many family-friendly lodging places that offer pools and hot tubs to drop into at the end the day.

AAMODT’S APPLE FARM

6428 Manning Ave.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.439.3127

Since 1948, three generations of the Aamodt family have been producing some of the best apples to be found in the valley. You’re invited to come and experience the good life in the fall season on this picturesque farm located just minutes from downtown. Fun activities like hay wagon rides, honeycrisp Express, and John Deere tractor trikes. Also on site –Thor’s Cider tastings and Saint Croix Vineyards.

Argente Photographie


612.384.9874

Capture the memories of your visit to charming, historic Stillwater with a photo experience! Book a session with Kristin and customize something unique for your stay. Take some photos with your family to remember your vacation, commemorate a romantic weekend with someone special, or celebrate a girlfriends getaway with keepsakes photos! Collaborate with Kristin for that perfect memento of your time in Stillwater!

BIERCYCLE ADVENTURES

Pedestrian Mall on Water St
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.300.2202

A fun and interactive way to explore beautiful downtown Stillwater! Bike can hold up to 10 eager pedalers, and 3 non-pedalers, for a tour through downtown and along the river. Join us for a public tour or reserve the bike for a private tour with friends and family. Learn about history of the area or join us for caroling tours during the holidays!

Blueberry Fields of Stillwater

9450 Mendel Road North
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.351.0492

Pick your own delicious blueberries in our family friendly, peaceful setting with picnic areas. We are transitioning to organic production, using composted poultry manure, fish emulsions, and mulch, which feed our bushes, soil, and create our nutrient-rich blueberries. Please check website for updates before driving to farm. Hope to see you in July!

Boat & Jetski Rentals

One of the best places to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful St. Croix River is on it! Daily pontoon rentals for the half and full day or join the boat club and enjoy luxury boating for less with the Stillwater Boat Club. Conveniently located downtown Stillwater. The St. Croix River is also a part of Your Boat Club which is a great alternative to owning a boat giving you access to a variety of types of boats on multiple bodies of water near the Twin Cities.

Boat rental available at two marinas:

Stillwater Boat Club
422 East Mulberry St.
651-439-9000

Ole Sawmill Marina
2009 Lake St. N.
651-231-2025

Rent Saint Croix
Jet ski personal watercraft rentals

Thinking about purchasing your very own vessel? Talk to the experts right downtown at Tetzlaff Yacht Sales 888.658.9504!

Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter

8390 Lofton Avenue
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651-439-7128

The Gasthaus has been serving award winning German specialties as well as imported German beers, wines & liquors since 1966. Enjoy outdoor dining and meadow events with German music located ten minutes from downtown Stillwater. Open Saturdays and Sundays.

Green Acres Recreation Snow Tubing

8989 55th St. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.770.6060

Thrill seekers and families unite! Race down the snowy hill on an inner tube – classic Minnesota fun! Nearby snow tubing hill with tow ropes, tubes, and warming chalet.

HISTORIC COURTHOUSE, WASHINGTON COUNTY – TEMPORARILY CLOSED

101 W. Pine St. Corner of 3rd and Pine
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.275.7075

The oldest standing courthouse in Minnesota – this magnificent 1867 Italianate style building offers guided tours year-round. Contains the old county Jail and Washington County Courtroom. National Historic Register. Available for meetings and events. Check events calendar for historic exhibits or special events as well.

HISTORIC LIFT BRIDGE

106 Chestnut St E
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)

Stillwater’s lift bridge was built in 1931 and spans the St. Croix River between Stillwater and Houlton, WI.  It is one of a few remaining operating lift bridges in the U.S. today. In 2020, the conversion from a highway to a pedestrian/bike trail only bridge was completed. Check out the lift bridge schedule to see when you can watch it go up/down for boats to pass through.

HISTORIC MAIN STREET

Stillwater’s Main Street river front area is on the National Historic Register and is home to over 100 locally owned shops and restaurants . Open year-round. Art galleries, fashion boutiques, home decor,  and unique gift shops line the streets along with tons of dining and outdoor patios. Guide yourself on a foodie or shopping tour of downtown. Seeking a historic treasure? Stillwater is one of America’s Top 10 Towns for Antiquing!

Historic Walking Tour & Video – South Hill Homes

With funding assistance from the State Historic Preservation Office’s Certified Local Government grant program, the City of Stillwater produced a South Hill Homes Walking Tour. View videos on your smart phone at each stop on this self-guided tour to learn a little more about each historic home just south of downtown Stillwater, Minnesota. This public education tour highlights the story of 18 historic homes in two loops – Pine Street and Chestnut Street. The tour is reprinted within the Stillwater Visitor Guide.

Historic Walking Tour & Videos – Downtown

With funding assistance from the State Historic Preservation Office’s Certified Local Government grant program, the City of Stillwater’s Downtown Walking Tour is the first in a series of public education tours. View videos on your smart phone at each stop on this self-guided tour to learn a little more about 14 historic sites in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota. Brochure of the walking tour included in the Stillwater Visitor Guide.

Hook, Line and Sinker Guide Service

Let over 45 years of experience being in the woods and on the water help guide you to your best day in the great outdoors. HLS Guide Service specializing in the North East Metro lakes and upper St Croix river. Offering all season, multi-species fishing, half day and evening trips available.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES: Aamodts Balloons

P.O. Box 40
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.351.0101

See the St. Croix Valley & River from the air…we are committed to providing a hot air balloon experience for every occasion and budget!

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Stillwater Balloons

PO Box 843
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.439.1800

Whether you are seeking an intimate and romantic excursion, a joy-filled, visually spectacular, once in a life time event, or a gorgeous gravity defying adventure, each flight will embrace your dreams and satisfy your desires. Enjoy the sensational experience of gently drifting over the beautiful and picturesque St. Croix River Valley.

Kari’s Create & Paint Studio

221 Chestnut St. E.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.500.6588

Paint your own pottery and canvas studio where you are the artist.  All the materials are provided and an inspiring environment for your creativity to flow. Walk-ins welcome – there’s great local coffee so come in and paint! Book your next event at Kari’s Create & Paint Studio – From birthdays and bachelorette parties to showers and school outings – they can host any event, or come on-site at your desired location.

Lens Flare Stillwater

Downtown Stillwater Various Locations
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)

This is a web-based FREE app that allows you to view historical sites in Stillwater, Minnesota linked to their GPS locations – view how the site looked in the past right on your smartphone! This tribute to well known photographer, John Runk, includes current and historical photos, audio and written narratives along with the surprise and magic of today’s digital image and location technology. This is tour worth taking!

Marquess Studios

305 Greeley St. S.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.278.3538, email preferred hello@marquessstudios.com

Led by a local art-loving, re-purposing junky, Marquess Studios is a unique space to attend creative workshops, order DIY art kits to-go or design custom orders via private appointment. If you are feeling super creative or sentimental, sign your group up for “Junky-to-Funky” where each guest will create a custom design from something out of their own keepsake drawer. We also sell our locally made custom jewelry and keepsakes online.

Off the Wall Studios

2000 Industrial Blvd, #3
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
612.578.1374

Welcome to a learning environment for the young at art! Karron Nottingham, Director/Instructor of Off The Wall Studio, is a professional artist recognized nationally and internationally for both her mixed media constructions and her lectures and seminars on creative content. Look for art classes, camps, and adult workshops at her studio in Stillwater.

Pioneer Park

Stop by for one of the best view of Stillwater as the park is perched on a bluff on the northern side of downtown. Playground, shelter, BBQ, private rental spaces for weddings and events. Pioneer Park is maintained by the City of Stillwater. Voted Best View in 2016 by City Pages!

Rivertown Tours

Book online
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
rivertowntours@gmail.com

Discover the hidden gems that built the birthplace of Minnesota through unique guided walking tours!

St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail

Highway 36
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 (view map)

The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail connects Minnesota and Wisconsin over two bridges – historic lift bridge and the new St. Croix Crossing bridge – along the St. Croix river back to downtown Stillwater for a total of 4.7 miles. Park near at Houlton Elementary school (70 Cty Rd E, Houlton, WI54082) on the Wisconsin side or the lot near the new bridge just off hwy 36 on hwy 95 (1315 Main St. S.) or downtown Stillwater in city lots or on street.

St. Croix Scenic Byway

Hwy. 95
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)

Stillwater is located on the St. Croix Scenic Byway (State Hwy. 95 which runs through historic downtown Main Street) and is not far off the path of one of America’s Byways called the Great River Road in MN or WI that runs along the Mississippi River from Canada all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. To connect to Stillwater, head north on hwy 95 from hwy 61 in Hastings, MN. Take the scenic drive listed on MotorcycleRoads.com (Hwy 95 headed north from downtown) for great ride from Stillwater to Taylor’s Falls, MN. More about Minnesota Scenic Byways.

St. Croix Valley Recreation Center

1675 Market Drive
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.430.2601

The St. Croix Valley Recreation Center is a multi-purpose facility that encourages health and wellness for all ages. It is home to a 363′ x 245′ dome field house, 2 NHL style ice sheets (85 x 200 feet) as well as managing the Lily Lake Ice Arena. The Rec Center also offers open walk/run sessions, open field sessions, open ice skating, open hockey, group skating lessons, and freestyle ice.

Stillwater Boat Club & Rentals

422 East Mulberry Street
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.439.9000

Daily pontoon rentals for the half or full day  conveniently located downtown Stillwater. The St. Croix River is also a part of Your Boat Club which is a great alternative to owning a boat giving you access to a variety of types of boats on multiple bodies of water near the Twin Cities.

Stillwater Bowl & Indoor Golf Lounge

5862 Omaha Avenue
Oak Park Heights, MN (view map)
651.439.2444

Retro bowling – carpeted walls, old-school bowling shoes, cosmic bowling, pizza and of family fun right in Stillwater. Features 24 lanes, bar, lounge and indoor full-swing golf simulator experience. Open bowling times, moonlight bowling, and karaoke weekly.

Stillwater Escape Room

123 2nd St. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.342.1476

Which adventure will you choose? Check out their rooms to choose your unique experience – historic Connelly Shoe Factory Office, The Cave on an asteroid,  or a train car? Book time in the new Rockstar Karaoke lounge, too. The escape room is located on the North side of downtown Stillwater in the historic Connolly Shoe Factory building home to the new JX Event Venue, The Lumberjack Axe Bar and Velveteen Speakeasy.

Stillwater Ghost Walks

Downtown Stillwater Various Locations
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
stillwaterghosts@gmail.com

Real ghost stories, paranormal experiences, urban legends, and much more! If you’re captivated by local folklore, into legend tripping, a student of history, or interested in sparking your imagination, this guided haunted history walking tour of beautiful downtown Stillwater is for you. Seasonal May-November.

STILLWATER LIBRARY

224 3rd St. North
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.275.4338

The original 1901 design was a one story Renaissance Revival made possible by Andrew Carnegie. Many changes have taken place over the years but much original beauty remains including stained glass windows and wrought iron shelving. The library rooftop deck provides a stunning view of downtown and the St. Croix River.

STILLWATER RIVER BOATS

525 South Main Street
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.430.1234

We offer daily public lunch and dinner cruises on board our authentic Paddlewheel boats on the scenic St. Croix River.   Our private charters can accommodate groups of 25 to 675 with multiple boats in our fleet. Contact us today and we would be happy to assist you in planning your excursion. Seasonal business typically May-October.

Stillwater Trolley

400 Nelson Street
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.430.0352

Hold on to your seat as you tour the hills and narrow streets of historic Stillwater, Minnesota’s oldest town and the 1848 Birthplace of Minnesota. 45 minute narrated tours run daily typically May through October. Check website for times and specialty tours like the story time trolley. Available for group reservations – perfect for wedding parties and other occasions! Seasonal operations May-October.

TEDDY BEAR PARK

An award-winning urban seasonal park is a paradise for toddlers up to age seven. Kids climb on giant Teddy Bears, a giant train, and a crazy tree house with slides. Parking available across the street. FREE and open to the public 8am-8pm mid-April through mid-October. Adjacent building available for private rental. Teddy Bear Park is maintained by the City of Stillwater. Voted one of the Best Playgrounds in Minnesota by WCCO!

The Lumberjack Axe Throwing

123 N 2nd Street, Suite 102
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.705.6005

The Lumberjack is a place where visitors can learn about Stillwater’s rich history and locals can find a home. 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. Book your party today!  On Sundays, kids throw free with paying adults.

The Zephyr Theatre

601 Main St. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.342.1542

The Zephyr Theatre is a professional theatre that produces plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances, as well as concerts and dance performances and works in collaboration with the St Croix Film Society to show classic films. Located in the old train depot, productions are of the highest quality showcasing visually, acoustically, and artistically beautiful performances.

Union Art Alley

Union Alley - located between Commercial St. and Myrtle St., one block west of Main Street
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)

UAA is a destination for local vibrant art and a must-see secret alley to visit! Union Art Alley is a one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates the vibrant culture of street art in Stillwater, MN. As you walk through our alley, you’ll be transported into a world of breathtaking murals, each one telling a unique story and showcasing the raw talent and creativity of the local artists who brought them to life. Union Art Alley will evolve, and revolve, with the art that is the soul of our community.

Utility Box Murals

Stroll throughout downtown Stillwater to discover the painted utility box murals. Make your own treasure hunt seeking these works of art! The theme of this project revolves around the St. Croix River, as it is the river that connects our towns and communities. The project coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act protecting the St. Croix Riverway.

Wahoo Adventures

See Stillwater from a new perspective! Look for guided kayak paddles, bicycle tours, and snowshow adventures throughout the year. We provide all the gear, maps, guidance, and inspiration you may need! No experience necessary. Book all events online.

Washington County Heritage Center

1862 South Greeley Street
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.439.2298

The Washington County Heritage Center celebrates the rich and diverse history of the St. Croix Valley through compelling and interactive exhibits for all ages. Explore rugged lumberjack life, 1860s-1960s fashion trends, floor-to-ceiling vintage photographs, and much more!

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