How To Spend A Weekend In Stillwater, Minnesota.
What To Do In Stillwater, Minnesota
For The Perfect Weekend Getaway
Stillwater, Minnesota makes for the perfect weekend getaway. It’s a charming, historic town considered the birthplace of the state.
Situated right on the St. Croix River, this town is full unique little shops, ice cream parlors and a beautiful landscape
Where To Stay: Bed and Breakfasts
If you’re coming to Stillwater, a bed and breakfast stay should be included on your itinerary! Pass up the standard hotel and select any one of the gorgeous historic mansions that have since been converted.
Mid Price Range: Aurora Staples Inn
Read: AURORA STAPLES INN- THE CHARMING BED AND BREAKFAST IN STILLWATER, MINNESOTA
Luxury Option: Rivertown Inn
If it’s in your budget, I highly recommend staying at the luxurious Rivertown Inn. Each room is decorated in remarkable detail to pay homage to a different literary figure in history.
The grounds are beautiful, the innkeeper Larry is a delight and the breakfast cooked by a private chef is sure to impress you!
The honored authors at Rivertown Inn:
- JANE AUSTEN
- ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE
- AGATHA CHRISTIE
- OSCAR WILDE
- BROWNING
- LORD BYRON
- ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON
- LONGFELLOW
- CHRISTINA ROSSETTI
- LEWIS CARROLL
Read: BOOK LOVERS YOU NEED TO STAY AT THIS LITERARY-THEMED BED AND BREAKFAST IN STILLWATER, MINNESOTA
Where To Eat in Stillwater
Stillwater is home to a number of different breweries and restaraunts right along the river or in the historic downtown.
If you’re looking for a great local beer check out Maple Island Brewing on main street.
For a great, spacious patio with river views check out Freight House. The building itself has a rich history and has been open since 1883.
If you want to lean into the old timey feels that ring so strongly in Stillwater, go to Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop.
And for dessert, don’t miss Candyland on the main downtown strip!
What To Do In Stillwater
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Stroll Down Main Street
Did you know there are 100+ owner-operated shops and restaurants along Stillwater’s historic Main Street alone? It’s the perfect place to shop at a wide variety of local boutiques, candy stores, ice cream shops or gift shops.
Hike to Fairy Falls
Currently due to Covid, this hike is closed to prevent over-crowding at this popular site.
The hike to Fairy Falls is a short 0.5 mile loop trail to a waterfall. The hike is easy and good for all skill levels. More info here.
Hike to the High Bridge
To find this trail put “Arcola Day Use Area” into Google Maps. You can park for free then follow the trail to the left!
It’s an easy trail through the woods that leads to the beautiful high bridge with river views.
Goldona Ride on the St. Croix River
Stillwater, Minnesota is home to one authentic Italian gondola that gives dreamy, romantic rides up and down the river.
Gondola Romantica offers rides during the day, at sunset and even during the night under the stars and moon.
Read: AUTHENTIC ITALIAN GONDOLA RIDES IN STILLWATER, MINNESOTA
Hot Air Balloon Ride
If a romantic bed and breakfast or gondola ride weren’t enough. you can always book a hot air balloon ride over the St. Croix Valley.
Just be warned, hot air balloon rides get rescheduled a lot due to weather. So be prepared you may have to change the date of your flight last minute if the weather isn’t great.
Pro tip: Check on Groupon, sometimes they have a good deal on hot air balloon rides in Stillwater.
Ghost Tour
If you want to learn a little bit more about the haunted history of this historic town, American Ghost Walks offers a tour that leads you around the city.
Eat Ice Cream at Nelson’s
As many people told me, “you can’t come to Stillwater and not eat at Nelson’s Ice Cream.” So go check them out. They are open in the summer from 11am-10pm!
Ride The Stillwater Trolley
Labeled as the “best thing to do in Stillwater since 1989” this iconic little red trolley can be seen rolling around town giving historic tours or catering to private events like wedding parties.
You can book your trolley ride here.
Historic Tours
Tour schedule is subject to change and some tours do sell out.
$13.50 Adults
$12.50 Seniors 62 and over/Military
$7.50 Children 17 and under (Not Recommended for children 3 and under)
Tour Schedule:
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am, 2:00 pm.
Sunday: 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm.
Enjoy A Public Or Private River Cruise
It’s no secret the star of Stillwater is the St. Croix River. So be sure to spend some time on or near the water while visiting. If you are coming with a group, a river cruise on the large historic river boat would be a great option. More info here.
