Authentic Italian Gondola Rides in Stillwater, Minnesota

Gondola Rides in Stillwater

Authentic Italian Gondola Rides in Stillwater, Minnesota

Minnesota is full of undiscovered, hidden gems. And the little historic town of Stillwater is no exception! Nestled alongside the St. Croix River, this charming location is home to a wide range of romantic experiences and possibilities. Not only is Stillwater a top Minnesota wedding destination but the picturesque town boasts a wide variety of unique and very romantic bed and breakfasts in old Victorian homes.

And if all the wedding venues, b&bs, boutique shops and vineyards weren’t charming enough, you can also go on an authentic Italian gondola ride down the St. Croix River.

Gondola Romantica

You can book an excursion on one of the few authentic Venetian gondolas that have been shipped from Italy and into the United States.

The owner of Gondola Romantica is a lovely Stillwater native who learned the art of traditional gondola rowing while traveling in Venice. After that, he had the boat sent across the ocean and straight into the St. Croix River harbor where he’s been giving rides for the last 20 years.

Book your gondola ride here.

Things To Know Before You Go

Gondola Rides in Stillwater

And Gondola Rides in Stillwater

Pack A Picnic

There are a number of great restaurants on the river you can dine at before or after the gondola ride but it’s especially fun to bring a picnic onboard! Crackers, cheese and fresh fruit provided the perfect nibbles for our float down the St. Croix River.

Alcohol Is Allowed Onboard

Pack a bottle of champagne or a wine for your gondola ride! It makes for a lovely addition to your picnic.

Arrive Early To Find Parking & Walk Down To The Dock

You’ll want to plan to arrive 20 minutes before so you have time to find parking and walk down to the dock.

It can be a little misleading to find the dock entrance but if you’re at the Dock Cafe, turn and face the river. Then walk to your right down river 500 feet. Head down ramp onto the boat docks. The gondola will be parked next to the Majestic Star.

Board Your Gondola On the Stillwater Dock:
Nelson Street in front of the Dock Cafe
425 East Nelson Street

Visit in the fall when the leaves turn

Seeing the beautiful autumn leaves from the boat on the river is a great way to appreciate the beautiful fall season in Stillwater. Just prepare to bundle up, it gets chilly!

Book a sunset gondola ride

Looking to get fantastic photos? Try booking a boat ride right at golden hour and catch sunset from the gondola.

And for an extra special ride, book a full moon ride

Not only can you do a sunset ride but you can book to go at nighttime lit by the stars, moon and lights from the gondola! Try timing it with the full moon for a truly magnificent evening.

More info here.

Nearby Accommodation

And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Stillwater, check out the luxurious Rivertown Inn. Each room is themed for a different famous author. You can stay in the Jane Austen suite, Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express or my favorite, the insanely beautiful Oscar Wilde suite.

Read: BOOK LOVERS YOU NEED TO STAY AT THIS LITERARY-THEMED BED AND BREAKFAST IN STILLWATER, MINNESOTA

If you’re looking for a more mid-range accommodation nearby, I recommend staying at the lovely Aurora Staples Inn. It is within walking distance of downtown.