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The Best Things to Do in Stillwater, MN
If you are planning a getaway along the stunning St. Croix River, you will quickly discover there is no shortage of fantastic things to do in Stillwater, MN. Located about 30 minutes from Minneapolis, Stillwater, Minnesota, offers river views, historic streets, excellent dining, and seasonal activities that make it easy to fill a weekend or extend your visit into a longer stay.
Many of the best things to do in Stillwater, MN, are concentrated in the downtown area. For the majority of these activities, you can park your car and head out on foot! Thankfully, at the Water Street Inn, one of the top hotels in Stillwater, we have our own private parking lot for our guests. It’s a very reasonable per-day fee.
Restaurants & Rooftop Views
Dining is one of the most talked-about things to do in Stillwater, MN, and downtown offers a wide range of options within walking distance. Stillwater, Minnesota, is known for a creative small-town food scene that balances casual comfort with elevated dining.
When guests ask about Stillwater things to do, food and drink are always near the top of the list. As a guest at our Stillwater Hotel, you’ll enjoy having two of the best restaurants right on-site:
- Charlie’s Restaurant & Irish Pub for live music, happy hour, Wine Wednesdays, and a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Papa’s Rooftop, open seasonally, features Italian-inspired dishes and river views. Fire tables, umbrellas, and spacious seating areas are fantastic for groups.
Other nearby restaurants in Stillwater:
- Lolo American Kitchen is known for globally inspired dishes and a creative cocktail program.
- Feller is a refined dining experience featuring seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully crafted menus.
- Brick and Bourbon is popular for elevated comfort food, bourbon selections, and a lively atmosphere.
- Nacho Mama’s is a long-standing local favorite serving casual Mexican fare in a historic space.
- The Wild Hare is a cozy spot featuring comfort-driven menus and a welcoming neighborhood feel.
- The Velveteen Speakeasy has exceptional cocktails and small bites in deep-blue velvet booths and cozy couches.
Breweries, Wineries, & Tasting Rooms
Our area has earned a reputation for its relaxed, walkable craft-beverage scene, making it easy to add tastings to your list of things to do in Stillwater, MN. Whether you prefer locally brewed beer, Minnesota-made wine, or small-batch cider, downtown and the surrounding river valley offer several lovely options within a short distance of the Water Street Inn.
Our favorite Stillwater winery and breweries in MN to explore include:
- Lift Bridge Brewery, one of the area’s most well-known breweries, offers classic styles and seasonal releases just steps from downtown.
- River Siren Brewing is a creative brewery known for unique flavor profiles and a rotating tap list.
- Thor’s Hard Cider features crisp cider made from Minnesota apples and a welcoming taproom atmosphere.
- St. Croix Vineyards, located just outside downtown, offers wine tastings in a scenic setting overlooking the river valley.
Visiting local breweries and wineries is a great way to round out an afternoon of sightseeing or pair tastings with dinner plans downtown. Many guests find that adding a tasting stop is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the local flavor of Stillwater without traveling far.
Riverfront Experiences and Scenic Views
The St. Croix River is a big part of daily life in our charming historic town, and plays a central role in many of the favorite things to do in Stillwater, MN. From early morning walks along the water to sunset views of the Historic Lift Bridge, the river will always be a part of the experience.
Popular river-focused things to do in Stillwater, MN include:
- Stillwater River Boats offers sightseeing, lunch, and dinner cruises. You’ll climb aboard an old-fashioned riverboat and glide in style.
- Gondola Romantica is a guided gondola ride that highlights the river’s beauty. Perfect for honeymoons or romantic getaways in Stillwater!
- The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail is a scenic walking and biking route that begins at the historic Lift Bridge and continues for 4.5 miles, then loops back across the river on the St. Croix Crossing Bridge into downtown.
Shopping and Historic Downtown Exploration
Downtown Stillwater is a destination in its own right, filled with preserved architecture and independently owned shops. Exploring Main Street is one of the classic things to do in Stillwater, MN, especially for visitors who enjoy browsing and local history.
Visitors searching for Stillwater things to do often find that downtown shopping easily fills an afternoon.
- Antique stores and vintage shops throughout the historic district. Head to Stillwater Antiques Mall and Staples Mill Antiques.
- Stroll the local boutiques, offering everything from gifts and art to clothing and specialty goods.
- Guided walking tours that share stories from Stillwater’s lumber era past. The 45-minute narrated tour takes you by beautiful Victorian architecture, along the St. Croix River, and more.
Trails, Stairs, and Outdoor Activities
Outdoor recreation is a big draw for guests visiting Stillwater, Minnesota. Built into the bluffs along the river, the town offers easy access to scenic overlooks, walking paths, and longer trail connections. If you are planning what to do in Stillwater, pairing time outdoors with downtown dining makes for a well-balanced day.
Some of the most rewarding outdoor things to do in Stillwater, MN include:
- Climbing the historic staircases, five sets were built into the hillside, each with 100 steps. Climbing these steps rewards you with sweeping vistas of the river valley and the charming town below.
- Walking or biking along the Brown’s Creek State Trail, which is approximately six miles of connecting trails to the Gateway State Trail, extending into St. Paul.
- Relaxing at Pioneer Park, known for its elevated river views. Pack a picnic and take in one of Stillwater’s best viewpoints. Overlooking the St. Croix River, the park offers open green space, picnic tables, and a lovely setting for relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
Seasonal Experiences in Stillwater, Minnesota
Every season adds something new to the list of things to do in Stillwater, MN, giving repeat visitors a reason to return. Here’s a quick list of what to expect at each time of year for a getaway to Stillwater. When is the best time to visit? Take your pick!
Spring & Summer
- Ride the Stillwater Trolley for a narrated tour of local landmarks. It’s one of the best things to do in Stillwater on your first day in town; it gives you a lay of the land, and your itinerary basically fills up on its own.
- Visit the Stillwater Farmer’s Market for produce, flowers, and artisan items. You’ll love finding something to bring back with you. Don’t miss the lilac season!
- Enjoy patio dining and riverfront walks during warmer months. The outdoor patios and rooftop dining are a highlight of any trip to the area.
Fall
- Drive the St. Croix Scenic Byway during peak fall color. If you’re heading into town on a quick road trip, you’ll love seeing the stunning foliage along the way.
- Visit Aamodt’s Apple Farm for apple picking and baked goods. Make sure to try the cider and yummy housemade baked goods.
- Enjoy a romantic hot air balloon ride, even more beautiful as the trees change from green to fiery hues.
Winter
- Attend the World Snow Sculpting Championship, one of the most popular Stillwater events.
- Skate at the Water Street Inn Riverside Ice Skating Rink, another favorite among seasonal Stillwater events. Ice skates are available to rent.
- With the soft snow on our historic streets, winter is the time to relax and unwind in your cozy guest room. Sit by the fire, enjoy a glass of wine, and turn on your favorite holiday flick.Â
Stay at the Water Street Inn in Downtown Stillwater
Choosing the hotel makes a difference when planning things to do in Stillwater, MN. The Water Street Inn sits directly on the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota, across from the historic Lift Bridge. From this central waterfront location, many of the most popular attractions, dining spots, and river experiences are just steps away.
With comfortable guest rooms, on-site dining, and river and bridge views, our boutique hotel in Stillwater offers an easy, welcoming way to experience the best of our romantic town year-round. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, our team is always happy to share local favorites. Stillwater is one of those places that visitors return to year after year, join us, and come find out why!
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A very nice stay!
We stayed at the Water Street Inn for two nights when in Stillwater for our daughter’s wedding and it was a very fine experience. The staff was friendly and helpful. The room (modern) was clean, comfortable and had a great view of the ice sculptures! My wife uses a wheelchair and the room was very accessible. Michelle, the manager, was very friendly, accommodating and helpful from start to finish.