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Historic Roots of the Water Street Inn
Set along the banks of the beautiful St. Croix River, the Water Street Inn welcomes you to experience one of Stillwater, MN’s most charming historic hotels. The Inn’s architecture and design showcase the city’s vibrant history, creating a warm atmosphere that transforms your stay into a wonderful adventure. As one of the top-rated Stillwater hotels, the Water Street Inn perfectly combines rich heritage with cozy accommodations, all while overlooking the stunning riverfront and Historic Lift Bridge. It all started in the late 1800s. Read on to learn more about the story behind our historic hotel in Stillwater.
The Lumber Exchange Building
Circa 1890
The story of the Water Street Inn begins around 1890 with the construction of the Lumber Exchange Building, developed by the Union Depot and Transfer Company during the boom years of logging along the St Croix River. Built on Stillwater’s first modern business block, the building was closely associated with the city’s lumber barons and designed to support one of the most influential industries in Minnesota at the time.
Upon its debut, the Lumber Exchange Building was considered remarkably advanced. It featured modern heating, plumbing, electricity, and an elevator, placing it among the earliest buildings in the state to offer these conveniences. For decades, the building remained an important part of Stillwater’s commercial life and continued to serve the community for more than one hundred years.
Early occupants included some of the most well-known and wealthy lumber merchants in the region. The building was designed to safeguard their success, and today, ten large walk-in vaults remain on site. Several have been thoughtfully incorporated into guest rooms, offering guests a rare opportunity to stay within spaces that once housed the wealth of Stillwater’s lumber families.
At street level, the building welcomed daily activity, with storefronts including a United States Post Office, a barbershop, and an upscale saloon (where Charlie’s Pub operates today!). We also named our pub at Water Street Inn in homage to Charlie Lustig, the original proprietor of the saloon around 1905. These spaces made the Lumber Exchange Building a lively gathering place for residents, workers, and visitors arriving in town.
The Union Depot
1887 to 1960
Directly north of the Lumber Exchange Building once stood the Union Depot, constructed in 1887 by the Union Depot Street Railway and Transfer Company. Widely regarded as Minnesota’s finest depot, it served as a key transportation hub and an impressive arrival point for visitors to Stillwater.
The depot featured a red sandstone base, a slate roof, and a clock tower that rose approximately seventy-five feet above Water Street. Inside, stained-glass windows, warm wood paneling, terra-cotta fireplaces, and an array of amenities, including two restaurants, a telegraph office, a cigar stand, a ladies’ room, and even a dance hall, were enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Passenger rail service declined in the early twentieth century, and the depot closed in 1954. It was later removed in 1960, but its presence continues to shape the story of the Water Street Inn today.
Honoring the Past Through Thoughtful Expansion
In 1995, the historic block was carefully restored and introduced as a hotel, opening as The Lumber Baron’s Hotel, Restaurant, and Conference Center. This transformation marked a natural evolution of the building, shifting from commerce to hospitality while preserving its architectural character.
In 2003, ownership was consolidated under Chuck and Judy Dougherty, and the property became the Water Street Inn. Since then, the Inn has continued to welcome guests seeking historic hotels in Stillwater, MN, offering accommodations that honor the past while providing modern comfort.
In 2019, the Lumber Exchange Building and the original hotel footprint were merged with a newly developed design inspired by the former Union Depot. This thoughtful expansion increased the Water Street Inn’s capacity from 41 rooms to 61, while maintaining a strong connection to the site’s historic surroundings.
Completed between 2019 and 2020, the project introduced Papa’s Rooftop, a rooftop bar with views of the St Croix River, along with two conference rooms overlooking the riverfront. A tower element was incorporated into the design as a reference to the original Union Depot clock tower, creating a visual link between past and present. This expansion reflects the Inn’s ongoing commitment to honoring Stillwater’s history while enhancing the guest experience, setting it apart from other places to stay in Stillwater, MN.
A Brief History at a Glance
- 1887: The Union Depot is constructed on South Water Street, becoming a cornerstone of Stillwater’s transportation network.
- Circa 1890: The Lumber Exchange Building is completed for Stillwater’s lumber barons during the height of the logging era.
- 1954 to 1960: Passenger service at the Union Depot ends, and the building is later removed.
- 1995: The historic block opens as a hotel, welcoming its first guests.
- 2003: Chuck and Judy Dougherty consolidate ownership, and the property becomes the Water Street Inn.
- 2019 to 2020: A major expansion increases the Inn from 41 rooms to 61, adds Papa’s Rooftop and a riverfront conference room, and introduces a tower inspired by the former Union Depot.
A Timeless Stay on the St Croix River
Today, the Water Street Inn continues to welcome guests as a living part of Stillwater’s story. From its origins as a center of lumber commerce to its role as a riverfront destination, our Inn offers an experience that feels both nostalgic and inviting. As one of the most distinctive Historic hotels in Stillwater, MN, the Water Street Inn provides a warm welcome and a connection to the city’s enduring past.
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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.