If you’re anything like me, you love finding towns that feel out of this world. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I visited Stillwater, Minnesota.
Most people I talk to know about Minneapolis and St. Paul. But what you may not know is that Stillwater (just 35 minutes by car) offers a relaxing river town escape. It’s full of history, scenic bluffs, and streets lined with shops and cafés.
You’ll find a perfect mix of history, charm, and river views—plus plenty of ways to unwind, explore, and treat yourself. Whether you’re walking cobblestone streets or sipping wine by the water, I think you’ll fall for it just like I did.
Best Things to Do in Stillwater with Kids
Historic Lift Stillwater Bridge
The old lift bridge stood still and strong—like it had seen it all, and then some. I walked across slowly, with the river drifting below and the skyline soft behind me. There was something timeless in its steel bones. I remember thinking, "Some bridges don’t just connect places—they connect eras."
What I Loved Most: Stopping in the middle and watching boats glide beneath like a living postcard.
My highlight? The sunset stroll across the bridge, followed by a lakeside dinner at The Dock Café. I had the walleye sandwich with dill tartar sauce and a glass of pinot grigio. As boats glided below and the bridge lifted in the fading light, it felt like stepping into a postcard of Minnesota river town life.
Plan your visit:
- Address: Chestnut St E & Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
- Vibe: Iconic, historic, scenic
- Highlights: Lift bridge, walking/biking path, river views
- Best Time to Visit: Golden hour for soft light and river reflections
- Don’t Miss: Watching the lift in action from the riverside trail
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open 24/7 for pedestrians and bikes
Warden's House Museum
The Warden’s House sat quietly among trees, its windows shaded with time. Inside, life from another century unfolded in worn furniture, iron keys, and faded portraits. I remember thinking, "This house doesn’t speak loudly—but it remembers everything."
What I Loved Most: Hearing how prison life brushed against domestic routine in every room.
My highlight? The museum’s eerie charm and the quiet reflection afterward over coffee at Lora Hotel’s MADE café. I had a cappuccino and a lavender shortbread cookie while thumbing through the brochure, thinking about the stories held in those old stone walls. A peaceful pause after stepping into Stillwater’s 19th-century past.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 602 Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
- Vibe: Historic, preserved, intimate
- Highlights: Prison warden home, Victorian-era life, guided tours
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall
- Don’t Miss: The garden out back and artifacts from Stillwater’s early prison
- Cost: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students
- Hours: Wed–Sun, 1pm–5pm (May–Oct)
Aamodt's Apple Orchard
The scent of apples and cinnamon drifted between rows of trees. Kids tugged at wagons, couples shared cider slushies, and bees danced between blossoms. Aamodt’s felt like autumn with a heartbeat. I remember thinking, "This is what fall is supposed to taste like."
What I Loved Most: Picking my own apples and sipping cider beside a barn that smelled like history.
My highlight? The crisp apple cider donut I ate while wandering rows of Honeycrisp trees. Paired with a cup of hot spiced cider, it was sweet, warm, and packed with fall flavor. The scent of apples, crunch of leaves underfoot, and the cheerful buzz of families made it feel like peak autumn in Minnesota.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082
- Vibe: Seasonal, family-friendly, nostalgic
- Highlights: Apple picking, baked goods, Thor's Cider
- Best Time to Visit: September and early October
- Don’t Miss: Apple cider donuts fresh from the oven
- Cost: Free entry; apples and goods priced per item
- Hours: Daily, 10am–6pm (Sept–Oct)
Stillwater River Boats
We drifted past bluffs and shoreline, the boat humming gently, the breeze lifting the edge of my menu. Stillwater River Boats offered the kind of ease that only water and wine can bring. I remember thinking, "This is what it means to let the river set the pace."
What I Loved Most: Watching the sky change colors over the water while sipping chardonnay.
My highlight? The lazy afternoon cruise with lunch aboard the riverboat. I had a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and a lemonade while watching the shoreline drift by. With paddlewheels spinning and jazz playing softly in the background, it felt like stepping into a timeless, riverfront rhythm.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 525 S Main St, Stillwater, MN 55082
- Vibe: Scenic, relaxing, classic
- Highlights: St. Croix river cruises, dining, narrated tours
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset dinner cruises in summer
- Don’t Miss: Narrated tour of the historic shoreline
- Cost: $30–$50 depending on cruise type
- Hours: Daily departures, typically 11am–7pm (Apr–Oct)
Brown's Creek Trail
Brown’s Creek Trail felt like a soft thread through the woods. Cyclists passed quietly, and sunlight flickered through trees like applause. It didn’t rush—it wandered. I remember thinking, "This is where your mind finds room to stretch out and breathe."
What I Loved Most: Coasting downhill with the sound of leaves crackling under my tires.
My highlight? The mid-ride snack at a shaded bench along the trail—a granola bar, apple, and ice-cold water. With birds calling overhead and the gentle sound of the creek beside me, it was one of those peaceful, soul-refreshing moments only a tree-lined trail can deliver.
Plan your visit:
- Address: Brown's Creek Park Trailhead, Laurel St E, Stillwater, MN
- Vibe: Peaceful, wooded, active
- Highlights: 5.9-mile paved bike and walking path
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for shade
- Don’t Miss: The trail section where it meets the Gateway State Trail
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Attractions for Couples
Stillwater Trolley Company
If you really want to get a feel for Stillwater’s rich history, I always suggest hopping aboard a Stillwater Trolley Company tour. I took their 45-minute narrated ride through town, and honestly, it felt like I was stepping into a storybook. You’ll hear all about how this beautiful place evolved from a rugged lumber town into one of the most charming small towns in the country.
The route winds through the hills, and that’s where the magic happens. I was in awe of the Victorian mansions—most built between 1850 and 1915 by the town’s original lumber barons. You’ll want to keep your camera ready because the architecture and views are truly unforgettable.
One of the things I love about the Stillwater Trolley Company is that they offer more than just the classic ride. If you're up for some adventure, you can also try one of their kayak tours or a specialty experience. I haven’t tried those yet, but they’re definitely on my list for next time—and I think you’d love them too.
My highlight? The charming, slow ride through the historic neighborhoods, followed by an ice cream cone from Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop. I had a scoop of salted caramel in a waffle cone and ate it while walking by Victorian mansions. Classic, sweet, and nostalgic in all the right ways.
400 E. Nelson St, Stillwater, MN 55082, Phone: 651-430-0352
Gondola Romantica
Gondola Romantica has both daytime cruises and moonlit evening cruises. The romantic Venetian gondola cruise is certainly a romantic experience, making it a popular place to propose. It’s also a great way to take in the charm of the historic town.
My highlight? The candlelit gondola ride along the St. Croix River at dusk. My partner and I shared a chocolate-covered strawberry box and a bottle of sparkling water as the gondolier softly sang. With lanterns glowing and reflections dancing on the water, it was pure romance with an Old World twist.
Gondola Romantica, 425 E. Nelson St, Stillwater, MN 55082, Phone: 651-439-1783
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)