Travel & Leisure Magazine’s “AMERICA’S BEST TOWNS FOR FALL COLORS” awarded third place to Stillwater, MN as one of the top American towns named a few years ago. Located on the colorful banks and bluffs of the St. Croix River, Stillwater was selected with other top-scoring towns that represent the full color spectrum, from the blazing scarlet, orange, and deep purples of New England’s hardwoods to the golden carpet of aspens covering the Rocky Mountains.
In addition to spectacular fall foliage, historic Stillwater, the “Birthplace of Minnesota”, is known for charming and romantic B&B’s and inns, paddlewheel river cruises, local wineries, micro-breweries and a variety of fall events and festivals. Fall isn’t complete without a stop to Aamodts Apple Farm, Thor’s Hard Cidery, and Saint Croix Vineyards all in the same beautiful countryside location just minutes from downtown Stillwater. Take in the fall colors along the Brown’s Creek or St. Croix River Loop trails on foot, roller blades or electric bike, too!
Kicking off October weekends of fun are two annual free events: the juried “Rivertown Art Festival” which is sadly cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic as is the “Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off” always the second weekend in October. Both of these hometown, family-friendly events are always in Lowell Park, riverside, in downtown Stillwater. Without the big festivals this year, you can still enjoy strolling the riverfront of lowell park to take in the fall colors as well as the shops and restaurants and you can still view one of the only giant pumpkin weigh-offs still happening ‘virtually’ (link coming soon). For more information about fall Stillwater events and attractions: www.DiscoverStillwater.com/events.
Peek season is right around the corner, so plan your getaway to a nationally recognized escape on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin just outside the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Choose from 5 B&Bs, 4 downtown hotels, 5 economy franchise hotels, or 25 unique VRBOs. Stay in downtown Stillwater and explore the Scenic St. Croix Byway to see the colors.