Winter Wonderland
Discover Wintertime in Stillwater, Minnesota
Nestled in the bluffs of the St. Croix River Valley, Stillwater’s winter beauty and historic charm twinkle during the winter months. Cozy romantic excursions are popular with a secret speakeasy and unique honeymoon suites. Plan your romantic winter getaway in December, January, February, or March! See what was new in 2021 (Wintertime in Stillwater Lights & Events) and planned for 2022 winter.
Step into the warmth of shops filled with treasures as the Holiday season is the ultimate Shop Small destination for gifts and holiday events from Black Friday to New Year’s Eve. Grab a seat in one of our many restaurants and wine bars. Warm your soul with comfort food, winter wine or local brew, or gather in a coffee shop. Listen to local live music or register for a cooking class, DIY artisan workshop, or view an art gallery exhibit together. Pamper yourself with a massage, facial, pedicure or Himalayan salt cave at a serene spa or salon.
Get outside to see the pristine beauty of Minnesota winter white snow on the trees, bluffs, and historic buildings of the St. Croix Valley. Winter is a time of peace, comfort, and a whole lot of fun! Use Stillwater as your home base for skiing at three different resorts nearby (Afton Alps is the closest) or local cross country ski or fat tire bike trails.
Read More from new winter adventure blogs:
Winter Trails to Enjoy in the St. Croix Valley
Create your perfect winter getaway – stay overnight in one of Stillwater’s stunning restored mansions, inns, hotels or new vacation home rentals. Snuggle by a fireplace, read a good book (find one at a great indie book store or used book shop on Main Street), or soak in a whirlpool tub or get lost in the hot steam Swedish shower. The possibilities are endless!
For a complete list of winter events (hockey, winter games, pub crawl, ice palace maze, curling, etc.), view our live events calendar. Are you inspired to spend a winter weekend in Stillwater?
Afton Alps
6600 Peller Ave. S.
Hastings, MN 55033 (view map)
651.436.5245
One of the Midwest’s most sought-after winter destinations nestled in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, this sprawling 300 acre Vail Resorts property provides guests with an unparalleled experience including the Alps base area, a powerful state-of-the-art snowmaking system, multiple food and beverage outlets, Vail trained ski instructors and great service. Afton Alps, where Epic begins.
Diro Outdoors: Snowshoe Adventure Packages
651.300.0127
The St. Croix Valley has many beautiful snowshoeing trails for you to explore and each has its own personality. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a strenuous trek through the woods, there’s a trail waiting for you. DIRO Outdoor’s snowshoe packages contain all the information and supplies you need and are conveniently dropped off and picked up at your hotel or B&B. Adult, youth, and child snowshoes available.
Green Acres Recreation Snow Tubing
8989 55th St. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.770.6060
Thrill seekers and families unite! Race down the snowy hill on an inner tube – classic Minnesota fun! Nearby snow tubing hill with tow ropes, tubes, and warming chalet.
St. Croix Valley Recreation Center
1675 Market Drive
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.430.2601
The St. Croix Valley Recreation Center is a multi-purpose facility that encourages health and wellness for all ages. It is home to a 363′ x 245′ dome field house, 2 NHL style ice sheets (85 x 200 feet) as well as managing the Lily Lake Ice Arena. The Rec Center also offers open walk/run sessions, open field sessions, open ice skating, open hockey, group skating lessons, and freestyle ice.
Wahoo Adventures
See Stillwater from a new perspective! Look for guided kayak paddles, bicycle tours, and snowshow adventures throughout the year. We provide all the gear, maps, guidance, and inspiration you may need! No experience necessary. Book all events online.
