Things To Do


Explore Things To Do

Romantic Escapes

Romance is easy in Stillwater. Surround yourself in a picturesque village nestled along the scenic St. Croix river where natural beauty, culinary delights, live music, and art collide for an inspiring vibe. Escape to the eastern edge of Minnesota for a little relaxation, rekindling, and fun. Discover the Historic Birthplace of Minnesota.

ROMANTIC LODGING – Start your romantic escape off right by selecting the perfect place to stay. Stillwater’s historic mansions, inns, and contemporary properties offer privacy, fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Set the mood – stay overnight!

YEAR-ROUND ADVENTURE – Whether large white snow-flakes are falling, the warm summer sun is shining, or the crackle of fall leaves are in the air, Stillwater has many cozy or cool experiences to try. Spas, restaurants, boutiques, and most attractions remain open with the seasons. Proximity to three downhill ski resorts,  the Gateway Brown’s Creek State Bike Trail , and and river access make Stillwater an outdoor lovers paradise.

SPAS AND SALONS – Set the mood by reserving time for a couples massage or rejuvenating facial at a spas or salons…ahhhh.

DINNER FOR TWO – A table for two in an intimate setting helps a romantic conversation get started. Stillwater has over 30 restaurants, many with warm weather outdoor patios, river-view decks or roof top dining overlooking the Stillwater Lift Bridge as well as fireplaces in the cooler months.  Can’t decide where to dine?  Try a Foodies on Foot tour or take a cooking class together.

NIGHTLIFE – Stroll to several pubs including a nationally ranked wine bar, a pirate bar featured on Diner’s Drive Ins and Dives, authentic Irish Pubs, or classic local historic bars with many featuring live music or dancing. Enjoy wine tastings at Stillwater’s two wineries or we have two great breweries as well with a tap rooms to enjoy a sip.

BE SWEET– Don’t forget chocolate to sweeten your stay. Find a variety of specialty candy stores, gelato, yogurt, and ice cream shops for you to select from. Flowers are also a nice touch – ask you innkeeper where you should order from.

PICNICS – Consider a romantic picnic at one of our parks  – Pioneer Park  has a fabulous over-view of Stillwater and Lowell Park is right on the river promenade.

BOUTIQUE BROWSING – seek out a new treasure together along historic Main Street’s 50 independent shops featuring local goods, clothing, art, jewelry, rare books and antiques, home décor, gifts, vintage furniture, and culinary shops such as oil & vinegar, spice & tea, or gourmet cheese.

FREE HORSE-DRAWN RIDES – Twice each year, Valentines Weekend and Hometown For the Holidays in December, the Discover Stillwater (Visitor’s Bureau) sponsors free carriage or Victorian wagonette rides along the St. Croix River downtown. Check out Calendar of Events for dates and times. Snuggle in!

LOVE – Did you know that Stillwater is a premier wedding destination for Minnesota? Think about a proposal, an anniversary getaway, an elopement, a vow renewal, a honeymoon, mini-moon, or just a great date. Let us help you set the mood….explore our site to plan your VenueLodging, Dining, Night Life, Shopping, and Attractions for a memorable weekend getaway just minutes from the Twin Cities.

Get inspired from this Stillwater Winter Romantic Getaway Video or Weddings Slideshow.

 

AAMODT’S APPLE FARM

6428 Manning Ave.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.439.3127

Since 1948, three generations of the Aamodt family have been producing some of the best apples to be found in the valley. You’re invited to come and experience the good life in the fall season on this picturesque farm located just minutes from downtown. Fun activities like hay wagon rides, honeycrisp Express, and John Deere tractor trikes. Also on site –Thor’s Cider tastings and Saint Croix Vineyards.

Anchors End Tattoo of Stillwater Minnesota

235 Chestnut St. E.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.439.4974

The longest standing tattoo shop in the oldest town in Minnesota! Located in the heart of downtown, stop in for inspiration with walls of tattoo artwork and a welcoming professional staff of ink artists.

Argente Photographie


612.384.9874

Capture the memories of your visit to charming, historic Stillwater with a photo experience! Book a session with Kristin and customize something unique for your stay. Take some photos with your family to remember your vacation, commemorate a romantic weekend with someone special, or celebrate a girlfriends getaway with keepsakes photos! Collaborate with Kristin for that perfect memento of your time in Stillwater!

Bike Rental: Diro Outdoors Cruiser Bike Share

100 Water St. S.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.300.0125

Rent a cruiser bike any day, anytime from sunrise to sunset and head off exploring the beautiful trails around the St. Croix Valley. Perfect for visitors, tourists, and locals looking for some fun and exercise. Self-rental station is located next to the Water Street Inn on the corner of Water St. and Myrtle St. and has ten uni-sex seven speed bikes available. Riders use their smartphone to rent and pay for a bike (18+ only).

Bike Rental: Herman Electric Bike Rental

209 Main St. S.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.342.1914

Electric bike rental conveniently located on the intersection of Main/Chestnut/Water right at the base of the the historic lift bridge and St. Croix Loop bike trail. We have electric fat-tire and electric cruiser bikes for rent for a few hours or a full day. Explore all the beauty and fun around Stillwater. Stop in to see our giant Discover Stillwater bike trail map! Book online or stop in. Entrance on Water Street/River side.

Carpe Noctem Candle Co.

226 S. Main St.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)

An extraordinary artisan candle and home fragrance boutique with a pour-your-own candle bar. Stroll and shop for the most unique candles around or create your own signature scented candle by signing up for a workshop.

Diro Outdoors: Snowshoe Adventure Packages

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.

GONDOLA ROMANTICA

525 S. Main St.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.439.1783

Enjoy the romance of Venice Italy blended with the beauty of the St. Croix River and the charm of historic Stillwater. Taking a cruise in an authentic Venetian gondola is among the most romantic and relaxing experiences imaginable. Plan a proposal, celebrate a birthday, wedding or anniversary, or just get away to a relaxing cruise on the river. You can book a sunlit daytime cruise or a moonlit evening cruise.

 

HISTORIC MAIN STREET

Stillwater’s Main Street river front area is on the National Historic Register and is home to over 100 locally owned shops and restaurants . Open year-round. Art galleries, fashion boutiques, home decor,  and unique gift shops line the streets along with tons of dining and outdoor patios. Guide yourself on a foodie or shopping tour of downtown. Seeking a historic treasure? Stillwater is one of America’s Top 10 Towns for Antiquing!

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES: Aamodts Balloons

P.O. Box 40
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.351.0101

See the St. Croix Valley & River from the air…we are committed to providing a hot air balloon experience for every occasion and budget!

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Stillwater Balloons

PO Box 843
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.439.1800

Whether you are seeking an intimate and romantic excursion, a joy-filled, visually spectacular, once in a life time event, or a gorgeous gravity defying adventure, each flight will embrace your dreams and satisfy your desires. Enjoy the sensational experience of gently drifting over the beautiful and picturesque St. Croix River Valley.

Kari’s Create & Paint Studio

221 Chestnut St. E.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.500.6588

Paint your own pottery and canvas studio where you are the artist.  All the materials are provided and an inspiring environment for your creativity to flow. Walk-ins welcome – there’s great local coffee so come in and paint! Book your next event at Kari’s Create & Paint Studio – From birthdays and bachelorette parties to showers and school outings – they can host any event, or come on-site at your desired location.

Smith & Trade Merchantile

229 Main St. S.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.342.2976

Our mission is to provide a brick and mortar experience like no other for Minnesota and St. Croix Valley Artisans that want to showcase the best Minnesota has to offer. Classes, workshops available in all trades. Learn from the best. Weekly evening events featuring our local Smith’s with light appetizers and adult beverages.

St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail

Highway 36
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 (view map)

The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail connects Minnesota and Wisconsin over two bridges – historic lift bridge and the new St. Croix Crossing bridge – along the St. Croix river back to downtown Stillwater for a total of 4.7 miles. Park near at Houlton Elementary school (70 Cty Rd E, Houlton, WI54082) on the Wisconsin side or the lot near the new bridge just off hwy 36 on hwy 95 (1315 Main St. S.) or downtown Stillwater in city lots or on street.

St. Croix Scenic Byway

Hwy. 95
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)

Stillwater is located on the St. Croix Scenic Byway (State Hwy. 95 which runs through historic downtown Main Street) and is not far off the path of one of America’s Byways called the Great River Road in MN or WI that runs along the Mississippi River from Canada all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. To connect to Stillwater, head north on hwy 95 from hwy 61 in Hastings, MN. Take the scenic drive listed on MotorcycleRoads.com (Hwy 95 headed north from downtown) for great ride from Stillwater to Taylor’s Falls, MN. More about Minnesota Scenic Byways.

Stillwater Escape Room

123 2nd St. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.342.1476

Which adventure will you choose? Check out their rooms to choose your unique experience – historic Connelly Shoe Factory Office, The Cave on an asteroid,  or a train car? Book time in the new Rockstar Karaoke lounge, too. The escape room is located on the North side of downtown Stillwater in the historic Connolly Shoe Factory building home to the new JX Event Venue, The Lumberjack Axe Bar and Velveteen Speakeasy.

Stillwater Ghost Walks

Downtown Stillwater Various Locations
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
stillwaterghosts@gmail.com

Real ghost stories, paranormal experiences, urban legends, and much more! If you’re captivated by local folklore, into legend tripping, a student of history, or interested in sparking your imagination, this guided haunted history walking tour of beautiful downtown Stillwater is for you. Seasonal May-November.

STILLWATER RIVER BOATS

525 South Main Street
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.430.1234

We offer daily public lunch and dinner cruises on board our authentic Paddlewheel boats on the scenic St. Croix River.   Our private charters can accommodate groups of 25 to 675 with multiple boats in our fleet. Contact us today and we would be happy to assist you in planning your excursion. Seasonal business typically May-October.

The Lumberjack Axe Throwing

123 N 2nd Street, Suite 102
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.705.6005

The Lumberjack is a place where visitors can learn about Stillwater’s rich history and locals can find a home. We are not your typical axe throwing bar. We have taken this cathartic back woods play into a warm and friendly environment. We promise a brand new way to enjoy a drink and play with friends. Book your party today!  On Sundays, kids throw free with paying adults.

The Zephyr Theatre

601 Main St. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082 (view map)
651.342.1542

The Zephyr Theatre is a professional theatre that produces plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances, as well as concerts and dance performances and works in collaboration with the St Croix Film Society to show classic films. Located in the old train depot, productions are of the highest quality showcasing visually, acoustically, and artistically beautiful performances.

Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

7040 117th N. St.
Grant, MN 55110 (view map)
651.493.6763

Nestled outside the Twin Cities sits Two Silo Winery & Vineyard, a haven where rustic beginnings meet modern flair. This Minnesota winery’s barnyard aesthetic amongst the rolling hills makes it the perfect getaway. The 22 acres is home to over 2300 vines and delicious hand-crafted wines each with distinct favorable note.

Discover Stillwater