Stillwater Minnesota Travel Guide
MN Tourist Attractions from Lumberjack Days to the Lift Bridge
Just a short drive away from Minneapolis and St. Paul is Stillwater, an old-fashioned small town with elegant and kid-friendly attractions.
Where is Stillwater, Minnesota? Stillwater is on the northeast corner of the Twin Cities Metro Area. It's in Washington County and is about 25 miles from St. Paul. Stillwater sits on the St. Croix River, which separates Minnesota from Wisconsin.
What's special about Stillwater? Stillwater is an easy day trip for Twin City visitors and residents who want to get away from the city and visit a laid-back, historic town. The downtown area is known for great antique and antiquarian book stores. The St. Croix River is a beautiful backdrop, and visitors are often spotted watching the lift bridge open up for ship traffic.
What attractions are in Stillwater?
- Downtown Stillwater. It's hard to believe this historic downtown with its classic small-town feel is so close to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Downtown Stillwater is a great place to stroll and a unique place to shop. There are over a dozen antique stores and five antiquarian book stores that bring in book collectors from around the world. There's also a wide assortment of gift and clothing stores. Be sure to stop by Tremblay's Sweet Shop for homemade fudge and cashew brittle.
- The Stillwater Lift Bridge. This old-fashioned vertical lift bridge connectes Stillwater and Houlton, Wisconsin over the St. Croix River. It's one of only two automobile lift bridges in the Minnesota (the other one is in Duluth, Minnesota). The bridge contributes to serious traffic problems (which have been alleviated somewhat after a 2005-2006 renovation), but the bridge has an old-world charm that residents and historians aren't ready to replace.
- Lumberjack Days. This annual summer celebration (convening from July 19-22, 2007) features a huge musically-choreographed fireworks display, concerts, and, of course, lumberjack shows. There's also a popular Sippin' Down the St. Croix wine and beer tasting cruise, a vintage baseball festival, running races, a chess tournament, and a treasure hunt.
- The Minnesota Zephyr and the Stillwater Depot. The Zephyr is an elegant restored dining train, that takes guests on a three and half hour tour of Stillwater and the surrounding St. Croix Valley. The staff dresses in period costumes and includes a Zephyr Cabaret that sings hits from the 1940s and 1950s. Guests enjoy a five-course meal of beef tenderloin, prime rib, rock game hen, or salmon. Prices start at $71 per guest. For more information, call 1-800-992-6100.
- St. Croix Riverboat Cruises. From April until October, several companies offer riverboat tours down the scenic St. Croix. The St. Croix Boat and Packet Company (651-430-1234) offers daily lunch and dinner cruises that start at $16.95 per person. Afton Hudson Cruise Line (1-877-436-8883) offers brunch and dinner cruises that start at $24.95 per person, including Friday night comedy cruises and casino cruises.
- Aamodt's Apple Farm. Open in late summer through December, this kid-friendly, 60 acre farm offers over 25 varieties of apples for picking. They also offer pony rides, hay rides, strolling musicians, and a free petting zoo. Stop by the bakery for homemade pies, turnovers, cider, and more. For more information, call 651-439-3127.
See also:
Fall Apple Picking in the Twin Cities
Should You Move to the Twin Cities?
Red Wing Minnesota Travel Guide
The copyright of the article Stillwater Minnesota Travel Guide in Minnesota Travel is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Stillwater Minnesota Travel Guide in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
