Our historic river town is perfect for travelers who love to explore on foot, especially when you book at one of the best downtown Stillwater Hotels. With its compact town center, scenic riverfront, and plenty of things to do within walking or biking distance, you can leave the keys behind and still enjoy a full itinerary. From the Historic Lift Bridge to Main Street’s locally owned shops, this charming destination makes getting around easy.
Stillwater, Minnesota, is often referred to as the birthplace of Minnesota, and its history runs deep. Once a thriving logging town, Stillwater developed along the St. Croix River, where lumberjacks and riverboats helped shape the community into a bustling center of commerce. Today, the heritage is still visible in the architecture, historic sites, and riverfront views that make this small town a favorite getaway destination.
Choosing one of the historic downtown Stillwater Hotels will mean you’ll be at the center of it all. With dining, shopping, and sightseeing just steps away, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable getaway. The Water Street Inn is the ideal choice for a walkable stay in Stillwater, offering unique amenities such as Victorian-era Vault Suites with bathrooms built inside the building’s original vaults. Once the town’s historic Lumber Exchange Building, our Hotel showcases its historic character alongside modern comforts. Book your stay today!
Walkable Things to Do Near Downtown Stillwater Hotels
A fantastic reason for staying at one of the most historic downtown Stillwater Hotels is the easy access to local attractions. Whether you want to start your morning with a hot breakfast, enjoy the arts, or spend time outdoors, everything is close by. The city is designed for walking and biking, which means you can enjoy more and worry less about parking.
Here are our favorite things to do in Stillwater within walking or biking distance of our waterfront Hotel:
- Take a self-guided interpretive walking tour to explore Stillwater’s rich history. The Downtown Walking Tour guides visitors through 14 sites in the downtown core. The entire tour may be completed in about two hours. Another walking tour option, accessible from downtown, is the Cultural Landscape District tour. This tour explores the natural and constructed landscapes of Stillwater.
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Charlie’s, right here in our downtown Stillwater Hotel. The warm and inviting dining room serves a delicious breakfast seven days a week.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner nearby at Lolo or Domacin for top-notch dining. Lolo serves locally sourced gourmet American cuisine and incredible cocktails. Domacin is one of the best wine bars in Minnesota, in a beautiful lounge serving modern American cuisine.
- Stroll through Union Art Alley, a must-see destination for vibrant local art. Each mural tells a unique story and showcases the creativity and talents of local artists.
- Admire the River City Sculpture Tour, located in various spots near many of the downtown Stillwater Hotels. This ongoing display of metal sculptures, featuring original pieces, started in 2016.
- Take a Gondola Romantica ride with the one you love along the St. Croix River. As one of the closest downtown Stillwater Hotels to the launch, we always recommend this to couples staying with us. Picnics and alcoholic beverages are permitted to enjoy while drifting down the river.
- Take a cruise with Stillwater Riverboats. These public cruises include a meal and often live music.
- Rent a bike from Herman Electric Bikes and take a bike ride along the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail. This 4.7-mile paved trail is open year-round for cyclists and pedestrians, spanning the St. Croix Crossing Bridge and the Historic Lift Bridge.
- Many of our rooms overlook the Historic Lift Bridge, but you can also experience it from a different perspective by crossing on foot or by bike.
- Wander Historic Main Street, listed on the National Historic Register, where more than 100 locally owned shops and restaurants invite you to explore.
Downtown Stillwater Hotels: Water Street Inn
After a full day of exploring all the fun things to do in Stillwater, returning to the Water Street Inn is a treat. Many of our rooms feature spectacular views of the St. Croix River, the Historic Lift Bridge, and the lively energy of Main Street. Guests often comment on how special it feels to wake up to the sunrise over the river or watch the evening lights sparkle across the downtown area. This unique setting is just one reason we are considered one of the best Downtown Stillwater Hotels.
Guests love our unbeatable location in the heart of Stillwater. From here, everything is just steps away, whether it’s catching a riverboat cruise, exploring the historic main drag, or enjoying live music and festivals. The convenience of walking out the door and being immersed in the town’s culture makes your stay effortless and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, celebrating with friends, or a weekend of delicious dining out, our Downtown Stillwater Hotel places you right in the middle of it all.
Our guest rooms are designed for comfort and convenience, featuring modern touches to help you unwind. Wake up to the beauty of the river, sip coffee while watching the sunrise, and enjoy easy access to every attraction nearby. When deciding which of the downtown Stillwater hotels to pick, you won’t find a better location than our Inn. Reserve your room now!
