The Best Things to do in Stillwater

There are beautiful sights at every turn in Stillwater! You’ll watch riverboats and authentic gondolas navigating the river, find historical gems tucked around bends, and enjoy the small-town charm. There’s a specific draw to our small town in every season: crisp spring days, sunny summer on the St. Croix, the fall colors of Autumn, and cozy days in winter. There are plenty of things to do in Stillwater, MN, all year!

Here are our top things to do in Stillwater each season:

Best Activities in the Spring:

1. Stillwater Trolley has been taking guests on historical city tours since 1989, offering an in-depth guided tour. The 45-minute narrated tour takes you by beautiful Victorian architecture and the St. Croix River and gives you an overview of all the best things to do in Stillwater.
2. Spring up the stairs! Stillwater is built into the hillsides surrounding the St. Croix River, so there are several sets of stairs (five to be exact), each with 100 steps that take you up and down for exceptional views of the river and valley below.
3. While Stillwater has a year-round Farmer’s Market, spring is the best time to see the beautiful bounty of local produce, flowers, and artisan goods.

Things to do in Stillwater this Summer:

1. Hit the river: always one of the best things to do in Stillwater during the summer! There are many ways to enjoy the St. Croix River, but one of the most classic ways is with Stillwater River Boats on a lunch and dinner cruise. You’ll climb aboard an old-fashioned riverboat and glide in style. There are many other ways to get out on the water for those who would rather be the captain.
2. Enjoy an afternoon of hiking and biking along some of the area’s best trails. The recently completed St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail starts just outside our Stillwater, MN, lodging on the historic lift bridge and continues 4.5 miles before looping back across the river on the new St. Croix Crossing Bridge into downtown.
3. Be sure to grab a cocktail at one of the rooftop bars. And conveniently, on your stay at our Stillwater, MN, lodging, our favorite spot is on Papa’s Rooftop for Italian-style meals, wood-fired pizza, and cocktails with a stunning view opening in early spring. Or check out our neighbors at Portside or Brick and Bourbon.
   

Explore Stillwater With Fall Colors:

1. One of the most romantic things to do in Stillwater is take a memorable gondola ride with Gondola Romantica. It’s a little touch of Venice in the midwest. Sit back and relax as you glide across the St. Croix River with a seasoned and knowledgeable guide. Even more special with the fall colors ablaze!
2. Aamodt’s Apple Farm Bakery & Store is a one-stop destination for all things autumn. This iconic family-owned Stillwater destination allows you to pick your own apples or purchase or taste everything from apple cider (hard and N/A) to apple oatmeal cookies and apple butter. They also offer hot-air balloon rides with amazing views of the St. Croix River Valley and surrounding bluffs. Book here.
3. Take a scenic drive along the St. Croix Scenic Byway. The route is beautiful at any time of year, but it is especially fantastic when the fall foliage changes.

Best Things to do in Stillwater during Winter:

1. Stillwater is renowned for having one of America’s finest small-town food scenes, and there are plenty of delightful opportunities to enjoy during the cozy winter months. You’ll find everything from traditional Italian and New American to international delights and street tacos.
2. Each winter, the World Snow Sculpting Championship comes to Stillwater. Teams travel from all areas of the globe to compete in this impressive art form, and the Snow Sculpting event takes place each January.
3. The Water Street Inn adds winter fun to the waterfront with a River Side Ice Skating Rink. It’s free, and we hold hours for free skating, hockey nights, and family skating. Bring your own ice skates. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in Stillwater year after year!

For personalized recommendations on all the best things to do in Stillwater throughout the year, feel free to ask our warm and welcoming staff members during your stay!