Few landmarks capture the spirit of our town quite like the Stillwater Lift Bridge. The iconic structure spans the St. Croix River, connecting Stillwater, Minnesota, to Houlton, Wisconsin. The eye-catching bridge quickly became a local icon and remains one to this day. The lift bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, a recognition of its remarkable engineering legacy.
The Stillwater Lift Bridge was one of only six vertical lift bridges ever built in Minnesota and Wisconsin; it’s one of just three still standing today. The Stillwater Bridge is truly one of a kind. After decades of carrying vehicles across the river, the historic bridge officially opened to pedestrians and cyclists on June 1, 2020, giving visitors an entirely new way to experience, with sweeping views of the river valley in every direction.
Crossing the Stillwater Lift Bridge is just the beginning of what makes this charming river town such an irresistible destination. When it comes to things to do in Stillwater, the options are as rich as the town’s history. Discover over 100 independently owned shops and restaurants along historic Main Street, or try any of the area’s many group experiences, from axe throwing to kayaking to spas. For those who love the outdoors, the St. Croix River Crossing loop trail offers a 4.7-mile path that winds through Minnesota and Wisconsin, while river boat tours, trolley rides, gondola cruises, and live music venues ensure there’s something for everyone, no matter the season.
No other Stillwater Hotels put you closer to the action, or the Stillwater Lift Bridge, than the Water Street Inn. A distinctive, romantic Victoria-era hotel right on the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater, we sit next to the Historic Lift Bridge and serve as the perfect home base for your next visit. We are Stillwater’s only lodging on the river and feature an Irish pub, restaurant, seasonal patio dining, and meeting and banquet facilities for up to 300 people. Unwind in a whirlpool suite or end the day with a pint in Charlie’s Pub. Book your stay today!
Everything You Need to Know About the Stillwater Lift Bridge
The Stillwater Lift Bridge is the heart and soul of our beloved river town. Built in 1931 with a vertical lift span to accommodate river traffic, the eye-catching structure quickly became a local icon, and nearly a century later, it remains one of the most photographed and recognizable landmarks in the region.
When the bridge was originally constructed, its trusses were painted green, but in 1942, the entire span was painted industrial grey, the color it remained until the recent pedestrian conversion restored it to its original historic green. That restoration makes the bridge look much like it did when it first opened, a detail history buffs will appreciate as they stroll across.
After three years of restoration work, the historic bridge officially opened to pedestrians and bicyclists on June 1, 2020, giving visitors a new way to experience it. Walking across the bridge is one of the most leisurely things to do in Stillwater, with dedicated walking and biking lanes well marked and separated, so everyone can enjoy the bridge at their own pace. Stop halfway across the bridge for a perfect photo opportunity capturing both the St. Croix River and the city of Stillwater along the horizon, especially on a cloudless day when the sun reflects off the water. The views in both directions are nothing short of stunning, making this one of the best free experiences in Stillwater.
One of the most interesting things to witness at the Stillwater Lift Bridge is the lift itself. Watching the massive span rise to allow river traffic through is a spectacle. During the lift season, the bridge is staffed from 8 am to midnight daily, and the lift schedule runs roughly from May to late October each year. Timing your visit during boating season gives you the chance to see this historic engineering marvel in action. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, or head over around 6:30 pm to explore in the evening light. Weekday visits tend to be quieter than weekends, though the bridge is a worthwhile stop any time of year.
For those who want to turn their bridge walk into a longer outing, the Stillwater Lift Bridge anchors one of the area’s most popular trails. The well-marked St. Croix Crossing Trail Loop is a 5-mile loop that features two bridges over the St. Croix River: the historic lift bridge for pedestrian and cyclist use and the newer St. Croix Crossing bridge downstream, with breathtaking views from both. Whether you walk, run, or bike, the loop is a great way to experience the landscape from multiple vantage points.
Before or after crossing the Stillwater Lift Bridge, take some time to enjoy Lowell Park, the beautiful green space that frames the Minnesota approach to the bridge. Lowell Park stretches north and south of the historic lift bridge along the river in downtown Stillwater. It’s a wonderful place to sit on the grass and watch the boats on the St. Croix. The park is open daily, and it’s just steps away from downtown’s restaurants and shops. When it comes to things to do in Stillwater, starting your day at Lowell Park and walking the Stillwater Lift Bridge is about as perfect as it gets.
Stay at the only Stillwater Hotel on the River
If you are looking at Stillwater Hotels for a getaway from the Twin Cities, none can match the Water Street Inn’s location, charm, or history. Stillwater’s only lodging on the river, our hotel sits right next to the Historic Lift Bridge, meaning the landmark you just walked across is practically at your doorstep. The Lumber Exchange Building that houses our Hotel was constructed around 1890 by Stillwater’s lumber barons during the boom years of logging. Upon the building’s opening, it was equipped with heating, plumbing, and electricity, and even had one of the first elevators in the state.
One of the greatest advantages of staying with us over all the Stillwater Hotels is that two exceptional dining experiences are on-site. Charlie’s Irish Pub is located in the spot of the original saloon owned by Charlie Lustig when the building first opened, and today features live music every weekend. For dining, Charlie’s Restaurant serves American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the river. With great on-site dining, the Stillwater Lift Bridge just steps away, and the beauty of the St. Croix River just outside the window, there’s no better place to experience everything that makes this town unforgettable. Reserve your room now!
