Stillwater, Minnesota

Overview

Stillwater, Minnesota, is a literary river town wrapped in vintage lace and riverboat whistles. Set along the St. Croix River, just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, Stillwater is where historic steamboats, independent bookstores, and Victorian mansions collide in the most picturesque way. Often called the "Birthplace of Minnesota", this town of about 20,000 residents blends old-world charm with a modern love of all things quirky, cozy, and creative. Whether you're flipping through first editions, sipping wine by the water, or boarding a paddleboat at sunset, Stillwater proves that good stories and good river views never go out of style.

Top Attractions

Stillwater Riverboats

Step aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat for sightseeing or dinner cruises along the St. Croix-Mark Twain would approve.

Valley Bookseller

Beloved indie bookstore with river views, author events, and a perfectly curated "Staff Picks" table.

Historic Lift Bridge

A former vertical-lift bridge turned pedestrian path-iconic photo op and a literal connection to Wisconsin.

Downtown Stillwater

Brick-lined streets full of boutiques, antique stores, and book nooks like Main Street took a poetry class.

Warden's House Museum

Former home of the state prison warden-now a spooky Victorian museum packed with local lore.

Teddy Bear Park

Whimsical family-friendly park nestled into a bluff playground, picnic spots, and enough charm to melt a cynic.

Unique Stories & Facts

• Book-Town Vibes: Stillwater is home to multiple indie bookstores, rare book dealers, and literary festivals it's a certified haven for bibliophiles.
• Riverboat Legacy: Once a bustling logging port, Stillwater was a key steamboat town and home to one of the region's earliest sawmills.
• Bridge Turned Catwalk: The 1931 lift bridge stopped lifting in 2017-now it serves walkers, bikers, and romantics posing for engagement photos.
• Haunted Bookstore Lore: Some claim Valley Bookseller has a ghost who knocks books off shelves probably a picky reader.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Riverboat Cruises: Sightseeing, lunch, and themed cruises on vintage paddleboats.
• Bookstore Browse: Valley Bookseller, Black Letter Books (rare finds), and the indie literary trail.
• Antique Hunting: Downtown is packed with vintage stores find everything from vinyl to typewriters.
• Bike the Brown's Creek Trail: Paved scenic path from downtown Stillwater to the Gateway Trail and beyond.
• Wine & Mead Tastings: Visit local spots like Saint Croix Vineyards and Meadery for cozy sips and sweet pours.
• Bluff Hikes & Views: Climb to Pioneer Park or take the stairs up the bluff for jaw-dropping views of town and river.

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Lowell Inn Historic Hotel: Occasionally offers Sunday brunch buffets in a vintage dining room-chandeliers included.
• Freight House (Stillwater): No buffet, but the riverfront deck and generous portions make it feel like one.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

• Treasure Island Resort & Casino (Welch, MN - 30 miles): Slot machines, bingo, table games, and live shows not bookish, but bright. Note: Most visitors come for page-turners, not poker chips.

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Book Benches: Art benches shaped like open books scattered around town-sit, read, selfie.
• Lift Bridge Ghost Story: Some claim a long-lost river captain walks the bridge at dusk.
• Library-In-A-Phone-Booth: One of several Little Free Libraries that started in nearby Hudson, WI, but this one's built into a phone booth. Paging Superman.
• Ice Palace Ruins (Winter only): When temps drop, Stillwater sometimes constructs an elaborate ice castle it's temporary and magical.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Warden's House Museum: Staff report creaking floors, flickering lights, and a haunted rocking chair.
• Freight House: Patrons have reported ghostly footsteps and a piano that plays itself-definitely not part of the jazz brunch.
• Downtown Paranormal Tours: Offered seasonally, with stops at allegedly haunted hotels and historical buildings.

Local Events & Festivals

• Lumberjack Days (July): Celebrate Stillwater's logging past with chainsaw carving, logrolling, and live music.
• Stillwater Art Festival (June): Artists from across the Midwest, food trucks, and riverside inspiration.
• Read in the Park (September): Family-focused literacy event with live readings and book giveaways.
• Harvest Fest & Pumpkin Drop (October): Giant pumpkins, pumpkin regattas, and one massive pumpkin gets crushed from a crane.

Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)

Luxury: Lora Hotel

Stylish boutique hotel built into a historic brewery cave (from $250/night).

Mid-Range: Lowell Inn

Elegant 1920s hotel with literary vibes and antique charm (from $180/night).

Budget: Water Street Inn

Riverfront inn with cozy rooms and pub downstairs (from $130/night).

Camping: William O'Brien State Park (15 miles)

Scenic forested campground on the river (from $25/night).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

LoLo American Kitchen

Inventive small plates and killer cocktails-book your table early.

Nelson's Ice Cream

Serving "small" scoops that are absolutely not small-legendary dessert stop.

The Dock Café

Classic American fare with unbeatable views of the river.

Lift Bridge Brewing Co.

Local craft brewery with literary beer names and a lively tasting room.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Comfy walking shoes, layers (river temps change fast), a tote for book hauls, and curiosity for alleys and stairways.
• Safety: Very safe and walkable downtown is best explored on foot.
• Accessibility: Most shops and attractions are accessible, but bluff-top parks may require stair climbing or detours.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• Hudson, WI (5 miles across the bridge): More riverside charm, shops, and microbrews.
• Marine on St. Croix (15 miles): Tiny historic village with art galleries and scenic trails.
• Afton (12 miles): Great for skiing in winter and apple picking in fall.
• William O'Brien State Park (15 miles): Canoeing, hiking, and stunning fall foliage.

Recommended Duration of Stay

2-3 Days: Enough for river cruising, bookstore perusing, trail walking, and good old-fashioned front-porch relaxing.

Target Travelers

• Book Lovers: Indie bookstores, literary events, and cozy reading nooks on every block.
• Romantic Getaway-ers: Riverfront inns, candlelit dinners, and scenic sunset strolls.
• History Buffs: Steamboats, logging lore, and Victorian flair abound.
• Families: Kid-friendly parks, river walks, and events like the pumpkin drop keep things festive.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Stillwater, MN: Where Riverboats and Reading Lists Collide" - Explore this charming river town.