Stillwater, Minnesota, Is the Perfect Spring and Summer Small-town Getaway

Considered Minnesota’s historic birthplace, Stillwater is a popular spring and summer getaway only 30 minutes from urban Minneapolis. The town, home to roughly 20,000 residents, sits near the Wisconsin border, where people can show up on their boats for waterfront dining and admire the work of the circa 1931 lift bridge, one of the few still in operation.

The easiest way to get to Stillwater is by flying into Minneapolis—Saint Paul International Airport and renting a car to make the 35-minute drive. If you have time, take the St. Croix Scenic Byway. Once there, you can leave the car behind as the town is nice and compact for exploring.

Don’t miss Lumberjack Days, a 90-year tradition held every July featuring live music, BMX stunt performances, local food, and, of course, lumberjack shows with log rolling and speed sawing.

What to Do

Minnesota summers are best spent outdoors. Stillwater sits at the bottom of several hills and one of the most popular activities is the daily climb up a steep set of historic stairs dating back to 1871. It’s about three miles in length and has the best views in the area.

Stillwater River Boats offers seasonal tours of the St. Croix on an old-fashioned paddleboat, including sightseeing and jazz brunch cruises. But if you’d rather explore on your own, several local outfitters provide kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals.

Where to Eat and Drink

Despite its relatively small size—only about eight square miles—Stillwater has an excellent restaurant scene, showcasing the bounty of Midwestern agriculture. Start your day at You & Me Cafe for its house-roasted and brewed coffee and muffins, scones, and pastries made daily.

Stillwater Proper is a restaurant, distillery, and cocktail bar with a menu of classics like smash burgers, tacos, and locally caught walleye, all made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms.

Located inside Hotel Crosby, Matchstick Restaurant is known for its spirits and wood-fired dishes. In fact, the bar claims hundreds of rare and unique bottles and the menu features locally sourced meat and fish in dishes like slow-roasted smoked brisket.

Stillwater also has a handful of breweries and cideries. Thor’s Hard Cider uses apples from the on-site Aamodt’s Apple Farm, where you can enjoy a cider tasting and even indulge in the sauna. River Siren Brewing Co.’s patio is the best spot in town to take in river views with a locally made New Zealand-style pilsner. The brewery also has food trucks, trivia, bingo, and live music.

Embrace your inner Paul Bunyan at The Lumberjack for a local brew and a round of ax-throwing. No Neck Tony’s is another local favorite for its bloody marys and pull tabs, a lottery-type game popular in the Midwest.

Where to Shop

It’s easy to spend your time in Stillwater wandering the shops on Main Street. Every town needs a bookstore and Valley Bookseller is an essential detour. Here, you’ll find national titles and the work of regional authors plus gifts and frequent author events.

American Gothic Antiques is the best place to step back in time, with a labyrinth of connected rooms showcasing vintage glassware, books, toys, and artwork, and Minnesota Made sells clothing and gifts related to the state.

Where to Stay

Stillwater has several places to stay, but your first choice should be Lora, a hotel located inside a former 1886 brewery. With its 40 rooms and in-house coffee shop, you’re steps away from everything in town. It also has Feller, a restaurant that pays homage to the hunters and gatherers who settled the area.

Hotel Crosby has cozy lodge vibes with a roaring fire in the lobby stocked with games, a restaurant, a rooftop hot tub, and even boat rentals. It’s more of a traditional experience at the 35-room Lowell Inn, which was built in 1923. If you’re with a group, you’ll find rentals around town with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and parking on sites like VRBO.