Stillwater, Minnesota is easily one of the coolest cities in Minnesota. The popular destination boasts views of the beautiful St. Croix River combined with a charming downtown full of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Stillwater MN is a small, historic town that is the perfect place to get away for the weekend. There are plenty of great places to go and pack your days with fun.
Stillwater, “the Birthplace of Minnesota,” has it all!
How Far is Stillwater, Minnesota from Minneapolis?
Stillwater is just a quick 23 miles from Minneapolis and 20 miles from St. Paul, which makes it the perfect day trip from the Twin Cities area. That said, with so much to do in this cute town, you are better off making it a weekend getaway to experience as much of it as you can!
Where to Stay in Stillwater, Minnesota
The Dutchtown Retreat, VRBO
If you are looking for a cute, quaint little place that is perfect for two people, then definitely book The Dutchtown Retreat. Just a mile from downtown Stillwater sits the perfect loft that’s right across from the bike trail and surrounded by beautiful trees. The inside has gorgeous wood interior and the coziest feel. (Plus, they leave you a bottle of wine and a couple of chocolates!)
Hotels & More Places to Stay in Stillwater
- Rivertown Inn: the largest Bed & Breakfast in Stillwater.
- The Hotel Crosby: beautiful hotel downtown—complete with a spa!
- Lowell Inn: another cozy hotel right downtown with a historic vibe.
- Water Street Inn: romantic hotel on the St. Croix River.
- Lora Hotel: the perfect weekend escape that includes a coffee shop, cocktail bar, and restaurant.
The Best Things to Do in Stillwater Minnesota
Your options in Stillwater will feel endless once you get there! Whether you love being outside, shopping, eating, grabbing drinks, hiking, or all of the above, there is something for you. Here are my top recommendations:
Rent Bikes and Explore Stillwater, Minnesota
A great way to get a feel for one of Minnesota’s oldest towns is to rent bikes and be your own tour guide. There are miles of trails around the city including across the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge which includes a 4.7 mile loop trail, including a quick pass over in Wisconsin. For a longer option, head out on the Brown’s Creek Trail where after 5.9 miles you will hit a T and can turn to go towards St. Paul or Pine Point Park. These trails are extremely well-kept and include beautiful green scenery.
If you’re looking for something fast and exciting, rent E-Bikes from Mike’s Bikes. The electric bikes allow you to take things up a notch (I got up to 20 mph!) and are a perfect way to cover a lot of ground without breaking too much of a sweat! If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry, they show you everything you need to know. And it’s easy! You can also find regular bikes from self-rental stations downtown and other shops.
Fun Fact: You can bike from downtown Stillwater to downtown St. Paul or downtown Stillwater to Wisconsin! It is the perfect city to get on a multi-use trail and get your miles in.
Shop in Downtown Stillwater, Minnesota
There are 50+ independent shops and boutiques in the historic downtown so you will certainly find something you enjoy. Gift shops, candy stores, home decor, antique shops, bookstores, and more line the streets that give Stillwater its charm.
For culinary, stop in Stillwater Olive Oil Company (this is my favorite!), Cooks of Crocus Hill, Pinch N’ Rub Spice & Tea Hub, or the candy shop mentioned below! Valley Bookseller celebrates local and Minnesota authors, Kenzington is perfect for gifts, and stop in Minnesota Made for local apparel.
Eat and Drink in Stillwater, Minnesota
You can easily find a great place (or ten!) for food and delicious drinks when you are visiting. The small town has a place to stop anywhere you turn and is perfect for a bar hop or just trying apps & taps at a variety of restaurants. Here is what I recommend all within a short walk of each other:
No Neck Tony’s
Award-Winning Bloody Mary’s
No Neck Tony’s is my favorite place in Stillwater, Minnesota. An awesome dive bar with an award-winning Bloody Mary (FULL of snacks), delicious chocolate martinis, and non-stop 80’s music! They have the friendliest bartenders who bring everyone in the neighborhood together along with a jukebox, pull tabs, and TVs for the game. Located less than one block off the main drag it’s got (a bit) more local feel than others.
Maple Island Brewing
Brewery with River Views
Stop in here for a cold one and a seat on the (covered) outdoor patio with St. Croix River views. Maple Island Brewing has a great selection of $6 beers with many of them including local ingredients. Inside you’ll find plenty of tables, local art on the wall, and the big tanks where your beer is being created. The Burlesque Kolsch is easy to drink and refreshing (I’d get this one again) and the Cream Ale was tasty as well. Note: They have homemade Root Beer and Cream Soda, too! Oh, and your dog can hang on the patio.
Plus! Check out Lift Bridge Brewery where you will find all sorts of Minnesota beers in a fun taproom. Lift Bridge Brewing creates everything from lagers and IPAs to stouts and even seltzers. This spot is located just 2.5 miles southwest of the downtown stretch.
Lolito Cantina
Trendy Spot for Tacos and Margaritas
Who can say no to a new-age, trendy taco joint? Stop in Lolito Cantina for tacos and a delicious (and beautiful!) margarita. The space is super bright with green plants and beautiful art to make sure the background of your margarita picture fits perfectly on your Instagram feed. Not only are you going to get quality pictures, but quality food and drinks as well. Go with Duck Carnitas Tacos, the Charred Salsa Verda with Tortilla Chips, and (if you like a bit of kick) the Carlito—Tequila, Thai Basil Shrub, Habanero, lime, and soda. YUM!
Another Option: Head just down the block to LoLo American Kitchen and Craft Bar (same owners) for more of an open kitchen bar vibe and some of the best small plates (get fries!) Minnesota has to offer.
Marx Fusion Bistro
Wine Bar with Blended Cuisine Options
This might be the most underrated restaurant in Stillwater, Minnesota! A bit unassuming, step inside to a bistro with a dark ambiance and creative menu. I recommend sitting at the bar where you can order from a delicious cocktail menu (there are no words for my Blueberry Basil Martini!) or a glass of wine. Plan for a nice, higher-end dinner at Marx Fusion Bistro that will be worth the price. The Tuna Tartar and Pistachio Crusted Walleye were both extremely memorable. It was my first time here and it won’t be my last—even locals were raving about it.
Matchstick Restaurant & Spirits
Farm-to-Table Hotel Restaurant
This is one of the great restaurants of Stillwater. Located in The Hotel Crosby, this restaurant is gorgeous with a white marble bar inside a dark wood interior space with liquors covering the wall. If there is warm weather and sunny skies you can sit on their string-lit patio as well. Food at Matchstick is prepared on a natural wood fire grill or smoker and you’ll be served only high-quality meat, fish, and vegetables. They have a fantastic happy hour from 3-5 PM, Monday-Friday, with both drinks and food including burgers, smoked wings, and short rib tostadas. And if there is Barrel-Aged Cream Ale from Kentucky Brewing on tap, do not pass on it!
Party in Stillwater, Minnesota
Live Music at Ziggy’s
Fun Bar Scene
If you are looking to get a little rowdy, this is one of the best places to do it in Stillwater, Minnesota. Stop in this tavern for some live music and a great time! Located on the corner of Main and Chestnut St. E, Ziggy’s has good bar food and an even better vibe.
PD Pappy’s
Perfect Spot for Summer Fun
Hit up PD Pappy’s, a popular place for a fun summer day on the river. Two outdoor spaces overlook the water and get packed in the warm weather months with boaters and motorcycle riders stopping in for a few drinks and American food. There is live music Friday & Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, as well as plenty of cornhole boards if you are feeling competitive.
Grab Dessert in Stillwater, Minnesota
Tremblay’s Sweet Shop
Sweet tooth? This is the place to be! Stop in Tremblay’s Sweet Shop for fudge, taffy, caramels, and candies that are homemade and oh so delicious. The staff are happy and wonderful and are always willing to give you a taste test! This is definitely worth a stop to bring home some treats. Or hit…
Mai Little Cakes
The best part of a getaway is the dessert! (Okay, after the beer…) If you’re in the ice cream or cupcake mood, head to Mai Little Cakes where you can get either – or both! They serve delicious, and beautifully rolled ice cream in a super cute shop.
Check Out the Hidden Waterfall
Hike Fairy Falls
Take a quick hike to Fairy Falls, a hidden waterfall that can be tricky to find and easy to forget when planning a day trip to Stillwater, Minnesota. Located 2-minutes outside of downtown, Fairy Falls is a great opportunity to hike through a low-traffic, secluded trail. Soon after entering, you’ll see a bridge that marks the top of the falls where you will overlook the bluffs.
If you’re looking to go down into the base of the waterfall, you can take a right turn on your way to the bridge. There is a rope secured to several trees that helps you navigate down. There are also multiple routes down into the valley, some more adventurous than others, but the quickest way is the rope.
Tip: This isn’t the best trail for rambunctious young kids or dogs. There are steep drop-offs and you will spend more time worrying about your companions!
How to Get There
Like I said—it’s a little tricky! Plug Fairy Falls into your Google Maps which will get you right where you need to be. However, there are no trail signs and the start of the path is hard to spot. Park on Orwell Ave N. From there, check for the arrow sign pictured below and the path will start directly to the right of it. Then follow the trail, and at .2 miles in, you will come upon the waterfall!
What Else to Do in Stillwater Minnesota
- Climb the Stairs; built on hills, Stillwater, Minnesota offers a few routes of stairs to take for fun, exercise, and views!
- Stillwater Trolley; this little town is full of history. Take a trolley through the area and learn more about it.
- Gondola Cruises on the St. Croix; Venice blended with the beauty of the St. Croix River and the charm of Stillwater on an authentic gondola ride.
- Teddy Bear Park; the cutest play area and green space for kids!
- Pine Point Park; get out into nature to enjoy forests and lakes. North of Stillwater, it can be one of your biking destinations!
- Aamodt’s Apple Farm; if you are out experiencing fall colors in Stillwater, don’t skip the apple orchard!
Stillwater, Minnesota is an awesome place to be with so many fun things to do. You can’t find a better day or weekend-long trip. And with so much to do, see, and explore, it’s just as fun to come on a spur-of-the-moment decision. A Stillwater getaway is just what you need!
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ready for your next Day Trip?
- Taylors Falls, Minnesota is a great place to visit to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery.
- Crosby, Minnesota is one of the most underrated towns in Minnesota! Come for mountain biking—stay for fun bars!
- Red Wing, Minnesota is a fun town along the river (with AMAZING donuts!)
- Austin, Minnesota for a totally unique experience…which is the SPAM Museum LOL. Plus, much more.
