How to Explore Stillwater, Minnesota

Research the attractions and lodging options in Stillwater. Plan ahead by exploring Stillwater attractions and lodging options online. The Stillwater Convention and Visitor's Bureau (discoverstillwater.com) maintains a website with extensive information about lodging, dining, shopping and other attractions. The site also includes a Stillwater Visitor Guide that you can download, read online or have mailed to your home.

Stroll through Stillwater's charming historic district. Incorporated as a city in 1854, Stillwater's historic district includes many Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings. Art galleries, fine restaurants and shops line the streets in Stillwater's historic center, including some of the best antique shops in the region.

The Stillwater Trolley Company runs narrated tours on a historic trolley through the narrow streets of Stillwater's historic district. For a more up-close look at the history of Stillwater's historic district, walking tours are available through Valley Tours.

Cruise the St. Croix River. Stillwater is set on the bluffs of the scenic St. Croix, designated as one of America's protected Wild and Scenic Waterways. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway runs for 150 miles along the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and is the only river in the world that has protected status along the entire length of the river.

There are numerous ways to enjoy the St. Croix, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, wake boarding and even a romantic gondola ride. But the most popular way for visitors to enjoy the river is to take a cruise on a historic paddlewheel riverboat with the St. Croix Boat & Packet Co.

Experience some of Stillwater's numerous outdoor activities. In town you can enjoy Lowell Park, which is located along the river, and Pioneer Park, situated on the bluff. Both offer dramatic river views. Nearby Willow River and Afton State Parks also provide interesting hiking and biking trails.

For a refreshing swim or great fishing, Square Lake is a short drive or bicycle ride from town. If you want thrills and a bird's-eye view, take a hot-air balloon ride offering stunning views of Stillwater and the St. Croix River Valley.

When Minnesota's winter rolls around, the fun doesn't stop. Whether you like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or ice fishing, Stillwater offers some of the best winter recreational areas in the region.

Spend the night in a romantic bed and breakfast or historic inn. If you decide to stay overnight in Stillwater, there are many options for lodging, ranging from historic hotels located in downtown, to romantic bed and breakfasts within walking distance of Main Street. Nearby Oak Park Heights offers newer and budget motels just a few minutes' drive to downtown.

The Lowell Inn, which opened in 1927, is listed on the Historic Register. The hotel offers fine dining and 23 guest rooms within Stillwater's historic district. If you prefer a cozy bed and breakfast, the Elephant Walk Bed and Breakfast is a popular option known for its beautiful and unique rooms as well as tasty meals in a gracious Victorian home.