Stillwater is very proud of its history and historical landmarks. The historic lift bridge across the St. Croix is one of only three left in the U.S. Visitors can tour the historic courthouse, jail and the old warden's home, which is now a museum. You can also explore the local history via a 45 minute trolley tour that includes interpretation of historical points throughout the town. Downtown visitors will find old-fashioned ice cream and candy shops. Several of the town's old Victorian mansions are now bed-and-breakfast inns, so you can even sleep surrounded by the town's history.
Stillwater is a wonderland for boating enthusiasts. You can launch your own boat on the St. Croix or rent one. You can rent pontoons, pedal boats, speed boat, kayaks, canoes and even Jet Skis from a number of boat rental companies located on the river. Those wanting a bit of fishing with their boating can get guided fishing tours through local outfitter companies. For the more romantically inclined, gondolas are also available to allow you to sit back and enjoy each other and the scenery while on the water. You can also have lunch or dinner on the river on an old-fashioned paddle wheel boat.
If you love the outdoors but don't care to boat, Stillwater has over 32 city parks and 11 miles of trails where you can hike, bike, rollerblade or ride horses. In the winter you can cross-country ski or snowshoe the trails, sign up for a snowmobile tour or visit one of the area's nearby ski resorts. Golfers will find six golf courses to choose from. If you are looking for a different view of the town, take a hot air balloon tour and enjoy the great outdoors while getting an overhead view of the town and local scenery.
Wine tasters get a real treat in Stillwater where they can end their wine tasting with a tour through Joseph Wolf Brewery caves, limestone caves that were used for a brewery during the late 1800s. You may want to grab a horse and buggy ride while deciding which of the area's live entertainment to enjoy for the evening. If festivals and town events are your idea of fun, you will find weekly events held all throughout summer tour season. If you are planning an off-season trip, you might want to schedule it for one of the town's off-season events. Be sure to spend some time in one of the local spas to spruce up before you leave to make your friends envious of how great you look, even after wondering why you would want to vacation in a small town in Minnesota.
