Stillwater, MN

Address:Stillwater, Minnesota

There are many things to do in this quaint Minnesota town, laden with antique shops, interesting specialty bookstores and historic sites. Made famous by movies filmed here—Grumpy Old Men, The Cure, Fargo and Beautiful Girls—Stillwater still retains its historic feel. The scenic town on the St. Croix River Valley is popular among tourists from the Twin cities and Wisconsin, because it is an easy getaway from daily life just across the river.

Take a step back in time by taking a tour of town in an old trolley, riverboat or old-fashioned train. The replica turn-of-the-century trolley car provides a fully-narrated, forty-five-minute sightseeing tour of historic Stillwater, with views overlooking the St. Croix River. Take a lunch or dinner cruise aboard the Andiamo Showboat, a paddlewheel riverboat that tours the river and provides nightly entertainment. Don't miss your chance to get on the Minnesota Zephyr. Travel in one of five exquisitely restored dining cars that recreate the prestigious railroad dining of decades gone by. This exciting adventure and romantic three and a-half hour journey begins in Stillwater and travels along the river, streams and woodland bluffs of the beautiful St. Croix River Valley. Enjoy an elegant five-course dinner to oldies hits performed live by "The Zephyr Cabaret." There is plenty of parking at the train station. Before or after your trip, visit the logging and rail museum at the Stillwater Depot, which vividly dramatizes what life in this area was like in 19th century. If you still have time, visit the Warden's House Museum. The old prison is now a museum featuring artifacts from the prison, the lumber industry, the Civil War, and WWI and II. The Washington County Historic Courthouse, the oldest standing courthouse in Minnesota, is also available for tours. You will see the courtroom, the jail and historical exhibits.

Enjoy the scenic St. Croix River Valley and relax in the countryside with a visit to the local winery. Northern Vineyards Winery offers award-winning Minnesota wines, gourmet food products, and a variety of wine accessories. You can enjoy live music on the vineyard's balcony on Friday nights. July is a good time to visit Stillwater because you get to experience the four-day Lumberjack festival. This event features free concerts by national artists, a variety of exhibitions, a carnival, great food, races, a parade and fireworks.

Stillwater is an antiquing city, with several large shopping areas full of antique stores and well-aged goods. In town, individual storefront exteriors reflect their owner's taste and style, from declarations of "No antiques! No reproductions! No espresso!" to carved effigies of Norsk hikers. Stillwater claims to be the "Town of Old Buildings and Beautiful Women." A quick glance down Main Street in historic downtown supports this idea. Half a dozen women's stores, from haute couture to active wear, offer a full gamut of ladies garb.

Climbers will love the climbing wall at P.J. Asch Outfitters. The wall is built into the town's historic grain elevator. Don't worry, you don't have to be an expert to enjoy the climbing wall. Basic instruction for all ages is offered.

Relax or live it up at night in Stillwater. The Valley Chamber Chorale on Main Street performs excellent vocal and orchestral works several times a year. For a little international entertainment, visit Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter on Lofton Avenue, a German hangout with Bavarian food and a Polka band. There's Knackwurst, bratwurst, many different types of schnitzel and sauerkraut and endless pork delicacies. This place is authentically German so come back for Oktoberfest in September. Steamers nightclub is a dance club that packs in the 20-somethings on the weekend for DJ-spun dancing on the river. The brick building, full open-dock doors, and high ceilings make for a great dance space. Occasional live bands add to the fun.

Most of Stillwater's eateries are located south of North Broadway Street in the center of town. There are many choices to choose from, including many places where you can enjoy a romantic meal with a view of the St. Croix River. Treat yourself to a unique dining experience at the Freight House, located in the old Burlington Northern train station on Water Street. . One of the best things about this restaurant, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the patio overlooking the river. If there is a wait when arriving there, which is expected, it's worth it.

Located in Eastern Minnesota less than a half hour's drive northeast of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Stillwater is considered part of the Twin Cities Metro area. Stillwater lies in the heart of the St. Croix River Valley, whose banks draw the state line between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The town is served by Minneapolis International Airport, a hub for Northwest Airlines. Stillwater and the St. Croix Valley is an easy drive on Route 36 from the Twin City area, Route 35/64 east from Wisconsin and Route 95 from the north or south.