Things to Do in Stillwater and the St. Croix
A 19th-century lumber town on a wild and scenic river, half an hour from St. Paul.
See top-rated activities »About Stillwater
Stillwater calls itself the birthplace of Minnesota, because a convention here in 1848 started the push for a territory. In the lumber boom that followed, logs floated down the St. Croix River to the town's sawmills, and the money built the brick storefronts and hilltop Victorian houses that make Stillwater one of the prettiest small towns in the state. Today Main Street is lined with antique shops, used and rare bookstores, wine bars and restaurants, and boats of every size tie up along the riverfront park.
The 1931 Stillwater Lift Bridge no longer carries cars. It is now part of a walking and biking loop of about five miles that crosses into Wisconsin on the new St. Croix Crossing bridge and returns over the old one, with river views the whole way. Above downtown, the Historic Washington County Courthouse is the oldest standing courthouse in Minnesota, and the Warden's House Museum recalls the territorial prison that once stood at the north end of town. Paddlewheel boats offer lunch and dinner cruises on the river in the warmer months.
The St. Croix is a National Scenic Riverway, and the valley north and south of Stillwater is good for a day out. Upstream, Marine on St. Croix is a tiny village with a general store, and Interstate State Park at Taylors Falls has glacial potholes worn into the dark basalt cliffs of the St. Croix Dalles, plus rock climbing and canoe rentals. Downstream, Afton State Park has bluff-top prairie trails, and Afton Alps is the nearest ski area to the Twin Cities. Stillwater makes an easy half-day trip from St. Paul, which is covered in our Twin Cities guide. Weekends from June through October are busy, so arrive early for parking near Main Street.
Don’t Miss
A 1931 lift bridge, now for walkers and cyclists, on a loop trail that crosses the river twice.
Minnesota's oldest standing courthouse, on the hill above downtown, with exhibits and events.
The home of the old territorial prison's wardens, run by the county historical society.
Glacial potholes and basalt cliffs along the St. Croix, with climbing, hiking and canoeing.
A protected river corridor for paddling, boating and camping between Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Stillwater
Viator
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Get free trip quotes »Stillwater — FAQ
How far is Stillwater from St. Paul?
About 20 miles east, or roughly half an hour by Highway 36.
Can you walk across the Stillwater Lift Bridge?
Yes. Since 2017 the bridge has been open only to pedestrians and cyclists, as part of a loop trail with the St. Croix Crossing bridge.
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