On the bluffs above the St. Croix River in Washington County, Minnesota, the historic town of Stillwater has a strong claim to the title of the most charming small city in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Founded in 1848 at a convention that established the territory of Minnesota, Stillwater calls itself the Birthplace of Minnesota, and its beautiful setting, remarkably well-preserved Victorian architecture, outstanding collection of independent bookshops and antique stores, and proximity to the recreational resources of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway make it an easy choice for a day trip or weekend getaway from the metro area.
Historic Downtown
Stillwater’s downtown, concentrated along Main Street and the cross streets that climb the bluff behind it, is a genuine pleasure to explore on foot. The commercial district retains much of its 19th-century character, with brick storefronts and buildings from the lumber boom era housing an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, wine bars, and restaurants that serve both locals and the steady stream of visitors who come for the ambiance and the shopping.
Stillwater is famous among book lovers for its remarkable concentration of bookshops, particularly antique and used books. St. Croix Antiquarian Booksellers, one of the largest used bookshops in Minnesota, occupies a large space on Main Street and has a collection deep enough to occupy serious bibliophiles for hours. Several other shops carry specialty collections, and browsing the bookstores of Stillwater has become a destination activity in its own right. The town is also strong for antiques, with multiple dealers and shops offering furniture, collectibles, and vintage items of all kinds.
The Lift Bridge and St. Croix River
Stillwater’s most recognizable landmark is the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, an old automobile bridge over the St. Croix River that was converted to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in 2017 when a new highway bridge opened nearby. The lift bridge is a beautifully restored steel structure that dates to 1931 and is one of the most photographed bridges in Minnesota. Walking across it provides excellent views of the river, the Stillwater waterfront, and the Wisconsin bluffs on the far shore. The bridge connects to the Lowell Park waterfront, a pleasant green space along the river’s edge where festivals and events are held throughout the summer.
The St. Croix River at Stillwater is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, one of the original eight rivers protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The river’s water is excellent for recreation, and the Stillwater waterfront is a hub for paddling, fishing, and river watching. Several boat charter and tour operations run from the Stillwater riverfront, offering sightseeing and dining cruises on the river. The view from the water, looking up at the bluffs and the historic buildings of the town, is particularly fine.
Wining and Dining
Stillwater’s restaurant scene has developed considerably in recent years and now offers an impressive range of options for a town of its size. The town has several excellent wine bars and is within driving distance of the St. Croix Valley wine trail, which has wineries on both sides of the river. The Freight House restaurant in the historic railroad depot is a longtime local favorite for fine dining in an atmospheric setting. Brick and Bourbon, Terra, and a growing list of other establishments have elevated the downtown dining scene to match the quality of the setting. Weekend brunch at one of the downtown restaurants is a popular activity for couples and families making a Saturday or Sunday day trip from the Twin Cities.
Seasonal Activities
Stillwater is a strong four-season destination. Summer brings the fullest range of river activities, open-air dining, and downtown shopping. The Stillwater Farmers Market operates on Saturdays in season and is excellent. Fall foliage along the St. Croix River valley is spectacular, and October weekends in Stillwater are among the most popular times to visit. The leaf color along the bluffs on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the river creates an exceptional display. Winter has its own charms, with the downtown shops and restaurants operating at a cozier pace and the frozen river occasionally opening for ice fishing.
The Stillwater Balloons operation has been offering hot-air balloon rides over the St. Croix River valley for decades and is among the most romantic activities available in the Twin Cities metro area. Balloons fly in the early morning and late afternoon and provide incomparable views over the bluffs and river.
Getting There
Stillwater is located about 20 miles east of St. Paul on Minnesota Highway 36, making it easily accessible from both Minneapolis and St. Paul. The drive through the rolling farmland and forest of Washington County is pleasant in any season. Parking in downtown Stillwater can be tight on busy weekends; a short walk from the outer parking areas or use of the municipal lots on Second and Third Streets is typically the best approach. Stillwater makes an excellent combination with a visit to the nearby William O’Brien State Park along the St. Croix or a drive along the Great River Road.
Stillwater is the kind of town that feels like a discovery even though it’s close to a major metropolitan area. Its combination of history, natural beauty, excellent independent retail, and the incomparable St. Croix River make it one of the finest day-trip destinations in the entire upper Midwest. Go on a weekday in fall if you possibly can, and bring enough time to get genuinely lost in the bookshops.
