Discover Stillwater Visitor Guide 2023

THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA. DISCOVER THE FUN, THE HISTORY AND THE RIVER.

We invite you to visit our historic river town located just outside Minneapolis/St. Paul on the Minnesota/ Wisconsin border of the St. Croix River. Enjoy colorful panoramic views of the river valley, the historic Main Street District, and an abundance of activities, in all four seasons.

Stay overnight — feel the nostalgia and creativity alive in this town once full of steamboats and lumber barons. Today, Stillwater perfectly pairs modern trends with historic beauty— you’ll love the new St. Croix Crossing Loop Bike Trail, hotels, shops and restaurants downtown.

Need ideas for planning your getaway, wedding, or organization’s next gathering? Be inspired by our charming Midwest destination and one of America’s most picturesque towns (USA Today Travel). With over 20 amazing venues, Stillwater, Minnesota has everything you need to host your event.

Browse through this guide to plan your escape. Enjoy your stay!

Stillwater/Oak Park Heights

Convention and Visitor Bureau

Cover Photo by: Aaron Rice @DroningAbout

Graphic Design by: Studio2 Design + Digital

©2023 Stillwater/Oak Park Heights Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB).

Printed using soy-based inks and recycled paper. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the CVB. Every effort has been made to provide up-to-date information at time of publication (1/1/2023). Changes take place during the year and it is recommended that you reconfirm times, dates, or inclusions for final accuracy.

HELPFUL FACTS WHILE YOU ARE HERE

HISTORY OF STILLWATER

Stillwater is considered the historic Birthplace of Minnesota because in 1848 the first territorial convention to establish Minnesota as a state was held on the corner of Myrtle and Main Street. Stillwater is also one of Minnesota’s oldest towns, preceding Minneapolis by years. In 1854, at the time of incorporation as a city, Stillwater was the largest city in the state. The lumber industry made Stillwater famous. At the height of the log boom, Stillwater’s lumber mills were the largest in the country, making Minnesota one of the largest lumber markets in the world. This boom brought wealth, railroads, steamships, gas lights, and grand homes. Today, Stillwater’s rich and vibrant history is celebrated year-round with thousands of visitors from around the world.

Stillwater’s historic downtown is…

• Located along the St. Croix Scenic Byway – Highway 95

• Situated on a National Scenic Riverway – St. Croix River

• 30 minutes from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mall of America, and MSP Airport

• On the Minnesota/Wisconsin border

Main Street is on the national historic registry and is open YEAR-ROUND, with only a few attractions or shops closing seasonally (May-October high season) or on certain weekdays. All 100+ unique shops and restaurants downtown are independently-owned businesses. The majority are open 7 days a week and typically open between 10-11am and close from 5-8pm.

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Minnesota State Tourism exploreminnesota.com

Stillwater Tourism discoverstillwater.com

City of Stillwater ci.stillwater.mn.us

City of Oak Park Heights cityofoakparkheights.com

Area Chamber of Commerce greaterstillwaterchamber.com

TRAVEL INFORMATION

AIRPORTS

Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport

612.726.5555 (30 min away) or Lake Elmo private airport 651.777.1399 (15 min away) lakeelmoaero.com

PARKING

Downtown Stillwater has over 1800 parking spots. The majority are FREE. Look for on-street, lots, and a parking RAMP on 2nd St. & Commercial St. (next to Lowell Inn). Refer to MAP in the back of this guide or online. Parking lots FREE Nov. 1 –April 30.

EMERGENCY CARE 911

Lakeview Hospital

927 W. Churchill St. 651.439.5330

Stillwater Medical Group

1500 Curve Crest Blvd. 651.439.1234

Health East Stillwater Clinic

2900 Curve Crest Blvd. 651.471.5600

Police 651.351.4900 • Fire 651.351.4950

BOAT DOCKS

See outdoor adventure section, page 34.

TRAIN

St. Paul Union Depot amtrak.com (20 min away)

LIBRARY

Carnegie Public Library is well worth a visit to see the rooftop patio view. 224 3rd St. N. 651.275.4338. Stillwaterlibrary.org

TAXI

Airport Super Shuttle supershuttle.com 800.258.3826

Enterprise Rent A Car 651-351-0000

Hill Valley Taxi 651.373.9941

Stillwater Taxi 651.439.9999

TukTuk WooHoo 888.4.tuk.tuk (488.5885)

Uber & Lyft Service in Stillwater too!

CHURCHES Beautiful historic steeples dot the hillside of downtown Stillwater (see map in back).

St. Michael Catholic Church 611 South Third Street 651.439.4400

St. Mary’s Catholic Church 423 5th Street South 651.439.1270

Trinity Lutheran Church 115 4th Street North 651.439.7400

St. Paul Lutheran Church (ELCA) 609 5th Street South 651.439.5970

Ascension Episcopal Church 214 North Third Street 651.439.2609

STAY OVERNIGHT IN STILLWATER

BED & BREAKFAST INNS

Experience the history of Stillwater by staying in a restored lumber baron’s mansion. Stunning architecture, fireplaces, Swedish steam showers, gourmet breakfast service, lovely gardens and warm local hospitality.

DOWNTOWN HOTELS

Walk to all the downtown attractions from your guest room. Enjoy 4 boutique or historic downtown hotels with on-site restaurants, pubs, and private event spaces.

HOTELS

Find contemporary rooms close to downtown just off Hwy 36 with family friendly features such as pool, hot tub, and continental breakfast.

LOFT & HOME RENTALS

Relax with friends at spa retreat homes, whole house rental in town or a loft space downtown —several new properties!

* Visit DiscoverStillwater.com/things-to-do for campgrounds nearby

SCAN FOR THE MOST CURRENT LISTING

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

RESTAURANTS SERVING FOOD FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Stillwater is a culinary traveler’s delight with 30 restaurants and pubs downtown featuring a variety of fare and atmospheres. Enjoy the river views or people watching with most restaurants offering outdoor patios or rooftops. American burgers to sushi to Italian to Mexican — you’ll find your favorites easily!

DISCOVER THE VIBRANT DOWNTOWN SCENE

Find dining and entertainment in downtown Stillwater year-round, all within walking distance. Check out the online events calendar for live music and special events.

Celebrating a special occasion or planning a holiday gathering? Host your party in Stillwater – private spaces are available for rent!

DINING AROUND TOWN

Acapulco 1240 W Frontage Rd. 651.351.9462 Brine’s

COFFEE, ICE CREAM & QUICK BITES

Barbara Ann’s Fudge Shoppe 317 Main St. S. 651.430.2071

Blue Sun Soda Shop 126 Main St. S. 651.342.0941

Candyland 212 Main St. N. 651.430.8004

Daily Grind Espresso Cafe 217 N. Main St. 651.430.3207

*Gateway Trailside 9936 Lansing Ave. N. 651.242.4415

651.430.8190

*MN Nice Cream 308 Chestnut St. E. 651.571.3199

*Nelson’s Ice Cream 920 Olive St. W. 651.430.1103

Market Food Co-op 221 N. Main St. 651.439.0366 Sara's Tipsy Pies 823 Fourth St. S. 651.342.0934

651.383.6679

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

HEY FOODIES…

Can't decide where to eat? Create your own culinary walking tour and try a dish or drink at a few new places. Dine on the water, literally. Take a scenic paddlewheel lunch or dinner cruise. stillwaterriverboats. Enjoy a picnic in a park or in the garden of your B&B. Stop by the summer Farmer’s Market across from the historic courthouse for local produce on Saturdays, or pop into the River Market Co-op on Main Street for local organic goods and deli service. Pair your picnic with local wines, beers or treats!

SHOPPING IN MAIN STREET BOUTIQUE DISTRICT

Take your time…meander through downtown side streets. Delight in the architecture and the diversity of our unique shops and restaurants. Discover 50 locally owned-operated shops who welcome you. Enjoy special shopping during Shop Small Saturday in November and Hometown for the Holidays in December.

Ultimate Shop-Small Business Destination Year-Round

SHOPPING

Boutiques: Clothing, fashion accessories, jewelry, home décor, furniture, toys, gifts, books, and more! Find gifts and a little something for yourself.

Specialty Shops: Everything from spices, to teas, cookware, candy, yarn, beads, olive oils or imports.

Art Galleries: Many art galleries showcase original local fine art in multiple mediums from paintings, to pottery, textiles, or sculpture. Add to your art collection or find a special piece for a gift.

Antiques: Several antique shops and multi-level dealer malls offer vintage coins, clothing, jewelry, furniture, glassware, art, books, and light fixtures. From the 1800’s to retro 1960’s, industrial to midcentury, you’re sure to find it in Stillwater.

TOP 10 BEST ANTIQUING TOWNS IN THE COUNTRY!

SHOPPING

SCAN FOR THE MOST CURRENT LISTING

DOWNTOWN RETAILERS

Alfresco Casual Living 321 S. Main St. AlfrescoCasualLiving.com

Allure by Greations Jewelers 421 S. Main St. AllurebyGreatons.com

American Gothic Antiques 236 South Main St.

Apricot Lane112 Main St. S. apricotlane5.com

Art n Soul / Stillwater Beads 202 S. Main St. Facebook.com/ArtnSoul.StillwaterBeads

Barbara Ann's Fudge Shoppe 317 Main St. S.

Betty June's 421 S. Main St. Facebook.com/BettyJunesStillwater

Black Letter Books 102 S. Main St. BlackLetterBook.com

Blue Sun Soda Shop 126 Main St. S. 651.342.0941

Brick + Linen 114 Main St. N. bricklinen.com

Britta's Boutique 204 S. Main St. Facebook.com/BrittasBoutique

Candyland 212 N. Main St. CandylandStore.com

Carpe Noctem Candle Co 302 Main St. S. CarpeNoctemCandleCo.com

CBD House 125 Main St. S. cbdhousemn.com

Darn Knit Anyway 423 S. Main St. DarnKnitAnyway.com

Enchante' + Garcon Mens Clothing 317 S. Main St. ShopEnchante.com

Galeria Saro 213 S. Main St. GaleriaSaroStillwater.com

GullyWubbles 112 Main St. GullyWubbles.com

Images of the Past 222 Commercial St. ImagesofThePast.com

Johnny's TV 242 N. Main St. JohnnysTVMn.com

Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store 129 S. Main St. ChristmasFromGermany.com

Katydid's Boutique/Stokes Jewelry 113 S. Main St. Facebook.com/KatydidsStillwater

Kenzington Boutique 324 S. Main St. Facebook.com/kenzingtonboutique

Lakebound Clothing 216 Main St. S. LakeboundClothing.com

Lake and Company 214 Main St. S. TheLakeandCompany.com

Let There Be Light Antiques 220 Commercial St. BeLightMn.com

Lil' Tulips 216 Myrtle St. LilTulips.com

Magnolias Clothing & Textiles 402 Main St. N. MagnoliasWoolandClothing.com

Medicinal Blends 224 Chestnut St. E. MedicinalBlends.com

Midtown Antiques 301 S. Main St. MidtownAntiques.com

Minnesota Made 220 E. Chestnut St. MinnesotaMadeApparel.com

Modern Roots Natural Soaps + Body Care 126 N. Main St. ModernRoots.com

Pinch 'n Rub Spice & Tea Hub 212 S. Main St. PinchnRub.com

Reclaiming Beautiful 216 Myrtle St. Facebook.com/ReclaimingBeautiful

River Bank Gifts 102 N. Main St.

River Jeans 118 N. Main St. RiverJeans.com

River Market Co-op 221 Main St. N. RiverMarket.coop

Rose Mille 215 William St. N. Rosemille.com

Scandinavian North 120 Main St. S. ScandinavianNorth.com

Shop in the City 317 S. Main St. ShopinTheCity.com

Smith & Trade Mercantile 229 Main St. SmithandTrade.com

Sota Clothing 401 S.Main St. SotaClothing.com

Staples Mill Antiques 410 N. Main St. StaplesMillAntiques.com

Stillwater Antiques Mall 101 S. Main St. StillwaterAntiquesMall.com

Stillwater Art Guild Gallery 402 N. Main S.t ArtGuildGallery.com

Stillwater Olive Oil Company 208 S. Main St. StillwaterOliveOil.com

Studio Louise Flowers 210 Main St. S. StudioLouiseFlowers.com

The Shirt Factory 232 S. Main St. Stillwater123456weebly.com

ToxyFree 317 Main St. S. ShopToxyFree.com

Tremblay's Sweet Shop 308 S. Main St. TremblaysSweetShop.com

Unpaved Athleisure 401 Main St. S. UnpavedAthleisure.com

Valley Bookseller 217 N. Main St. ValleyBookseller.com

West Marine 575 N Main St. WestMarine.com

Whatnot Boutique 223 Main St. WhatnotBoutique.com

STILLWATER SHOPPE

Main Street

Stillwater, MN

Sunday: 11-5

Monday: 12-6

Tuesday: 10-6

Wednesday: 10-6

Thursday: 10-6

Friday:10-6

Saturday: 10-6

Interior Design | Styling | Architectural Design

THINGS TO DO

HISTORIC TOURS & SIGHTSEEING

St. Croix Scenic Byway – Drive on Highway 95, which brings you right through Stillwater’s Main Street, to view miles of historic river towns and heritage sites in a legendary natural and scenic valley. Running from Hastings past Hinckley, Minnesota, view rolling hills, gorgeous scenery, rugged rocks, cliffs, and woods. Don’t miss the stretch from Stillwater north 45 minutes to Taylor’s Falls. View maps at stcroixscenicbyway.org.

St. Croix Boom Site – River site of the log boom from 1856 –1914 where timber from up river was sorted and stored before going to downstream sawmills. Located N. of Downtown on Hwy. 95 Wayside

Historic Walking Tours

See pg. 58-59 for a map and links to interactive tours

Explore 14 historic sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places and 18 homes with a self-guided walking tour of Stillwater. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archaeological resources.

THINGS TO DO

Historic Homes – Named one of “America’s Prettiest Painted Places,” Stillwater is home to many beautifully restored historic lumber baron mansions. Stroll the streets on a self-guided tour (pg. 58) or stay in one of the B&Bs to admire the stunning detail, craftsmanship, and architectural styles of these 1800s homes. Many feature intricate woodwork, fireplaces, stained glass windows, and beautiful gardens.

Historic Stillwater Stairs – Much like San Francisco, Stillwater is built on steep hills. Climb the five sets of historic stairs built as early as 1871 for great exercise and views from the top! Explore Pioneer Park, Main Street, Triangle Park, and South Hill. (See locations on back cover map).

Historic Main Street – Several blocks of architecturally unique buildings downtown–home to boutique shops, restaurants, inns, and pubs. On the National Register of Historic Places. One block from the St. Croix River. Stroll through charming Main Street to imagine a bygone era.

Historic Stillwater Library – The original 1901 design made possible by Andrew Carnegie. Renovated and expanded with a stunning rooftop terrace, stained glass windows, and wrought iron shelving. 224 3rd St. N. stillwaterlibrary.org

Historic Lift Bridge – The lift bridge spans the St. Croix River between Stillwater, MN and Houlton, WI. An icon of Stillwater, the bridge is now enjoyed as a bike and pedestrian-only loop trail after a 2-year renovation.

GIRLFRIEND GETAWAYS

Have a blast with friends in Stillwater! What would a vacation be without a little self care or pampering? Enjoy spa services, a hot yoga class or an hour-long walk together up and down the historic steps of the city.

Do something new and fun together – Stillwater has many creative DIY workshops popping up, so sign up to cook, knit, paint or make candles. Thinking of ink? Stillwater Tattoo Co. is fun too! For the outdoor adventure crew there’s the bike trail, SUP boards, or Biercycle. Later on, let loose at your choice of wineries, distilleries, and pubs or maybe even get your palm or Tarot Cards read by JoAnne’s Psychic Shop at 111 Main St. S. Walk-ins or by appointment 612.559.0782. Start planning by booking a great place to stay!

Of course, the weekend wouldn’t be complete without boutique browsing and a wardrobe upgrade during time spent on Main Street exploring our 50+ shops.

THINGS TO DO

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE BOATING & FISHING

Cruise the St. Croix River on your own yacht or rent a boat. Several nearby marinas offer slip rental, docks, and boat launches. Find great information on fish species and tips for fishing online at dnr.state.mn.us — search ‘St. Croix’ or visit CroixSippi.com Note: Check the Historic Lift Bridge Schedule at 651.234.7110 before you leave the dock.

TRAVELING WITH PETS

We are all obsessed with our pets – they are just so darn cute! Stillwater has pet-focused shops, patios, things to do and places to stay

Boomsite Marina 9369 St. Croix Trail N. 651.275.0229

Wolf Marina 514 Alder St. E. 651.439.2341

Ole Sawmill Marina 2009 Lake St. 651.231.2025

West Marina & Stillwater Boat Rentals 422 Mulberry St. E. 651.439.5658

Stillwater FREE Public Docks 325 S. Main St.. 651.430.1234

Croix Boomsite

Lift Bridge

(Behind Paddle Boats) Swimming Beach Lakeside Port in Bayside

Sunnyside Marina 6413 St. Croix Trail 651.430.2119

AREA PARKS

Afton State Park: 6959 Pellar Ave. S. Hastings, MN (trails, beach, campground) dnr.state.mn.us

Downtown Stillwater: Lowell Park, Pioneer Park, Teddy Bear Park, St. Croix Boom Site (See back cover map)

Lake Elmo Park Reserve: 1515 Keats Ave. N. Lake Elmo, MN (trails, beach, playground, lighted cross-country ski trails, camping) co.washington.mn.us 651.430.8368

Pine Point Regional Park: 11900 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater, MN (Gateway Bike Trail, cross-country skiing, horse trails) co.washington.mn.us

Oak Park Heights City Parks: 5 parks, mountain bike trails, disc golf, playgrounds. cityofoakparkheights.com

Square Lake Park: 1545 Square Lake Trail N. Stillwater, MN (boat launch, beach, scuba diving) 651.430.8200 co.washington.mn.us

William O’Brien State Park: 16821 O’Brien Trail N. Marine on St. Croix, MN (trails, canoeing, campground, cross-country ski) 651.433.0500 dnr.state.mn.us

St.

MINNESOTA

WISCONSIN

THINGS TO DO

KAYAKS AND STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDS

Just north of downtown Stillwater, the St. Croix River is a calm national scenic riverway, and the St. Croix Islands recreation area is perfect for exploring. Nearby Lake Elmo, Square Lake or Big Marine are also popular spots. Bring your own gear or rent nearby. DiscoverStillwater.com/things-to-do

PARKS

Make Stillwater your base as you explore nature in the scenic St. Croix River Valley. Visit Minnesota or Wisconsin State Parks, Washington County Parks, or Stillwater and Oak Park Heights City Parks to play in the Midwest landscape.

GOLF

Just a few miles from downtown Stillwater are public golf courses offering championship greens, fairways, friendly club houses, restaurants, and tournaments.

PUBLIC GOLF COURSES

Applewood Golf Course 651.439.7276 applewoodhillsgolf.com

Logger’s Trail 651.439.7862 LoggersTrail.com

Oak Glen Golf Course family foot golf and Golf Board Rental too! 651.439.6981 oakglengolf.com

Royal Golf Club 11455 20th St. N. royalclubmn.org

StoneRidge Golf Club 651.436.GOLF stoneridgegc.com

The Birthplace of Minnesota

THINGS TO DO

NEW TRAILS, NEW VIEWS

The new St. Croix Crossing bridge spanning the St. Croix River from MN to WI opened in August 2018, and as of 2020, restoration and conversion of the historic lift bridge to a multi-use trail are complete! The new St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail connects both bridges for a beautiful nearly five mile bike ride or walk along the river. The Loop Trail also connects through downtown to the Brown's Creek State Bike trail on the north end of Main Street. This trail takes you along the old railroad line into the forest and prairies for 6.4 miles, then connects with the Gateway State Bike Trail. Bring your bikes, stop by the self-rental station downtown or rent an e-bike. See Dot.state.mn.us/stcroixcrossing and GatewayBrownsCreekTrail.org

THINGS TO DO

THINGS TO DO

ART EVENTS IN STILLWATER

OCT ALL

River City Sculpture Tour – year round display of public art throughout downtown rivercitysculptures.com Look for murals and painted utility boxes, too!

St. Croix Valley Potter’s Tour – minnesotapotters.com

JUNE JUNESEPT

St. Croix Valley Studio Tour – artopener.org

Take Me to the River – festival of art fairs along the St. Croix artreachstcroix.org

THEATRE & DANCE

Stillwater Zephyr Theatre – We are thrilled to have a live performance theater right downtown next to the St. Croix River, offering live events year-round. The theater is in the old train depot on Main Street and is adjacent to the Brown's Creek bike trail. 651.373.7026 stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

ART GALLERIES

Stop by several art galleries in Stillwater! Discover original fine art in multiple mediums from paintings, to pottery, textiles, sculpture, or jewelry. Find more at antique shops! Find new and established local artist works in galleries or open studio events.

Galeria Saro 324 S. Main St. 612.719.5184 (See ad on pg. 31)

Smith & Trade Mercantile

229 Main St. SmithandTrade.com (See ad on pg. 31)

Stillwater Art Guild Gallery 402 N. Main St. 651.689.0149 (See ad on pg. 31)

THINGS TO DO

CREATE YOUR OWN ART

Discover your hidden talents by working with beads, yarn, fabric, paints, and wood.

Art n’ Soul | Stillwater Beads – see their huge inventory of beads and take a beaded jewelry class (See ad on pg. 23)

Carpe Noctem Candle Co – pour your own candles CarpeNoctemCandleCo.com

Darn Knit Anyway – take classes on how to knit, crochet, sew, spin, or felt (See ad on pg. 49)

Kari’s Create & Paint Studio – paint your own pottery or canvas, fun for all ages (See ad on pg. 57)

Marquess Studios – repurposed vintage jewelry, gifts and studio for classes/events marquessstudios.com

Smith + Trade Mercantile – classes from local artisans (See ad on pg. 30)

Stillwater Art Guild Gallery – classes in pottery, painting, or photography (See ad on pg. 30)

Studio Louise Flowers – workshops at the flower bar

Find additional DIY workshops at the online events calendar at DiscoverStillwater.com

THINGS TO DO

EVENTS EVERY WEEKEND!

Hometown for the Holidays – month long celebration from Black Friday through New Year’s Eve with a nightly light show on Chestnut Street.

Winter Fest • Frozen Flannel • Ice Skating Rink

Fat Tire Bike Rally and more!

World Snow Sculpting Championship – teams from around the world create amazing snow sculptures while competing for prize money.

January 18th - 22rd, 2023

Winter Ice Cream Social – historic tradition in January with a bonfire, ice skating, and period costumes

Romantic Getaways – cozy lodging, great dining, live music, cooking classes, warm spas, and boutiques. Celebrate with your Valentine!

DiscoverStillwater.com/wintertime

THINGS TO DO

WINERIES + BREWERIES + DISTILLERIES

Stillwater produces award-winning wines and is home to several microbreweries and distilleries. Get an authentic travel experience with a tour of local brews and grapes. Look for events on our calendar in this guide or online at DiscoverStillwater.com/events

TAP ROOMS

Joseph Wolf Brewery - Original 1868 local Stillwater beer ended production during prohibition. Today, Joseph Wolf’s great-granddaughters have relaunched the family brewery legacy. josephwolfbrewing.com

210 Main St. N

Lift Bridge Brewing Company - 1900 Tower Drive 888.430.BEER Minnesota's 7th largest craft brewery; local tap room, tours, events, growlers and merchandise. Sample their well-known flagship beers – Farm Girl Saison and Hop Dish IPA – or a seasonal specialty. liftbridgebrewery.com

River Siren Brewing - 225 Main St. N. 651.430.0044 Located downtown with views of the river, outdoor seating, beer flights. Wheat, Bock, Stouts and more.

WINERIES

Saint Croix Vineyards - 6428 Manning Ave N. 651.430.3310 scvwines.com Stroll through picturesque vineyards just minutes from downtown. Sample award-winning wines in a charming century-old barn. Enjoy live music weekends during the summer.

7 Vines Vineyard - 101 hwy 96 East Dellwood, 651.478.6300 7vinesvineyard.com Acres of rolling vines and a state-of-the-art winery welcome you to explore the grape to wine process and savor handcrafted wines with Midwest charm.

Rustic Roots Winery - 20168 St. Croix Trail N, 651-433-3311 rusticroots.wine

Domacin Wine Bar & Wine Shop - 102 S. 2nd St. 651.439.1352 Featured in Travel+Leisure Magazine: America’s 25 Best Wine Bars.

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PRE-BOOK YOUR VISIT ONLINE AT THELUMBERJACKMN.COM

DISTILLERY & TASTINGS

Stillwater Proper Distillery - 227 S. Main St. stillwaterproper.com

45th Parallel Distillery - 228 Water St. S. 45thparalleldistillery.com/stillwater

Forge & Foundry Distillery - 223 Main St N. forgeandfoundrydistillery.com

Thor's Hard Cider - 6428 Manning Ave. 651.439.3127 thorshardcider.com Local cider tasting room at Aamodt's Apple Farm.

The Stills - Private party whiskey and wine tasting room. 217 2nd St., located behind Hotel Crosby.

DOWNTOWN LIQUOR STORE

O'Brien's Wine & Spirits - 118 Chestnut St. E. 651.439.7595

2ND STREET NORTH SUITE 102, STILLWATER, MN USE COMMERCIAL STREET ENTRANCE!

THINGS TO DO

ROMANTIC ESCAPE

SURPRISE SOMEONE YOU Love

You’ll feel the romance the moment you enter this riverfront village. Here are a few ideas for experiencing romance in Stillwater:

Step 1: Select the perfect place to stay. Riverfront balcony, rainfall shower, secret lookout tower, kingsized bed chamber, garden patio, fireplace, hot tub, privacy, contemporary style or breakfast in bed. With 7 Bed & Breakfasts, 4 Downtown Inns, 5 hotels, and many home rentals—you’ll find a special retreat for two.

Step 2: Dine Together. Select an intimate table for two at one of many fine restaurants downtown with river views, outdoor dining, fireplaces, cozy booths, live music, wine/cocktail lists, and even a speakeasy. Browse the dining section of this guide or DiscoverStillwater.com for 30+ locations.

NAMED

ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST ROMANTIC PLACES AND Best Weekend Getaway.

THINGS TO DO

Step 3: Impress with fun Things to Do. Are you foodies, nature lovers, fitness buffs, vintage seekers, art or fashion fanatics, live music enthusiasts, DIY crafters, cyclists, winery/ brewery explorers, or history hounds? Explore this guide and our website for great ideas.

One unique treasure we must point out is that Stillwater is home to an authentic Venetian Gondola. Pack a picnic, wine or order a special package and set sail for a private view of Stillwater. What a great way to tell someone you love them or celebrate an anniversary!

Walk the streets hand-in-hand to take in the various landscape views — climb the steps, cross the lift bridge, or walk the trails. Relax together with a couples' massage...

Step 4: Give a sweet local gift — A bottle of local wine, homemade chocolates from local chocolatiers on Main Street, or jewelry hand selected by you from a downtown jeweler.

Gondola Romantica (See ad on back cover)

THINGS TO DO

FAMILY FUN

Kids love Stillwater. Set their imaginations free with a little historic river town exploration.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS

• Summer: July 4th Fireworks, Summer Tuesdays movies in the park, Cruisin’ on the Croix car show, Lumberjack Days

• Fall: Harvest Fest with Giant Pumpkins, Trick or Treating on Main Street and Apple Picking

• Winter: Come see Santa, a Twinkle Party and Horse-drawn rides, Ice Rink and LED Light Show

• Parks Galore: Visit one of our great parks—three right in the downtown area. ci.stillwater.mn.us and cityofoakparkheights.com

1. Teddy Bear Park: Located on the corner of 2nd St. and Nelson St. (just a block off Main St.). Exploratory playground ideal for kids up to age seven. Giant teddy bear, train, tree house slide, sand pit, and amphitheater for educational programming. Seasonal.

2. Pioneer Park: Huge playground with swings and a perfect spot for a picnic with a view. 515 2nd St. N.

3. Lowell Park: Watch boats go by while on the Riverwalk or see the Historic Lift Bridge raise for boaters.

FUN STUFF TO DO

Riverboat Cruise Swim at Bayport’s Lakeside Park Beach

Stillwater Trolley tour Walk Main Street, historic stairs and Riverwalk

Kari’s Create & Paint Studio Look for sculptures, murals and historic points of interest

Shop for toys and treats Pick your own fruit — AamodtsAppleFarm.com or BlueberryFieldsofStillwater.com

Bike trails

Winter skiing or snow tubing

Ice cream or candy store stop Snap photos to enter in the annual Discover Stillwater Photo Contest

THINGS TO DO

TOUR OPTIONS

*Stillwater Trolley – 45 minute narrated trolley tours through historic districts. Learn all the local folklore that made this lumber town famous and ride through the residential hills of beautiful historic neighborhoods. Private rental also available. (See ad on back cover) 400 E. Nelson St. 651.430.0352 stillwatertrolley.com

*St. Croix Boat & Packet – 1880s era authentic paddlewheel cruises on the scenic St. Croix River. Daily lunch or dinner cruises. Best way to see natural beauty of Stillwater. Private charters as well. (See ad on map foldout) 525 S. Main St. 651.430.1234 stillwaterriverboats.com

*Gondola Romantica– Cruise the river in an authentic Venetian gondola for two. (See ad on back cover).Ticket booth on Nelson St. 651.439.1783 gondolaromantica.com

Biercycle Adventures – Pedal the riverfront and streets of downtown on a motorized cycle holding 10 peddlers and 3 riders. Tours, transfers, and group rentals are available (See ad on pg. 51) 651.300.2202 biercycleadventures.com

Wahoo Adventures – Guided kayak tours on the St. Croix River. mywahooadventures.com

Hot Air Balloon Rides – Get the best view of the St. Croix Valley. Year-round, yet weather dependent. Aamodts’s Hot Air Balloons 651.351.0101 aamodtsballoons.com OR Stillwater Balloons 651.439.1800 stillwaterballoons.com

Historic Courthouse & Old Jail – Minnesota’s oldest standing courthouse offering guided tours April-September. Self-guided tours year-round. Italianate style courthouse built in 1870 on a bluff overlooking downtown and river. (See ad on pg. 65) 101 W. Pine St. 651.275.7075 co.washington.mn.us

Warden’s House Museum – 1853 home of Minnesota’s first territorial prison warden decorated and furnished with period pieces and historic artifacts. See remnants of original prison. Thurs-Sun tours May–Oct. Group tours available year-round. 602 N. Main St. 651.439.5956 wchsmn.org/museums/wardens-house-museum

Washington County Heritage Center –1862 Greeley St. S. wchsmn.org

Stillwater Ghost Walks – americanghostwalks.com

Valley Tours – Step-on bus guide valleytours.com

Guided Historic Walking Tours – rivertowntours.com

*Seasonal May - October

SCENES OF STILLWATER

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

Congratulations to the 2022 Discover Stillwater photo contest winners! You can enter this annual contest featuring year-round images. See official rules & prizes at DiscoverStillwater.com/photo-contest.

1ST PLACE - Dom Najarian

2ND PLACE - Douglas Boehme

3RD

- Kelley Brenner

- Todd Kockelman

- Kelley Brenner

- Josh Buck

Our salon sta prides themselves on creating an intimate and personal guest experience, leaving you feeling relaxed and con dent with your new look. We begin each service with a personalized consultation, Aveda stress relieving ritual, shampoo and scalp massage. Visit us for your next haircut and color or a special occasion style.

Wedding Party Hair & Make-Up Specialists Stillwater Gazette Reader’s Choice Best Salon

225 Chestnut St. E • Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-5673 • asalonna.com

CREATE A DESTINATION WEDDING RIGHT HERE IN MINNESOTA!

Stillwater is just minutes from the Twin Cities on the Scenic St. Croix River providing stunning valley views and historic charm.

Over 20 Ceremony & Reception Venues

— Romantic honeymoon suites and 600+ guest rooms —

— Beautiful year-round weddings —

BEST Small Town Charm WEDDING DESTINATION ~ MN Bride Magazine

ONE OF THE TOP 10 Prettiest Small Towns IN AMERICA ~ Forbes

Grand Ballrooms. Hip Lofts. Rustic Retreats. Enchanting Gardens. Rooftop River views. Classic Elegance. Salons and Spas. Florists. Videographers. Photographers. Trolley

Rentals. Bridal Shower Ideas. Bachelorette Parties.

Grooms Dinners. Event Planners. Caterers. DJs & Bands. Picturesque natural backdrops. Honeymoons. Minimoons. Anniversary Celebrations. Proposal Locations.

Stillwater is a top Minnesota wedding destination and celebrates marriage equality. Book early and consider Friday/Sunday or winter weddings!

Have a date in mind? Email info@discoverstillwater. com to request their FREE wedding referral service to see which venues have your date(s) available.

GROUP TOURS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

The 1848 Birthplace of Minnesota welcomes: motor coach tours, company outings, club meetings, group travel clubs, executive retreats, association conferences — groups large & small.

Inspire your attendees by choosing a destination town — not just a venue. Stillwater is a fresh, dynamic setting without expensive travel as it is located only 30 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Mall of America, and the MSP airport. Stillwater is just north of Interstate 94 on the Wisconsin border.

The riverfront district has distinct meeting spaces, from creative lofts to rich boardrooms, as well as lodging, exquisite local chefs, amusing one-of-a-kind experiences, and team building activities for all ages to try. Easy logistics — business and fun all within walking distance.

PLANNERS TAKE NOTE:

Many of the restaurants (page 12 & 13 ) and lodging choices (page 5 + 6) offer event spaces for private rental, but for a complete list of all venues, visit DiscoverStillwater.com. All venues are Wi-Fi enabled.

FOR A LIST OF 50 GROUP EXPERIENCE IDEAS VISIT DiscoverStillwater.com/groups.

Need planning help? The Stillwater/Oak Park Heights Visitor Bureau is here to assist you in planning a successful Stillwater event. Call to talk over your options or join us on our annual tour to get acquainted with Stillwater. Contact us at 651.351.1717 or info@DiscoverStillwater.com.

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

ABOUT THE Historic Walking Tours

The DOWNTOWN and SOUTH HILL HISTORIC HOME tours bring together story and place, using new technology to offer self-guided audio/visual walking tours of Stillwater.

DOWNTOWN

WALKING TOUR

(Use map on right with online videos)

This 14 stop tour explores the stories of Stillwater, from the lumberjack era to today. From Lowell Park to the Lumberman’s Exchange, you’ll get a rich view into the birthplace of Minnesota.

NEW WEB-BASED APP

lensflarestillwater.org

“A Lens Through History”

Walk through a time tunnel — see what your location looks like in the past! Geolocation services detect your spot. Downtown, loop trail and new historic street and car line tours!

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

SCAN THE QR CODE with your smartphone to access videos of the walking tours.

SOUTH HILL HISTORIC HOMES WALKING TOUR

(Use map on right with online videos)

This tour explores the history of the Pine and Chestnut Street areas, architectural influences that shaped the homes of South Hill and some of the stories — from gruesome to funny — that shaped Stillwater. www.ci.stillwater. mn.us/southhilltour

Map reprinted with permission from The City of Stillwater.

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

Explore STILLWATER’S PAST

Stillwater, Minnesota, is a city filled with historic buildings and great stories. This tour takes you to some of its most interesting sites and introduces you to a few of the city’s most colorful characters. On this tour, you can . . .

Trace the rise and fall of the lumber industry in Stillwater, and follow the men and women who made it happen. Find out about the Vaudeville Act that turned the Lowell Inn into one of the Midwest’s great hotels. Learn about the old state prison and its most infamous inmates the Younger gang.

THE STORY OF STILLWATER

In 1837 the United States entered into a treaty with several bands of Ojibwe and Dakota Indians. Under the terms, the Indians ceded the northern third of presentday Wisconsin and more than three million acres of land between the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. Soon after, Joseph R. Brown, a colorful Indian trader and promoter, opened a small warehouse at the head of Lake St. Croix to supply his upriver fur trading operations.

A new mill opened just south of Brown’s warehouse, and it soon became the preferred location for new arrivals looking for work. John Allen and his family were the first to settle in the new village of Stillwater. By 1846 the town had around ten families and twenty single men.

BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA

Wisconsin became a state in 1848 with its western boundary set at the St. Croix River. This left the people who lived in Wisconsin Territory in the delta between the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers uncertain about their government. A convention met in Stillwater in August 1848 and elected Henry Hastings Sibley to take a petition to Congress to create a new territory, earning Stillwater its title as the birthplace of Minnesota. Sibley was successful and Minnesota became a territory on March 3, 1849. The first Minnesota Territorial Legislature named the city as the seat of Washington County. In 1851 Stillwater was awarded a political plum when it was chosen as the site of the territorial prison.

Stillwater in 1870

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

LUMBER

The town was platted in 1848 with 600 residents “of whom nearly all of the men were lumbermen,” as one historian wrote. It was lumber that drove Stillwater’s economy in the nineteenth century taking advantage of the river that carried timber from the pine forests to the north down to a log-holding boom just upriver from Stillwater. Steam mills sprang up on the St. Croix in the 1850s, and wood finishing industries followed. Products included shingles, windows, doors, furniture and flooring.

Excellent transportation helped the city prosper. The river carried goods between Stillwater and river ports to the south, and early stage roads connected the city to St. Paul and Point Douglas. Railroads arrived in the early 1870s, expanding markets for timber and manufactured goods.

THE GOLDEN AGE

By the late nineteenth century, Stillwater had entered a golden age that produced one of the largest opera houses west of Chicago, the elegant mansions of the lumber barons, and many brick commercial buildings on Main Street. The first electric street railway in Minnesota began operation in Stillwater in June 1889.

By 1900 the lumber was giving out and the mills closed. The last lumber raft leaving Lake St. Croix took place in 1914, the same year that the state prison moved to South Stillwater. As the jobs left, Stillwater’s population declined from a high of more than 13,000 in the 1880s to a low of around 7,000 in 1940.

The Lowell Inn, advertised as “The Mount Vernon of the West,” opened in 1927.

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

STILLWATER TODAY

However, the city began to recover after World War II when good roads and automobiles put residents in commuting range of the Twin Cities. Stillwater began to reinvent itself as a tourist destination, highlighting its outstanding historic buildings. In 1992 the downtown commercial district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Freight House, Washington County Courthouse, Warden’s House, and Staples Mill, all part of this tour, are also found in the National Register. Old mansions received new life as bed and breakfasts. Restaurants opened in the caves and the freight house, shops in old utility buildings, and a hotel in the Lumberman’s Exchange. In its third century, Stillwater is a bustling community boasting a variety of industry and business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about Stillwater’s past, visit the Washington County Historical Society, 602 Main St. North, Stillwater www.wchsmn.org. Historic photographs are used with permission of the Minnesota Historical Society and the Washington County Historical Society. Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission www.ci.stillwater.mn.us

The activity that is the subject of this brochure has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U. S. Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior. This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties.

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

Self-Guided HISTORIC WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN

Reference map and interactive resources on page 58.

1 LOWELL PARK - Chestnut Street

Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, and supported by a donation from businessman Elmore Lowell, the city worked to improve its riverfront in 1909, hiring landscape architect William Finklenburg to design a new park on the levee. A few years later, after the railroad turned over land on the north side of Chestnut Street, nationally known landscape architects Morell and Nichols created the plan for that section of the park. The pavilion was built in 1923.

2 LIFT BRIDGE - Chestnut Street

Stillwater’s first bridge across the St. Croix opened in 1876. The lift bridge was completed in 1931, and is one of the three remaining vertical-lift highway bridges built in Minnesota and Wisconsin prior to World War II. This style of lift bridge is commonly known as a Waddell and Harrington vertical lift. The span is raised and lowered by steel cables passing over sheaths at the top of steel towers mounted on the span’s piers.

3 FREIGHT HOUSE - 233 Water Street

From the date of its construction in 1883 until recently the commerce of Stillwater centered on the railroads. The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad freight house and depot served virtually every commercial interest in the city. The builders used heavy mill timber for framing, laid two foot thick limestone walls as the foundation, and constructed eighteen inch exterior walls. Flooring four inches wide and one inch thick were milled from the maples found on the river islands nearby. Finally, the heavy ceiling trusses were placed, carrying the full weight of a slate roof. The depot was finished in January 1883, and during its heyday, handled as many as seventy rail cars a day while housing the area’s telegraph office. In 1970 the Milwaukee Road Railroad closed the agency and the building was sold.

4 COMMANDER MILL - 413 Nelson Street

The Commander Elevator is one of the most visible buildings on Stillwater’s skyline. The elevator, built in 1898 by the Woodworth Elevator Company, was originally located at the corner of Main and Nelson Streets. Just six years later the elevator was moved to its present site, making way for a new flour mill, with both operated by the Minnesota Flour Mill Company until 1908.The mill passed through many hands over the next eleven years. The Commander Company purchased the elevator in 1919 and operated it until 1961 when G.T.A. bought out all Commander elevators. The name “Commander” stuck with the elevator, and the building is still known by that name.

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

5 HISTORIC CAVES - 402 Main Street South

In 1868 Martin Wolf established a brewery in Stillwater. Three years later, his brother, Joseph Wolf, along with Joseph Tanner, purchased the site. In 1873 they opened the first steam powered brewery in Minnesota. Wolf became the sole proprietor in 1876 with new name, the Empire Brewery. The caves were completed in 1880, and the brewery produced more than 5,000 barrels of beer that year. The name changed to the Joseph Wolf Brewing Company in 1896. For the next two decades, the company flourished, but with the advent of prohibition in 1919, Wolf’s production ceased and the company converted operations to bottled water, soda, and sparkling water. In 1921, at age 89, Joseph Wolf died suddenly and the family blamed Prohibition, claiming it had broken his heart. In 1925 the company shut down and the buildings were rented.

6 WASHINGTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE - 101 Pine Street West

The Washington County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse in Minnesota. It was designed in the Italianate style by Augustus Knight of St. Paul. When it opened in 1870, the lumber industry was booming in the county. The courthouse reflected the county’s wealth and overlooked the city from atop Zion’s Hill. When the county offices were moved to the new Washington County Government Center in 1975, efforts began to reuse the structure. The historic courthouse is still in operation and serves as a venue for community and private events.

7 NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY - 107 Chestnut

Street The National Guard Armory was built in 1922. Stillwater has a long tradition with the National Guard, and after World War I, the city pressed for a new building. Oscar Lang, a well-known Minneapolis architect, designed the hall. It was used not just for military training, but also for public events, sports, and concerts.

8 BRUNSWICK HOUSE - 114 Chestnut Street East

Known as the Brunswick House, this building was constructed by William C. Penny, a carpenter by trade, about 1848 — the same year in which Stillwater was platted as a town and the year the territorial convention took place. In 1849 the first meeting of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) in Minnesota took place in the upstairs of the house. The Pennys sold the house in 1863 to Julius Brunswick. Brunswick, from Switzerland, worked in the mercantile trade and was a wellrespected citizen of the community. He and his wife, Margaret, raised a family with seven children here. Their daughters, Anna, Emily and Mollie, remained in the house until the last sister, Mollie, died in 1968.

9 POST OFFICE - 220 Myrtle Street

Stillwater’s post office moved between several locations during the nineteenth century. Designed by James Knox Taylor, Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department, and built with Bedford stone, it opened its doors in 1905. A newspaper editorial declared, “It is an ornament to the city.” It remained in use until 1967.

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

10 LOWELL INN - 102 2nd Street N.

The Lowell Inn, named for Stillwater entrepreneur Elmore Lowell, was built in 1927, designed by architect William Ingemann in the Colonial Revival style. The inn was run for many years by Arthur and Nelle Palmer, former vaudevillians, who made the inn nationally famous for its unique furnishings and excellent food. When critic Duncan Hines reviewed the inn in 1938, he wrote, “Through it all could be seen the fine hand of a woman of extremely good taste.” A portrait of Nelle hangs in the George Washington Room.

11 STAPLES SAWMILL - 402 Main Street North

This mill was built in 1853 by Seth Sawyer and Alvah Heaton. It was purchased in 1869 by Isaac Staples. He was a powerful lumber baron in the St. Croix River Valley during the logging boom of the late nineteenth century. Staples arrived in Stillwater, from Maine in 1853 as a representative of eastern investors. Hersey, Staples and Co. became the largest single owners of timberland in the St. Croix valley. Aside from his massive holdings and operations in timber, sawmills, and the St. Croix Boom Company, Staples was also the region’s most successful farmer and an important banker.

12 WARDEN’S HOUSE - 602 Main Street North

The Minnesota Territorial Prison, later known as the Minnesota State Prison, operated from 1853 to 1914. Construction of the prison began in 1851, shortly after Minnesota became a territory. The first warden, Francis Delano, moved into this house, one of the oldest homes in the state, on April 4, 1853. The prison was well-known because it once housed the Younger Brothers (Cole, Bob, and Jim) following their failed attempt to rob the First National Bank in Northfield. The Warden’s House is now the home of the Washington County Historical Society.

13 TERRITORIAL CONVENTION SITE - Myrtle & Main Street

When Wisconsin became a state in 1848, there was uncertainty about the legal status of the lands between the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. On August 26, 1848, a gathering was held at John McKusick’s store in Stillwater. This convention elected Henry Sibley to represent their interests in Congress with the goal being the establishment of the Minnesota Territory. The following year, Congress formally approved organization of the new territory, extending from the new state of Wisconsin on the east to the Missouri River on the west.

14 LUMBERMAN’S EXCHANGE - 101 Water Street South

The Lumberman’s Exchange Building was constructed in 1890 during the boom years of logging on the St. Croix River. It was built as the first business block in the city and equipped with modern heating, plumbing, electricity, and even an elevator, one of the first in the state. Its early tenants included logging and lumbering firms.

EVENTS CALENDAR

2023 FESTIVALS CALENDAR

Check out our online calendar at DiscoverStillwater.com/events and ‘What’s New’ tab on the website for updates and many more events! Event dates and details subject to change, so please check websites to verify accuracy.

@DiscoverStillwater follow us on social media or join our e-newsletter for the latest! Live Events Calendar

JANUARY

14 FROZEN FLANNEL • Sat Outdoor Curling & Bonspiel — frozen-flannel-bonspiel.eventbrite.com

18-22

28

WORLD SNOW SCULPTING CHAMPIONSHIP • Inaugural annual event in Lowell Park. — WorldSnowSculpingStillwaterMN.com

HISTORIC WINTER ICE CREAM SOCIAL • Sat, Noon-4pm. Lowell Park. Celebrate Minnesota winter! Bonfire & Music. Washington County Historic Society. FREE ice cream & coffee. — wchsmn.org

TBD RIVERSIDE ICE SKATING RINK • Water Street Inn 101 Water St. S. See WaterStreetInn.us for schedule. Free, bring your own skates! Weather dependent.

FEBRUARY

13-20 WINTERFEST • A Community-wide celebration of winter and Stillwater! — one23Events.com/winterfest

14

18

19

PAINT THE TOWN RED FOR VALENTINE’S DAY • Bring on the romance with red hot shopping & dining deals downtown. FREE horse-drawn carriage rides along the river, 4-7pm.

FROZEN OUTDOOR BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT • Brian's Bar & Grill, 219 S. Main St. Find team registration and details.— facebook.com/briansstillwater

FAT TIRE BIKE RACE — bikereg.com/stillwater-fat-bike-rally

TBD RIVERSIDE ICE SKATING RINK • Water Street Inn 101 Water St. S. See — WaterStreetInn.us for schedule. Free, bring your own skates! Weather dependent.

MARCH

4

16-19

IRISH COFFEE STOUT RELEASE PARTY • Lift Bridge Brewing Company, 1900 Tower Drive West. Live music, bagpipes, Irish dancers. — liftbridgebrewery.com

ST. PATRICK’S DAY • Charlies Irish Pub at the Water Street Inn, 101 Water Street. Celebrate at an Irish Pub! Stay Downtown Stillwater! Time for a Guinness. Irish music on two stages, prizes, fun, and food & drink specials!

APRIL

8

15

23

MAY

EVENTS CALENDAR

MANGO BLONDE RELEASE PARTY • Lift Bridge Brewing Company, 1900 Tower Drive West. Bands, food, and games. Fun for the whole family. — liftbridgebrewery.com

VICTORIAN TEA AT THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE • Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St. Multi-course tea and entertaining program. Registration Required. — co.washington.mn.us/hc

WARDEN’S HOUSE MUSEUM ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE • Sun, Noon-4pm. 602 N. Main St. Preview the newest exhibits of 1800s prison warden’s home. 651-439-5956 — wchsmn.org

Early MAY CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE • Sat & Sun at Saint Croix Vineyards, 6428 Manning Ave. N. — scvwines.com

5-7 THE ST. CROIX VALLEY ANNUAL POTTERY STUDIO TOUR AND SALE • Self-drive 50+ potters, seven pottery studios. — minnesotapotters.com

6 NOOKS & CRANNIES TOUR AT THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE • 101 W. First St. Registration Required. First Saturday of every month — co.washington.mn.us/hc

27 STILLWATER HALF MARATHON • Sat. — runstillwater.com

JUNE

Select Weds CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX - HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR SHOW • 4-8pm. Lowell Park. Admire the vintage cars and retro rides. Festivities, live 50’s music. FREE. — cruisinonthecroix.com

2-4

17

THE ST. CROIX VALLEY ART OPENER STUDIO TOUR • Fri, Sat & Sun, 10am-5pm. See where art happens. — artOPENer.com

FOOD TRUCK EXTRAVAGANZA • Sat, 11am-8pm. Washington County Fairgrounds. Over 30 food trucks, marketplace, business expo, military row, and kids activities. — foodtruckextravaganza.com

24 LIFTBRIDGE ROAD RACE • 10 mile, 10 k and 5 k. — RunStillwater.com

27 SUMMER TUESDAYS • 5pm Market, 6pm Music. Lowell Park, riverfront. Live dusk outdoor movies, bring blankets/chairs or view from your boat — summertuesdays.com FREE family event!

EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY

Select Wed CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX - HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR SHOW • 4-8pm. Lowell Park. Admire the vintage cars and retro rides. Festivities, live 50’s music. FREE — cruisinonthecroix.com

4

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS! • Spend the day in Lowell Park. Civil War cannon on display. Largest Fireworks in MN set to music at the waterfront at 10pm. Jazz Orchestra 7-9pm and great views up at Pioneer Park, too!

Every Tue SUMMER TUESDAYS • 5pm Market, 6pm Music. Lowell Park, riverfront. Live dusk outdoor movies, bring blankets/chairs or view from your boat — summertuesdays.com FREE family event!

8-9 WINE MEETS ART FESTIVAL • Sat, 11-6pm & Sun 11-5pm. 20+ local artist in vineyard. St. Croix Vineyards

13 ICE CREAM SOCIAL • Thur, 5-8pm. Historic Courthouse 101 W. Pine. Old-fashioned ice cream social. Family fun. Amateur talent show. 651-275-7075 — co.washington.mn.us/hc

14-16 STILLWATER LUMBERJACK DAYS • Fri, Sat, Sun, Event times vary. Lowell Park. Stillwater’s Summer Festival for family fun. Parade, live music, vendors, contests, kids activities, Down Hill Derby and more! — lumberjackdays.com

15 VINTAGE BASEBALL EXHIBITION • Sat, 9-4pm. Old Athletic field. FREE.

29 OPERA ON THE RIVER • Sat. Free outdoor live opera. Lowell Park, riverfront. — scvopera.org

29 ST. CROIX CROSSING HALF-MARATHON • Sat. On the new loop trail. Over both the Historic Lift Bridge and the new bridge — runstillwater.com

AUGUST

Every Sun MUSIC IN THE MEADOW • Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter 8390 Lofton Ave N. Live music on Sundays. (651) 439-7128. FREE — gasthausbavarianhunter.com

Select Wed CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX - HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR SHOW • 4-8pm. Lowell Park. Admire the vintage cars and retro rides. Festivities, live 50’s music. FREE — cruisinonthecroix.com

2+9 SUMMER TUESDAYS • 5pm Market, 6pm Music. Lowell Park, riverfront. Live dusk outdoor movies, bring blankets/chairs or view from your boat. FREE family event — summertuesdays.com

12 GOPHER TO BADGER HALF MARATHON • Run from Stillwater to Hudson, WI — runstillwater.com

3 BRIDGE THE VALLEY BIKE RALLY • Multiple route lengths — StillwaterSunriseRotary.org

EVENTS CALENDAR 4

SEPTEMBER

All Month AAMODT’S APPLE FARM FEST • 6428 Manning Ave. Pick your own apples, hay wagon rides, John Deere tractor trikes, Thor’s hard cider tasting. — aamodtsapplefarm.com

4 WALDFEST • Noon - 6pm, Labor Day. Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter 8390 Lofton Ave N. Music, brats & beer. FREE admission. — gasthausbavarianhunter.com

9-10 GRAPE STOMP FESTIVAL • Sat-Sun, Noon-5pm. St. Croix Vineyards 6428 Manning Competition, prizes, live music. FREE tours. 651-430-3310 — scvwines.com

All Month TAKE ME TO THE RIVER • A dozen St. Croix river towns will host over 50 arts events. Powered by Art Reach St. Croix. — TakeMeToTheRiver.info

16 STILLWATER BOOM SITE LOG RUN • 10 mile, 12k or 5k — runstillwater.com

Select Wed CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX - HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR SHOW • 4-8pm. Lowell Park. Admire the vintage cars and retro rides. Festivities, live 50’s music. FREE — cruisinonthecroix.com

EVENTS CALENDAR

OCTOBER

All Month AAMODT’S APPLE FARM FEST • 6428 Manning Ave. Pick your own apples (until supplies last), hay wagon rides, John Deere Tractor Trikes, Hay Bale Maze. 651-439-3127 — aamodtsapplefarm.com

7-8

RIVERTOWN FALL ART FESTIVAL • Sat, 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Art fair and live music festival. RivertownFallArtFestival.com

7 STILLWATER HISTORIC HOMES TOUR • Sun, noon-5pm. Tour very distinct homes that span more than half a century. — wchsmn.org

14-15

HARVEST FEST & GIANT PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF • Sat-Sun. Lowell Park. Record-breaking giant pumpkins, chili cook-off, pumpkin carvers, kid games, live music, a pumpkin drop and a pumpkin regatta on the river. FREE two-day event. — harvestfeststillwater.com

21 COURTHOUSE BY CANDLELIGHT TOURS • Thur, 7:45pm and 8:30pm. Historic Courthouse 101 W. Pine St. — co.washington.mn.us/hc

Multiple Dates HAUNTED HISTORY TROLLEY TOURS • Halloween Experience with Zephyr Theatre (Age 12+)

Tickets at — mywahooadventures.com

29 TRICK OR TREAT FOR KIDS ON MAIN STREET • Sun, 1-4pm.

NOVEMBER

Mid NOV CHEESE & CHOCOLATE WEEKEND • Sat-Sun, Noon-5pm. — scvwines.com

18-19

CHRISTMAS AT THE COURTHOUSE • Sip, savor, shop and support. Holiday Bazaar Sat 10am-4pm & Sun 11am-3pm. Historic Courthouse 101 W. Pine St. Decorated for the holidays. Santa photos, jail tours, food/drink, door prizes. For tickets call 651-275-7075 — co.washington.mn.us/hc

24 BLACK/PLAID FRIDAY • Sleepyhead deals on Main Street starting at 9am. The official kick-off of Hometown for the Holidays.

25 SHOP SMALL SATURDAY • National day to shop our 100+ locally-owned independent businesses downtown.

EVENTS CALENDAR 4

DECEMBER

All Month HOMETOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS - EXPERIENCE CHRISTMAS LIKE YOU REMEMBER

All along Main Street enjoy the decorations, dazzling lights, shopping specials, Victorian Carolers, Santa sightings and FREE horse-drawn wagonette rides,Victorian Teas, and more.

2 TWINKLE PARTY • Sat, 4-5:30pm. Lowell Park. Official tree lighting, Teddy Bear Band and fireworks. Wear your own lights to add to the fun and dress warm.

24-25 CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY BUFFET BRUNCH OR DINNER AT THE LOWELL INN • 11-2pm brunch 5-7pm dinner. Reservations only. 651-439-1100 — lowellinn.com

Every Weekend HOLIDAY TEAS AT THE HISTORIC LOWELL INN • 102 N. Second St. Enjoy a leisurely tea time at the historic Lowell Inn. 651-439-1100 — lowellinn.com

Varies BIERCYCLE CAROLING TOURS • Main Street. Sing & pedal during Caroling Tours in decked out Biercycle. Private tours also available. 651-300-2202 — Biercycleadventures.com

Call FUN WITH SANTA • Santa Brunch at Water Street Inn. Bring the kids! 651-439-6000 — waterstreetinn.us

SING IN THE NEW YEAR • Ring in the New Year with live opera and dancing at the after party — scvopera.org

MAP – DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

DINING/NIGHTLIFE

1. Brick & Bourbon

2. Charlie's Irish Pub & Restaurant

3. Dock Café

4. Feller

5. Freight House

6. Gio's Coffee Café

7. Grand Pizza

8. Greenbridge Coffee Shop

9. Joseph Wolf Brewery

10. Leo's Grill & Malt Shop

11. Lift Bridge Brewery

12. Lowell Inn

13. Mad Capper Saloon & Eatery

14. Matchstick

LODGING

1. AmericInn & Suites

2. Aurora Staples Inn

3. Capper's Terrace

4. Coratel Inn

5. Cover Park Manor

6. Hotel Crosby

7. James Mulvey Inn

SHOPS

1. Allure by Greations

2. Apricot Lane Boutique

3. Art n' Soul/Stillwater Beads

4. Betty Junes

5. Brick + Linen

6. Candyland

7. Darn Knit Anyway

8. Galeria Saro

9. Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store

10. Lakebound Clothing

11. Lil' Tulips

12. Midtown Antiques

THINGS TO DO

1. Aneu Beauty

2. Apiary Hair Salon

3. ArtReach St. Croix

4. A'Salonna Salon

5. Biercycle Adventures

6. DIRO Outdoors (self bike rental station)

7. Gondola Romantica

8. Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

9. Herman Electric Bike Rental

10. Just for Me Spa

11. Kari's Create & Paint Studio

12. Lift Bridge Co-Work

13. Luminate Home Loans

14. RM Realty

15. Mon Petit Cheri

16. P.D. Pappy's

17. Papa's Rooftop

18. Portside

19. River Market Co-Op

20. River Siren Brewery

21. Rustic Roots Winery

22. Saint Croix Vineyards

23. The Lumberjack

24. The Tilted Tiki

25. The Wild Hare

26. Victoriano’s Pizza

27. Ziggy's On Main

8. Just for Me Spa Homes

9. Lora

10. Lowell Inn

11. Main Street Retreat & Downtown Loft Getaway

12. Rivertown Inn

13. Stillwater Inn & Suites

14. Water Street Inn

13. Minnesota Made

14. Modern Roots Natural Soaps & Body Care

15. River Bank Gifts

16. Scandinavian North

17. Shop in the City

18. Studio Louise Flowers

19. Sota Clothing

20. Stillwater Art Guild Gallery

21. Stillwater Olive Oil Company

22. Unpaved Athleisure

23. Valley Bookseller

15. Stillwater Escape Company

16. Stillwater Riverboats

17. Stillwater Trolley

18. The Lumberjack Axe Throwing

19. Valley Tours

20. Washington County Heritage Center

21. World Snow Sculpting Championship

VENUES

22. Grand Banquet Hall

23. JX Event Venue

24. Lora Event Center

25. The Outing Lodge

26. Water Street Inn