Arts & Culture

Those looking for their fix of artistic entertainment, cultural education and recreational fun in the area don’t need to venture all the way to the Twin Cities.

Visual, musical and performing arts venues, as well as sites bursting with historical significance and information, abound in the northeast suberbs.

In White Bear Lake, year-round programs and activities are offered at the White Bear Center for the Arts. The Lakeshore Players Theatre — which is in its 70th season — puts on multiple shows throughout the year at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center that are sure to appeal to a broad range of audience members.

On the western banks of the St. Croix River, the city of Stillwater — also known as “the birthplace of Minnesota” — boasts a host of historical landmarks and repositories of state and local history. The Washington County Heritage Center, Historical Courthouse and the Warden’s House Museum are just a few places in town that are rich with information from years past.

The Stillwater Lift Bridge, which spans the river and connects to Houlton, Wisconsin, is a historic site and walkable.

Stillwater also has a bustling arts scene, anchored by the nonprofit ArtReach St. Croix, The Zephyr Theatre and a collection of art galleries located along the St. Croix Scenic Byway.

Proximity to lakes and the St. Croix River provide a slew of water-focused activities in the area, such as swimming, boating and kayaking. Disc golf, farmers’ markets, hunting, skating, skiing, and tennis are among the countless other types of outdoor recreation available in the region.

Whether you’re looking to fill out a vacation itinerary with arts and cultural stops or are an area resident looking for some weekend fun, check out the following guide for information on places to go and things to do.