Stillwater

State: Minnesota. Type: historic river city in Washington County, on the St. Croix River, about 30 minutes from Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Founded October 26, 1843 (Stillwater Lumber Company); incorporated March 4, 1854. 2020 census population: 19,394. Known as "the Birthplace of Minnesota" for hosting the 1848 territorial convention.

Stillwater grew up on the west bank of the St. Croix River as a 19th-century lumber town and holds a special place in state history as the site of the 1848 territorial convention that began the process of Minnesota statehood; that convention also led to Saint Paul becoming the capital, Minneapolis getting the University of Minnesota, and Stillwater receiving the territory's first prison. The lumber industry that built the city has long since faded, and Stillwater has reinvented itself as a heritage tourism destination, anchored by a well-preserved historic downtown along Main Street, antique shops, and the landmark Stillwater Lift Bridge (completed 1931) spanning the St. Croix. The riverfront, walkable downtown, and long-running Lumberjack Days festival draw day-trippers and weekend visitors from the Twin Cities and beyond.

Stillwater is the county seat of Washington County, Minnesota, sitting on the west bank of the St. Croix River roughly 30 minutes northeast of Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

Stillwater has a continental climate typical of the Twin Cities region, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Average annual snowfall is about 42 inches, and average annual rainfall is about 24 inches.

Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for walking the historic downtown and riverfront. Summer is the peak season, coinciding with the Lumberjack Days festival and warm-weather river activities, while winter draws a smaller crowd interested in the town's historic architecture and shops.

Stillwater's settlement dates to October 26, 1843, when four partners formed the Stillwater Lumber Company, and the city was officially incorporated on March 4, 1854. In 1848, a territorial convention held in Stillwater began the formal process of establishing Minnesota as a U.S. territory and, eventually, a state; the convention's decisions distributed the territory's key institutions among three cities, with Stillwater receiving the first territorial prison. For decades the local economy centered on lumber milling along the St. Croix River. As the lumber industry declined in the 20th century, the city gradually shifted toward tourism, trading on its well-preserved 19th-century downtown, antique trade, and river heritage. The Stillwater Lift Bridge, completed in 1931 and long a defining local landmark, remains one of the city's best-known structures.

Stillwater's official tourism site groups activities into art, historic-site touring, biking trails, downtown shopping, golf, water activities, seasonal farms, spas, guided tours, wineries/breweries/distilleries, and winter activities. Walking the historic Main Street commercial district, browsing antique shops, and spending time along the St. Croix riverfront are core activities for most visitors, alongside river cruises and, in summer, the long-running Lumberjack Days festival.

The Stillwater Lift Bridge (1931) over the St. Croix River is the town's signature landmark. The historic downtown commercial district along Main Street preserves much of Stillwater's 19th-century lumber-era architecture and is now home to antique shops, galleries and restaurants. The St. Croix riverfront itself, with its parks and boat access, is a central gathering point for visitors.

Stillwater is about a 30-minute drive from Minneapolis-Saint Paul, making a personal vehicle or rideshare from the Twin Cities the most practical way to arrive; Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the nearest major air gateway for out-of-state visitors.

Stillwater is an open town rather than a single gated attraction, so there are no overall "hours"; individual shops, restaurants and tour operators along Main Street set their own hours, which should be checked with each business.

There is no admission fee to visit Stillwater itself; costs apply only to individual paid activities such as river cruises, wine or brewery tastings, guided tours, or specific attractions, each priced separately by its operator.

A half-day to full day is typical for exploring downtown, the riverfront and the Lift Bridge; visitors combining shopping, dining and a river cruise or winery visit often plan a full day or an overnight stay.

Stillwater's official visitor site lists a mix of bed and breakfasts, historic inns, hotels, and house or loft rentals concentrated in and around the historic downtown, reflecting the town's identity as a heritage weekend-getaway destination.

Dining in Stillwater is concentrated downtown along and near Main Street, with the official tourism site categorizing options into downtown restaurants, around-town establishments, and other food-focused venues; the riverfront setting adds a number of restaurants and bars with St. Croix River views.

The wider St. Croix Valley, including the river itself and surrounding small towns, offers additional riverfront scenery and antique/wine-trail stops for visitors extending beyond Stillwater's downtown. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, about 30 minutes away, provides a much larger range of attractions for a longer visit.

There is no dedicated rail or transit line into Stillwater; Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the closest major airport, and a car or rideshare is the practical way to reach and get around town.

As with any riverfront town, use caution near the St. Croix River's banks and any boating or water activities. Downtown sidewalks and the Lift Bridge draw heavy pedestrian and cyclist traffic on busy weekends, so watch for both when driving through. For any emergency, dial 911.

Comfortable walking shoes for the downtown's antique shops and sloped streets, layered clothing given Minnesota's variable weather, and a camera for the riverfront and Lift Bridge are worth packing.

Weekends can get busy with day-trippers from the Twin Cities, so arriving earlier in the day helps with parking and quieter browsing downtown. Check the Discover Stillwater events calendar ahead of a visit, since festivals like Lumberjack Days can significantly affect crowds, parking and lodging availability.

Dial 911 for any emergency. For general visitor questions, Discover Stillwater's office can be reached at 651-351-1717 or info@discoverstillwater.com.

Discover Stillwater (official tourism site) - https://discoverstillwater.com

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.