Stillwater, MN

An upscale-casual New American spot on Main Street, with burgers, rosemary-and-sea-salt fries, wings, tacos, and a deep cocktail list at fair prices. It gets loud and packed at peak, so come for a late-afternoon weekday seat or grab the bar.

An intimate wine-focused modern-American spot just off Main, with hundreds of wines by the bottle and a deep by-the-glass list. The staff are genuine wine nerds, so tell them a price point and a flavor and let them pour off-list.

A below-street-level prohibition-themed cocktail bar with art-deco decor, handcrafted drinks, and a moody, elegant setting. It is down a few flights and easy to miss from the street, which is the point; go early evening before the crowd finds it.

A hunter-gatherer-themed seasonal New American inside a boutique hotel at the south end of Main, with venison, morel fettuccine, and regionally sourced plates. The adjoining lounge is the move for a cocktail without the full prix-fixe commitment.

A long-running downtown breakfast-and-lunch diner, a local go-to for hearty morning plates and classic griddle fare. Weekend mornings draw a wait, so get there early or aim for a weekday.

A retro corner malt shop at Main and Chestnut serving burgers, hand-dipped malts and shakes, and fries, a nostalgic Stillwater institution. Order a malt, not just a shake; it is the house specialty.

A family-owned Mexican spot with a full sports bar just off downtown, with fajitas, burritos, tacos, and regular drink deals. Locals time visits around the wine and happy-hour specials, and parking is easier than downtown.

Made-to-order individual wood-fired pizzas baked in about ninety seconds, quick, fresh, and customizable. A great fast-casual option when the sit-down spots have a wait; build your own and watch it fire.

A downtown French-style cafe and bakery with house-baked pastries, hot breakfasts, sandwiches, espresso, plus beer and wine. Come for the award-winning pastries mid-morning; they sell out, so earlier is better.

An old-fashioned ice cream stand serving Stillwater for generations, with dozens of flavors and legendary, absurdly huge portions. A single here is bigger than most places' triple, so order down a size and split it.

A paved former-rail trail from the riverfront up alongside a trout stream to the Gateway Trail, with a stretch hugging the St. Croix. Start at the downtown trailhead and ride north; the first mile along the river and creek canopy is the prettiest.

A paved loop crossing the St. Croix twice, once on the historic lift bridge and once on the new river crossing, linking Stillwater with Wisconsin. Walk it clockwise so you finish coming back across the historic lift bridge into downtown.

A downtown riverfront park with paved walking paths, gazebos, and direct views of the lift bridge, the central gathering green along the St. Croix. Stroll the path at dusk for bridge views, then it is steps to Main Street.

A St. Croix riverside state park a short drive north, with a dozen miles of trails through prairie, forest, and the county's high points. The upper park trail and prairie overlook loop are the standout hikes; the riverside trails are easy and family-friendly.

A paved rail-trail running from the Twin Cities out toward Stillwater, where it links to Brown's Creek for a continuous ride to the river. Connect the two for a long, mostly downhill cruise into downtown, then reward yourself at the riverfront.

Stillwater's classic riverboats, running lunch, dinner, and jazz-brunch cruises down the scenic St. Croix in the warmer months. The evening and Sunday jazz cruises are the atmospheric pick; book ahead in peak summer.

Stillwater's namesake craft brewery and the metro's first taproom, with communal seating, board games, and free popcorn. The taproom is away from downtown with easy parking and a more local crowd.

A nonprofit arts center in a former train depot, hosting theater, concerts, film, recitals, and seasonal events like haunted trolley tours. Check the calendar; programming swings from kids' theater to concerts.

One of Minnesota's oldest continuously operated wineries, in a restored century-old barn west of town, with award-winning wines, ciders, and apple products. Free guided tours run on weekends, and it shares grounds with an apple farm.

An award-winning downtown children's park with giant climbable teddy bear statues, a caboose with slides, a treehouse, and log tunnels, a paradise for toddlers through about age ten. Gated with a single entrance, so it is easy to keep eyes on multiple kids.

Stillwater's hot-air balloon company, launching sunrise and sunset flights over the St. Croix valley from an apple farm and vineyard, with a champagne toast on landing. Weather cancels flights often, so build in flexible days.

The town's signature vertical-lift bridge over the St. Croix, now restored as a pedestrian and bicycle crossing. Walk out to the middle at golden hour for the best photo back at the bluff-top downtown, then continue onto the loop trail to Wisconsin.

Minnesota's oldest standing courthouse, a bluff-top landmark with a restored courtroom, jail, and grounds with sweeping views. The self-guided building is free; time your visit for when the jail tour is running.

The home of the warden of the former territorial prison, run by the county historical society, telling the lumber-era and prison history of the Birthplace of Minnesota. Seasonal, inexpensive, and the guided tour is the whole point, with genuinely entertaining guides.

Thousands of square feet of moss-covered sandstone lagering caverns cut into the Main Street bluff, holding relics from Stillwater's brewing past. A genuine piece of lumber-and-beer-era history, though guided tours come and go, so confirm availability before counting on going inside.

Stillwater's walkable historic commercial district of brick storefronts packed with antique malls, used bookstores, and independent gift shops. The multi-dealer antique malls reward slow browsing on the upper floors locals skip.

A bluff-top city park ringed by historic Victorian houses, with a bandshell and one of the best panoramic overlooks of the St. Croix River and downtown. Climb the historic public stairways from downtown rather than driving.