Start from 27 curated places around Stillwater, MN, then choose the recommendations that fit your guests.
Restaurants & cafés
LoLo American Kitchen and Craft Bar
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.
Domaćin Restaurant & Winebar
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.
Trails & outdoors
Brown's Creek State Trail
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.
St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail
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.
Things to do
St. Croix Boat & Packet Co.
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.
Lift Bridge Brewing Company
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.
Landmarks & sights
Stillwater Lift Bridge
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.
Washington County Historic Courthouse
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.