Located on the St. Croix River approximately half an hour from downtown Minneapolis lies the cutest small town of Stillwater. Even though this town is small, it packs a big punch. With activities that range from hiking and boating to shopping and eating ice cream, Stillwater is the perfect destination for a day trip from Minneapolis.
When to Visit
Winters can be very harsh in Minnesota with extreme cold temperatures, snowstorms, and icy roads. If you are accustomed to these kind of conditions, then visiting Stillwater in winter will be no problem for you. In my opinion, the best time to visit Stillwater is late Spring to early Fall due to the dry climate and moderately warm temperatures. Summertime is Minnesota’s peak tourism, so expect to see a high volume of crowds during this season.
How to Get Here
There are two ways to get to Stillwater: driving and biking. If you are driving from Minneapolis, you will take MN-36 E for 25 miles and turn north on MN-95 N/St. Croix Trail N. After driving about a mile, you will enter the town of Stillwater. If you are driving from St. Paul, take I-94 E for 15 miles, and then turn north on MN-95 N/St. Croix Trail N for another 6 miles.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can bike from the capital of Minnesota, St. Paul, to Stillwater via the Gateway Trail/Brown’s Creek Trail. There are a few parking areas along the trail, so you can bike as much or as little of the trail you would like. For more information on Stillwater biking trails, click here.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip from Minnesota
Here is a list of some things you may want to carry with you on your day trip from Minneapolis.
Bug Spray – If you are biking or hiking or will spend time outdoors, I highly recommend bringing some bug spray.
Sunscreen – Again, if you are outdoors, you need to apply sunscreen to your skin.
Chapstick – Keep your lips moisturized with this chapstick with 15 SPF.
Water Bottle – Stay hydrated with this durable 32-ounce water bottle.
Crossbody Purse – I carried a small crossbody purse that would be easy to carry while hiking and just big enough to carry my necessary items.
Sunglasses – Look chic while strolling St. Croix Trail with these men’s and women’s sunglasses.
Best Things to Do in Stillwater
St. Croix Boom Site
This National Historic Landmark signifies the area where timber used to be sorted and stored before heading to sawmills downstream. Now this area is used recreationally with a hiking trail to explore and riverfront property to sunbathe on. Follow the signs north of Stillwater to the St. Croix Boom Site Historical Marker, and walk down the stairs to the waterfront. Just to the right of the stairs, you will find the Sandstone Cave that is laced with graffiti. If you turn left after exiting the stairs, walk along the river for a 0.5-mile hike to a hidden waterfall. To find the waterfall, you will have to step around an unproductive gate and turn left when the cliffs end.
Walk Across Stillwater Lift Bridge
Next, we drove back to town and parked in the free lot near the riverfront. Check signs as many of these parking lots have 4-hour limits. From here, we walked across the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge. This vertical-lift bridge crosses the St. Croix River connecting Minnesota to Wisconsin. Since the opening of the new St. Croix Crossing Bridge, the Stillwater Lift Bridge is only open to pedestrians and bicyclers.
Hike the Historic Stairs of Stillwater
Stillwater is built on a hill, and stairs were constructed that connects surrounding neighborhoods to downtown Stillwater. There are five sets of these historic stairs that you can walk up while exploring the town and its neighborhoods.
Lunch at Oasis Café
After all this walking, we worked up an appetite, so we headed to Oasis Café for lunch. Originally opened as a service station, diner, and bait shop in the 1950s, this café looks like you have been transported back in time. The best part is you can order breakfast all day long!
Shop on St. Croix Trail
The brick buildings along St. Croix Trail house shops, restaurants, bars, and other fun stuff. Spend the next couple hours meandering in and out of the stores in Stillwater. You must go into the Kathe Wohlfahrt store that is known for its traditional German Christmas decorations and Bavarian souvenirs. Another store I really enjoyed was Stillwater Olive Oil Co. which lets you taste different flavored olive oils and vinegars. If you are traveling from out of town, Stillwater Olive Co. will ship your purchases home with no additional cost with a minimum purchase of $35.
Treat Yourself to Nelson’s Ice Cream
Be careful not to overindulge at Nelson’s Ice Cream on your day trip from Minneapolis. The serving sizes are massive but very reasonably priced. The lumberjack is the largest portion size you can order (pictured above). They claim this is five scoops, but it looks more like 20 scoops to me! My friend and I shared the smallest portion size they offer, the child, and it was still too much ice cream for me (pictured below.)
Enjoy Hand Crafted Cocktails
Before your dinner reservations, stop in at one of the many watering holes in Stillwater for some craft cocktails. Our favorite places were No Neck Tony’s, which specializes in flavor martinis, and The Lumberjack, which is an axe throwing bar with a chill atmosphere.
Eat Dinner at Brick & Bourbon
Before finishing our day trip to Stillwater, we had dinner at Brick & Bourbon. If there is open space, sit outside on the patio for views of the St. Croix River. I highly recommend any of the burgers on their menu.
Other Things to Do on Your Day Trip from Minneapolis
Lift Bridge Brewing Company – I prefer cocktails over beer, but if beer is your thing, try the Lift Bridge Brewing Company.
Warden’s House Museum – The Minnesota Territorial Prison warden was boarded in the Warden’s House, which was built in 1853. In 1914, the prison moved to Bayport, and the house eventually became the museum that it is today.
Saint Croix Vineyards – Try some of Minnesota’s finest wine at the St. Croix Vineyards. Their tasting room is open!
St. Croix River Recreation – The St. Croix River offers many aquatic recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and kayaking.
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