A Weekend Getaway to Stillwater, Minnesota - The Best Places to Stay, See, Eat, Drink, and Do

Stillwater, Minnesota - a year-round travel destination:

Known as the Birthplace of Minnesota, the historic town of Stillwater sits on the St. Croix River. It’s just a quick 20-minute drive from the Twin Cities. I love day or weekend trips any time of year, as there is always something fun to do in any season. Fall might just be my favorite season with the fall leaves showing off and a visit to Aamodt’s Apple Orchard and Winery on the agenda. Wintertime I love how beautifully the shops and entire town decorates for the holidays. There are synchronized lights, a fun castle maze made of ice, tons of winter festivals, and hot tub nights on the rooftop of Hotel Crosby as the snow falls. Spring unsurprisingly brings flowers and along with summer, brings the return of boating, picnics in the parks, drinks on the patios, boating, and so much more.

Stillwater is a gem! But don’t just take my word for it, Matador Travel named Stillwater “One of the Coolest Towns in America to Visit in 2021”, and USA Today named Stillwater to their top 10 “Best U.S. Small Town Food Scenes in 2020”.

Where to Stay in Stillwater

Hotel Crosby - This industrial-style hotel opened up just a few years ago in 2018. The three-story hotel has over 50 guest rooms, including several stunning suites. Most rooms have gorgeous reclaimed wood beams, brick walls, and wood barn doors to the bathroom. Many of the rooms have balconies or walkout doors to a lovely patio with fire pit. Hotel Crosby also features the only rooftop patio with hot tub in Stillwater. During a recent fall stay, we had a “premium 2-queen room” on the main floor with patio access. We adored the high ceilings, and ability to walk straight out of the room to comfy couches under the pergola, surrounded by flowers.

Lora Hotel - This stunning hotel also opened in 2018, and was named to Architectural Digest’s “15 Best-Designed Hotels Opening This Summer” list. (And this list features hotels from all over the world!) The hotel building was originally a brewery built in 1886, and some of the rooms have the original limestone walls. It’s also a dog-friendly hotel!

Water Street Inn - This historic hotel was established in 1890, and features both Victorian-style and modern room options. It sits on the St. Croix River and has a fun rooftop restaurant called “Papa’s” with great views. Their other restaurant “Charlie’s” is a popular spot for Sunday Brunch.

The Lowell Inn - Built in 1927 on the grounds of the old lumberjack boarding house, the Lowell Inn features rooms that each have their own unique decor. The exterior of the building is stunning, and when you enter the lobby you’ll feel transported back in time! Their dining room is open to the public and you can call ahead to place a reservation for either their high tea during the early afternoons, or their fondue dinners on the weekend.

Where to Eat & Drink in Stillwater

Feller and The Long Goodbye - These are connected and located in the Lora Hotel, Feller being the restaurant and The Long Goodbye offering fabulous cocktails. This is one of my favorite spots to sit outside and enjoy lunch. Get the charcuterie board with some cocktails, Feller’s delicious Gouda Burger, or their seasonal salad. Their drinks are well-crafted, and if you are looking for an extra bit of fun, The Long Goodbye’s “lucky millionaire” cocktail comes garnished with a scratch-off lottery ticket.

The Lumberjack - This is a fun spot for axe throwing, board games, shuffleboard, or simply enjoying cocktails by the fire in their lounge area. It’s a cozy environment with a friendly staff. The food menu is casual, and I like their carnitas tacos or roasted cauliflower. Their Happy Hour runs from 5-6 on weekdays, for $2 off drinks, and $5 off axe throwing. Some nights they host open mic night or have live music.

The Velveteen Speakeasy - Located at 123 2nd St N, you’ll enter the event center, and you’ll follow the sound of the 1920’s music down to the basement. Reservations are not required, but I recommend calling ahead especially if going on the weekend. The vibe is dark and swanky, with velvet-covered booths, and top-notch bartenders. I always love sitting at the bar, as the staff is friendly and always have great recommendations. Plus I enjoy watching them make the cocktails. The charcuterie board or small shareable plates are great to eat here!

Marx Fusion Bistro - This spot is always a fun dining experience! The menu is a mix of Caribbean, Italian, and Asian. I think their seafood and pasta dishes tend to be my favorites. Go to Marx for a celebratory dinner or date night. They have been a staple in Stillwater for almost 20 years, and are reopening in April with a brand new menu I can’t wait to try!

The Freight House - this historic train depot rain for almost a century, handling up to 70 railcars a day in its prime. Now it lives on as one of the best places in Stillwater to sit outside on the expansive patio and enjoy drinks during the warm months. It has a great view of the Lift Bridge, and I love watching all the boats go by. Inside has an enormous tap room, plenty of games, and a stage for live music events. In the winter the patio is closed, but you can still enjoy the view out the large windows while enjoying their delicious Bavarian pretzels and cheese, among other great appetizers and bar food.

Matchsticks - Located in the Hotel Crosby, we rarely visit Stillwater without making a stop here. They have a seemingly never-ending list of over 800 spirits, many of which are rare or unique. The bottles go on forever around the walls. Their farm-to-table menu features plates that are fun to share, and I often get their beignet dessert, which changes seasonally. You’ll find the staff here is welcoming, and the place is always packed.

Domacin Restaurant & Wine Bar - I live for the Aleksandar’s Risotto dish, made with mushrooms, grana padano, truffle oil, and aged balsamic. Their cheese board is also delicious and comes with marcona almonds which are a personal favorite. Wine lovers will enjoy their extensive selections. Domacin’s is great whether grabbing lunch, some wine during happy hour or enjoying a romantic dinner.

Lolito’s Cantina - A fun Mexican restaurant with a stylish atmosphere. Their tacos are full of flavor, and their margaritas and cocktails are all made with fresh ingredients. No gut-rot mixes here. I love sitting at the bar here, and it is a great spot to kick off the night. They have several house-made salsas and guacamole to choose from, my personal favorite is the chipotle roasted garlic salsa.

Other Great Bars & Restaurants in Stillwater to Check Out:

  • Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop - 50s style burgers, fries, and malts. You can dine indoors, or order from their window which always has a line of excited people.

  • Ziggy’s on Main - spot for live music, drinks, and bar food

  • LoLo American Kitchen & Craft Bar - great spot for American food and drinks. I love their smoked salt and rosemary fries!

  • Stillwater Proper - a new spot owned by the same people as “LoLo’s” and “Lolito’s Cantina” that I cant’ wait to try out next time I visit.

  • Brick & Bourbon - known for wine slushies, smoked cocktails, and a fun menu with shareable items like cranberry hummus or candied bacon flights. They serve cast-iron burgers, multiple mac n cheese options, and have a unique brunch menu as well. It’s on my list to try!

  • Nacho Mama’s - colorful Mexican spot with a hint of Caribbean flavor and large portions.

  • Oasis Cafe - A diner with generous portions of comfort food, a patio, and drinks.

Shops to visit in Stillwater:

  • Cooks of Crocus Hill - Everything you could ever want or need for your kitchen is sold here. But my favorite thing about this shop is the incredible cooking classes they offer!

  • Modern Roots Natural Soaps and Body Care - This shop smells amazing and I love the lotions and body butter that I have purchased from here.

  • Stillwater Olive Oil Company - YUM! Go sample their divine infused oils and vinegar! Their bottle of rosemary olive oil is a favorite of mine to bring home.

  • Käthe Wohlfahrt - I was born in Germany, not far from the original Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. So I was THRILLED to surprise my parents on their recent visit to the ONLY Käthe Wohlfahrt location in the United States. My mom has always dreamed of going back to Germany to visit this store, and this location in Stillwater brought back so many fond memories for my parents.

  • Tremblay’s Sweet Shop - Adorable chocolate and candy shop on Main Street. My husband absolutely loves their turtles. They always have one of the most beautifully decorated storefronts during the holidays.

  • Smith & Trade Mercantile - I love that this shop is a place for local craftsmen and artists to sell their work. It is a fabulous gift shop! You can also take one of the many classes they offer. Everything from bead making to a charcuterie class.

  • Kenzington Boutique - Super stylish spot with friendly and helpful staff. Trendy outfits, dainty jewelry, home decor, and the best candles.

  • Black Letter Books - A brick-and-mortar bookstore with used and rare books.

  • Lake & Company - Women-owned shop for outdoor clothing and equipment.

  • Sota Clothing Co - Great shop with Minnesota-themed apparel.

  • Candyland - Grab some candy or delicious caramel and cheddar popcorn!

Coffee Shops and Cafes in Stillwater:

  • MADE Coffee - One of my favorite coffee shops in Stillwater, MADE is connected to the Hotel Lora. It features fresh-pressed juices, manually pressed espresso, teas, and bakery items. The inside is small, but the outside patio has seating and is fun to enjoy in both warm and cold months with the gas fireplace. I especially love their lavender latte.

  • Coffee Paw Cafe - Located just outside of the downtown area, this quaint spot features great coffee, tea, kombucha, beer, wine, and bottomless mimosas. They have good breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and fresh-made daily bakery items. They also have a bike shop!

  • Boundary Stillwater - great coffee, homemade Stroopwafels, cookies, a fun breakfast and lunch menu, comfy seating, and more.

  • Green Bridge Coffee Shop - knowledgable staff, coffee drinks, teas, and freshly baked pastries in a warm and inviting space.

  • Mon Petit Cheri - Cafe with pastries, breakfast and lunch menus, soups, and a yummy gouda mac n cheese.

  • Main Cafe - Casual spot serving coffee and breakfast all day.

  • The Daily Grind Espresso Cafe - Grab an almond biscotti or scone with your coffee!

What to do in Stillwater

Stillwater always has something going on, and it’s the perfect town for a girl’s trip, vacay, or romantic getaway year-round. According to the town of Stillwater’s website, it has been named to “America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns, Best American Towns for Fall Colors, Best U.S. Towns for Antiquing, Best Twin Cities Day Trips, Best Minnesota Weekend Getaway, America’s Prettiest Painted Places, and Most Romantic Cities.” All well-deserved accolades! Here are some of my favorite things to do:

Aamodt’s Apple Farm - I’ve been to plenty of apple orchards, and this one is one of my favorites! They have everything you need here for a fun afternoon: apple picking, hot air balloon rides, walking through the vineyards, wine tasting from St. Croix Vineyards, Thor’s Hard Cider stand, a bakery and shop with amazing apple cider donuts and treats, and tons of outdoor space to enjoy a perfect Minnesota Fall day.

There are countless festivals throughout the year to attend. One of the major ones in the Fall is the Stillwater Harvest Fest featuring giant pumpkins. We’re talking a regatta where people race down the river in boats made from giant pumpkins, live music, a wine and beer garden, chili cookoff, and much more.

Stillwater thrives in the winter, with tons of cold weather events like the inaugural World Snow Sculpting Championship January 18-23rd, and the Fire & Ice Winter Social showcasing a hot air balloon moonglow, live music, and more January 28-29th. But besides the festivals, you can enjoy the synchronized light show every night in the winter months downtown, as well as the Ice Palace Maze that starts in January! We had a blast last year enjoying the beautiful lit-up ice castle, complete with firepits, a bar, and an ice slide to enjoy. You can check out Stillwater’s full list of events for 2022 here.

Stillwater Tours

Water Rentals & Activities

I’ve visited Stillwater many times but still have many places yet to experience. It’s such a wonderful St. Croix river town, and I hope you put it on your list of places to explore in the United States. If you’ve been to Stillwater, and I left off one of your favorite spots, let me what I need to check out next time! Below you’ll find my custom google map where I’ve saved the locations of all of my favorite Stillwater spots.

Looking for another great Minnesota town to explore!? I love a fun getaway to Crosby - check it out below!

 
 
Hotels, Midwest, Minnesota, Travel, WinterKatherine Mendietastillwater, minnesota, saint croix river, best restaurants, things to do, river cruise, holiday lights, festival, aamodts apple orchard, winery, hotel crosby, lora hotel, water street inn, the lowell hotel, fire and ice, ice palace maze, paddleboard, kayak, snowshoe, jet ski, boat rental, lift bridgeComment