Published by info on August 5, 2026
Do you remember a summer not measured by screen time?
It was riding your bikes until the streetlights came on, spending your allowance on candy, wandering around town with nowhere to be, and grabbing an ice cream cone to end the day. Summer days felt endless, and the best, most memorable times were the ones that weren’t planned.
Maybe you remember the 90s, maybe you don’t. Either way, everyone knows and cherishes that 90s summer feeling! Lucky for us, that feeling isn’t gone! It’s waiting for you in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Forget the phone. Instead of checking notifications, enjoy the present moment.
Begin your morning with a cup of coffee from Mike and Kat’s Other Place or fuel up with breakfast from The Daily Grind before wandering through historic downtown Stillwater. Skip the GPS and let your curiosity lead the way. Pop into an antique store, browse local boutiques, or simply stroll down Main Street with nowhere specific to be.
If there was one thing every great summer had, it was riding bikes for hours without a destination.
Bring your own or rent a bike from Herman Electric Bikes to cruise along the scenic St. Croix River, pedal across the Historic Lift Bridge, or explore the many trails nearby at your own pace. Stop whenever something catches your eye, whether it be a scenic spot, a local shop, or a quiet place to take in nature. There’s no finish line!
Nothing says summer quite like enjoying a good meal outside. Make sure you spend a little extra time soaking up your surroundings, you’re in no rush today.
Here are some spots to enjoy some fresh air and a good meal:
Want even more patio inspo? Check out our Patios to Visit in Stillwater blog for more outdoor dining ideas!
Watch the boats drift down the river, listen to the buzz of downtown, and enjoy the slower pace of the summer months.
Do you remember walking into a candy store with a few dollars and feeling like you had a very important decision to make?
Relive that excitement by stopping into one of Stillwater’s candy shops. Treat yourself to saltwater taffy and homemade fudge from Tremblay’s Sweet Shop, the famous Chicago Mix popcorn or fine chocolates at Candyland, or childhood favorites and international candies at Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop.
Slow down for an afternoon that doesn’t need an itinerary.
Head to Lowell Park, spread out a blanket, crack open a book, or simply watch the people and boats pass by. Bring a deck of cards, toss a frisbee with friends, or enjoy doing absolutely nothing.
Pretend your camera roll only has 27 photos left. Better yet, grab a disposable camera before your trip and make every picture count! Capture the colorful storefronts, the Historic Lift Bridge, your favorite meals and treats, and the people you’re making memories with. Take pictures for yourself, not for your feed!
If you’re looking to cool off or continue the fun indoors, stop by Matt’s Basement for games, boba tea, and a laid-back vibe that brings back childhood memories. Don’t miss the vintage-style photo booth on the north end of the Freight House deck! Leave Stillwater with a keepsake that’s a lot more fun than another photo sitting in your camera roll.
No perfect summer day is complete without a picnic.
Grab sandwiches to-go from E’s Gourmet Sandwiches or ready-to-eat salads, soup, and snacks from River Market Co-op, then head to Lowell Park or Pioneer Park for a picnic with scenic views of the St. Croix River.
Find a spot in the grass, kick off your shoes, and enjoy a simple picnic while watching boats drift by and people stroll along the riverfront.
Whether you always saved dessert for after dinner or convinced your parents to let you have it first, no summer day was complete without a frozen treat.
Treat yourself to a hand-crafted popsicle from Sticks, or an old-fashioned malt from Leo’s before taking another stroll through downtown.
Don’t worry if it melts a little; that’s part of the experience! After all, sticky hands and melting ice cream are practically a summer tradition. If you’re looking for more adventures, embark on a delightful journey through the Stillwater Treats Trail, where you can indulge in delectable treats from nine local businesses that promise to satisfy every craving.
As the sun starts to set, don’t be in a hurry to head inside for the night. Take one last walk along the river, watch as the sky turns pink and orange over the St. Croix. Soak in the peaceful sounds of a Minnesota summer night.
Maybe that’s what made ’90s summers so unforgettable. They weren’t about checking things off a list or capturing the perfect post, they were about simple moments becoming lifelong memories. The best part? You don’t need a time machine to experience one. You just need a couple days in Stillwater, MN.
Need ideas for lodging? Explore our many options here!
Share your 90s summer adventures in Stillwater, MN with us! Share your experiences by tagging @DiscoverStillwater and using #DiscoverStillwater on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
