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Discover the Spooky Side of Stillwater

Published by info on October 5, 2026

Something Ghostly is Happening in Stillwater 👻

From ghostly hauntings and legends to delicious fall treats, there’s more than fall colors to explore in Stillwater, MN this year. With its Victorian homes and historic buildings, one of Minnesota’s oldest towns has collected its fair share of ghost stories and eerie tales over the years. 

This spooky season, discover a different side of Stillwater. Whether you are a believer in the paranormal or just love a good mystery, there’s plenty waiting to be uncovered in Stillwater, Minnesota!

Haunted History and Local Legends  📜

With a history that dates back to the 1800s, it’s no surprise that Stillwater has picked up a ghost story or two along the way. Discover some of the places and legends that give Stillwater its chilling reputation.

• Warden’s House Museum: Built in 1853 to house the wardens of the Minnesota Territorial Prison, the Warden’s House has seen generations of Stillwater history. Today, visitors aren’t the only ones rumored to wander its halls… 

• Ghosts of Stillwater’s Prison Past: Stillwater was once home to the Minnesota Territorial Prison, bringing with it stories of notorious criminals and a darker side of the city’s past. The prison may be gone, but some say not everything connected to it disappeared. 

• The Lowell Inn: The Lowell Inn has welcomed visitors to Stillwater for nearly a century, but local lore suggests some guests never left. This historic downtown landmark has a few mysterious stories hiding behind its doors!

• Legends Along the St. Croix: The scenic St. Croix River has been at the center of Stillwater life for generations. Local legends and eerie tales offer a much different perspective on the river you see today.

• Mysteries Beneath Stillwater: There’s more to Stillwater than what you can see from Main Street! Hidden within the sandstone bluffs are caves with histories and mysteries of their own.

Take a Walk on the Haunted Side 🫣

Ready to experience Stillwater’s creepy side for yourself? Take your curiosity to the streets and discover the stories of the city with Stillwater Ghost Walk. This guided walking tour through Stillwater shares real ghost stories, paranormal experiences, local legends, recent investigations, and more. With ongoing research uncovering new stories from Stillwater’s past, you might just hear one you’ve never heard before! Tour dates and availability vary throughout September and October, so be sure to check upcoming dates and reserve your spot here in advance.

Hop aboard the trolley for a ride through Stillwater’s spookier side! The Haunted Rivertown Terror Trolley Tour, presented by Stillwater Trolley Co. and Zephyr Theatre takes you through the historic Stillwater area to hear myths and legends while interacting with the very ghosts they are based on. With uncanny stories, haunting characters, and a few surprises along the way, this one-of-a-kind experience brings Stillwater’s eerie past to life! Tours run October 9th-10th, 15th-17th, 22nd-24th, and 29th-30th, with multiple evening tours available each night. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance!

Looking for even more spooky fun at the Warden’s House Museum? Hear from the Twin Cities Paranormal Society during Haunted History at the Warden’s House, October 2nd-3rd. They will be presenting some of their spookiest evidence from past ghost investigations, including one conducted right in the museum! You can also experience the house after dark during a Flashlight Tour, October 9th-10th, where you’ll explore the house and grounds while hearing true tales of terror from the Minnesota State Prison. If local legends are true, you may not be exploring alone…

Explore Stillwater After Dark 👀🌙

When the sun goes down, Stillwater takes on a whole new atmosphere. Historic buildings glow beneath the streetlights, the St. Croix River reflects the moon, and Main Street becomes the perfect setting for a fall evening walk. 

Take a stroll along the riverfront, cross the illuminated Historic Lift Bridge, or wander the downtown streets surrounded by buildings that hold generations of stories. Whether you’re searching for something spooky or soaking in history, there is something special about experiencing Stillwater after dark.

Make a Spooky Night of It 🧟‍♂️

Why head home when you can make a night of it? Turn your eerie Stillwater adventure into an overnight getaway! Start with dinner at one of Stillwater’s local spots before heading out for your chosen adventures. 

Keep the ghostly fun going with Stillwater’s Halloween Bar Crawl on October 31st! Dress in your best costume and make your way through participating downtown spots for a festive night out.

After a night of spooky stories and local legends, settle in for a stay at one of Stillwater’s hotels or a charming bed and breakfast. Wake up the next morning and keep exploring with breakfast, shopping, and more fall fun around town. Just don’t be surprised if you hear something in the night!

Discover Stillwater This Spooky Season! 🎃

Ready to discover Stillwater’s ghostly side yourself? Start planning your fall getaway to Stillwater and see what stories are waiting for you around every corner!

More things to do HERE!

Dining and Nightlife experiences HERE!

Explore shopping HERE!

We look forward to hosting you in our beautiful town! Share your experiences by tagging @DiscoverStillwater and using #DiscoverStillwater on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.