Published by kelly on September 23, 2024
Fall is a great time to create some family memories! Art, activities, treats and trails await you in Stillwater! The scenic St. Croix River Valley is picture perfect this time of year … see for yourself and book your trip now! If you don’t have plans for MEA Weekend, this could be a perfect getaway to enjoy with kids.
There’s the Honeycrisp Express barrel train ride, wagon rides, and even a small goat farm to delight the little ones. This makes Aamodt’s Apple Farm a great family destination for a day of fall fun. The Honeycrisp Express and Wagon Rides are open 11am-5pm after Labor Day – October on Saturdays and Sundays ($5/person). Also, MEA Thursday & Friday 11am-5pm.
You don’t pick your own pumpkins from the patch at Country Sun Farm, but there’s plenty more to keep you busy! Play in a giant corn pit outfitted with buckets, slides and toys, bounce house, Silly String Zone, corn maze, enjoy the fall scenery on a hay ride, and pan for gems. Free admission for the petting farm and outdoor photo ops; there is a charge for other fall activities
All aboard the Stillwater Trolley for family fun! There are a few tours to choose from … Storytime Trolley and Princess of the St. Croix Tours run on Saturdays only (reservations are a MUST!) or the Historic Trolley Tour running daily. Which ever tour you choose, prepare to experience the charm and beauty of Stillwater located on the banks of the scenic St. Croix River.
Enjoy a scenic cruise down the St. Croix River on one of our historic Stillwater River Boats! Create lasting memories and experience the beauty of this National Parkway from the water. One of the many advantages of joining the crew for the day is that all public boat cruises in Stillwater, MN, include a delightful lunch or dinner.
Stillwater’s iconic Lift Bridge was opened in 1931. The vertical-lift bridge crossing the St. Croix River between Stillwater, Minnesota, and Houlton, Wisconsin is stunning and often photographed. In 2017, with the opening of the new St. Croix Crossing bridge, to the south of Stillwater, the historic Lift Bridge was closed to vehicles and converted to bicycle/pedestrian use.
Stillwater was built on hills (much like San Francisco) with Downtown Stillwater being in a valley. As a result, Stillwater has five sets of historic steps that you can climb for exercise or a sweeping view. Wind your way through downtown to find them all (about 3 mile/1 hour walk).The iconic steps are marked on the map in the Stillwater Visitor Guide, and you can also see a route between them all HERE.
Those needing an indoor activity while exploring Stillwater with kids will love Kari’s Create & Paint Studio! They allow walk-ins anytime for pottery, clay, and canvas painting. You can also sign up for a class, workshop, or special event! There is a variety of items to choose from and they are ALWAYS getting new items to keep it fresh. You can also find knitting, candle pouring, hat burning, and much more in Stillwater. See our website for other Art, DIY and Class options!
Stillwater, Minnesota has an abundance of art sprinkled throughout the town. From sculpture to murals to beautiful utility boxes, we’ve got it all. Everything is free and available to the public so come visit and experience the creativity, but make sure to keep an eye out because if you’re not actively looking for some of the pieces it’s easy to miss them! Check out all the stunning art HERE.
Stillwater has an array of beautiful parks!
Stillwater Escape Company offers 3 options to challenge your mind and your team working skills! Discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish goals in order to find the exit in a limited amount of time. Escape a runaway train, pull off the greatest heist on the well known Mr. Connolly, or make it out of a collapsing cave and find Dr Rodriguez before it’s too late!
The main exhibit gallery of the Washington County Heritage Center tells the story of Stillwater’s lumbering history, connecting Minnesota pioneers with the folk who continue to celebrate the lumberjacks today. There are a surprising number of small, hands-on exhibits that kids can play with, too, making the stop worthwhile for adults who are interested in learning more about the town.
There are many great guided and vehicle tours you can take. But if you’re looking for less structure, these self guided adventures may be perfect for you. South Hill Homes Walking Tour and Downtown Walking Tour allow you to view videos on your smart phone at each stop on this self-guided tour to learn a little more about 14 historic sites in downtown Stillwater or the stories of 18 historic homes in two loops. Lens Flare is a web-based FREE app that allows you to view historical sites in Stillwater linked to their GPS locations – view how the site looked in the past right on your smartphone! This includes current and historical photos, audio and written narratives along with location technology.
Explore the Birthplace of Minnesota by bike! Bring your own or rent from Pedego Electric Bikes or Herman’s Electric Bikes. The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail is a 4.7-mile trail between Houlton, WI and Stillwater. It’s open to pedestrians and bicycles and crosses both the new St Croix Crossing Bridge and the historic Lift Bridge. Find other trail to explore HERE.
A sweet adventure for the whole family! Stillwater is not just a picturesque town but a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Embark on a delightful journey through the town’s Treats Trail, where you can indulge in delectable treats from local businesses that promise to satisfy every craving. Enjoy this list of businesses that features predominately candy and frozen treats. Treats Trail HERE. (Some locations are seasonal.)
Here are some helpful links as your book your visit to Stillwater!
Find your lodging options HERE.
More Things to Do HERE.
Dining and Nightlife HERE
Shopping HERE.
We look forward to hosting you in our beautiful town!
