Published by info on September 16, 2026
There is nothing quite like fall in Stillwater! As the St. Croix Valley changes into shades of red, orange, and gold, the season brings so many opportunities to explore and soak up every bit of autumn. Here are our top picks for your Stillwater fall bucket list! Featured photo courtesy of Kelley Brenner.
Fall colors and the St. Croix views are a combination that’s hard to beat. Take a walk along the riverfront and watch the bluffs transform with the season.
A crisp autumn morning calls for a warm cup of goodness. Stop into one of Stillwater’s local coffee shops, like The Daily Grind, Green Bridge Coffee, MADE Coffee, or Mike & Kat’s Other Place, and find your new favorite spot to refuel and cozy up.
See the colors from both sides of the river on the 4.7-mile Loop Trail! Cross the Historic Lift Bridge into Wisconsin before looping back across the St. Croix Crossing bridge for plenty of beautiful views along the way.
Nothing says fall quite like a day at the apple orchard! Pick your own apples, take a wagon ride, visit the goats, and shop for some fall favorites at Aamodt’s Apple Farm on the hill.
Hunt for unique treasures inside Stillwater’s antique and vintage shops. You never know what you may find tucked away along Main Street! Explore our antique options here.
Sit back and see Stillwater dressed in its colors aboard a trolley tour with Stillwater Trolley Co through October 25th! Along the way, learn more about the history and stories behind Minnesota’s Birthplace.
Pumpkin, maple, apple, caramel – you’ll find plenty of flavors that taste like the season around town! Make it your mission to try a seasonal drink, baked good, or sweet treat while you’re here.
Head into the woods for a fall hike to Fairy Falls just north of downtown. Colorful foliage and the cascading waterfall make this hidden gem especially beautiful during the fall.
Patio season isn’t done yet! Grab a table outside at one of Stillwater’s restaurants and enjoy your meal surrounded by fresh air and wonderful views. Check out our list of patios here!
Raise a glass to the season at one of our wineries and breweries around Stillwater. Sip locally made drinks while taking in the changing colors of the St. Croix Valley!
Put those legs to work and climb the Main Street or Pioneer Park stairs for views worth every step. Take a moment at the top to admire the colorful river valley below.
No fall bucket list is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch! Visit Country Sun Farm for pumpkins, tractor rides, a corn maze, petting zoo, gem mining, and more. Or, spend a fall afternoon at Axdahl’s Garden Farm & Greenhouse, where you can find thousands of pumpkins, wander through the restored red barn filled with fall goodies, and more.
Keep the fun going after a day of exploring with live music around town. Check out what’s playing at Stillwater’s restaurants, bars, breweries, and local venues during your visit. Here is our event calendar to explore everything happening during your visit.
With colorful bluffs, historic buildings, and the St. Croix River as your backdrop, fall photo opportunities are everywhere in Stillwater! Share your favorites by tagging @DiscoverStillwater and using #DiscoverStillwater on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
Walk, run, or bike under a canopy of color along Brown’s Creek State Trail. The wooded trail is a peaceful way to experience autumn in the valley.
See the St. Croix Valley’s fall colors from a whole new perspective aboard a cruise with Stillwater River Boats! Sit back, relax, and watch the colorful shoreline pass by from the water before cruises wrap up for the season on October 18th.
Spooky season isn’t complete without a few ghost stories! Dig into Stillwater’s haunted history and discover the legends, historic buildings, and eerie tales that have been told for generations. Check out the The Haunted Rivertown Terror Trolley Tour, Haunted History at the Warden’s House, or the Stillwater Ghost Walk!
Stillwater knows how to celebrate fall! Experience the excitement of Harvest Fest, October 10th–11th, with giant pumpkins, festive activities, and plenty of autumn fun, or browse unique artwork from talented artists and makers at the Rivertown Fall Art Festival, October 3rd-4th, along the St. Croix.
Roll down the windows, turn up your favorite songs, and hit the road! The scenic roads surrounding Stillwater offer colorful views of rolling hills, forests, and of course, the St. Croix River.
One day is never enough to experience all Stillwater has to offer! Book a cozy place to stay and turn your bucket list into a weekend filled with fall colors, local flavors, and plenty of time to explore.
We look forward to hosting you in our beautiful town! Share your experiences by tagging @DiscoverStillwater and using #DiscoverStillwater on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
More things to do HERE!
Dining and Nightlife experiences HERE!
Explore shopping HERE!
