{"id":11523,"date":"2021-05-12T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-12T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=11523"},"modified":"2023-07-22T07:07:54","modified_gmt":"2023-07-22T12:07:54","slug":"over-28-fun-things-to-do-in-stillwater-mn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/over-28-fun-things-to-do-in-stillwater-mn\/","title":{"rendered":"39 Fun Things To Do in Stillwater Minnesota"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stillwater has been calling people to its scenic shorelines long before most of us were born. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The St Croix River and lift bridge make it a romantic spot for couples. Hiking to not one but two waterfalls makes it a great place for adventure seekers. Kids love getting to make a stop and see what’s new at the candy store. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historic Stillwater is only 30 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul making it the best weekend day trip<\/a> location. There are so many fun things to do in Stillwater MN, you’ll be making a return trip shortly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Stillwater MN Known For? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stillwater is called the birthplace of Minnesota.<\/strong> It was where the settlers first conceptualized the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Historical and Cultural Resources: The “Birthplace of Minnesota”,<\/a> After Wisconsin became a state in 1848, all the ceded lands west of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers were left without a government. Settlers in this unorganized territory met at Stillwater on August 26, 1848, in what has become known as the “Stillwater Convention.” At this convention, held in McKusick’s store, the delegates drafted a Memorial to Congress that a new territory be created and this territory be named “Minnesota,” and elected Henry Sibley to deliver this citizen’s petition to the U.S. Congress.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The BEST Things to do in Downtown Stillwater MN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stillwater Minnesota is the perfect place for a Day Trip from Minneapolis<\/a>. Because of its historic and scenic views from the banks of the St. Croix River, it naturally drives people in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could have 5 different types of people come to town and everyone could see a completely different side of the city. Every year Stillwater finds a new thing to draw me in with new things to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some free things to do in Stillwater MN?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stillwater has some great free things to do. From hiking and playgrounds, to stepping inside an historic jail. Brin your bike and curies along the St Croix River, or climb the main street steps to get a birds eye view. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s dive right in: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main Street Stairs Lookout in Stillwater<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Main Street Stairs in Stillwater lead to the best overlook of Stillwater, more than 100 feet high on South Hill. The first set of stairs was built in 1857, giving people access to the hill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today it is used in the morning house by locals to get their workout in. 12 sets is one mile of stairs. If stairs aren’t your thing, you can also drive to the top of the lookout. \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Main<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\"Stillwater<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lowell Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lowell Park was one of the first big parks in Stillwater. Originally created to preserve some of the beautiful St. Croix Riverfront. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was designed by the same landscape architect team that designed the grounds at the Glensheen Mansion<\/a> and the US State Capitol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s impossible to go through Stillwater today without setting foot in Lowell Park. The green space and boardwalk call to visitors. It’s also the best place to see the historic lift bridge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More on that later. Bring your take-out and sit at one of the many picnic tables or benches and watch the boats along the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lowell<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Welcome<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Historic Stillwater Lift Bridge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nothing is more icons in Stillwater than the lift bridge, making it a must see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the longest time, the Historic Stillwater Lift Bridge was the only way to get across the river in town. The original wood bridge had a floating section in the middle to allow boats through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was ill-conceived and in need of repair all the time but it ended up being a tragic fire that was its demise. The MN Department of Transportation put a steel lift bridge in its place. It’s one of only a few built during that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The iconic bridge has been a staple in Stillwater for almost 100 years. Now that the new St Croix Crossing Bridge is complete, the Historic Stillwater Lift Bridge is reserved only for pedestrian use and bikers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking across the bridge is the perfect place to get a view of the river. During the winter<\/a> months, the historic bridge stays down. Depending on the season, the lift bridge resumes normal operations from May 15 to October 15. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Stillwater<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Stillwater<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Teddy Bear Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for a way to have the kids burn off some of that energy. Teddy Bear Park<\/a> is perfect. The park is designed for 7 years old and younger. There are trains to crawl through, treehouse structures, and nets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your kid’s imagination can run wild. The park was actually donated by a resident of Stillwater. He helped name the park, designed it, and paid over 5 million dollars to build it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The donor wanted to remain anonymous. There is free four-hour parking adjacent to the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stillwater Boom Site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Stillwater Boom Site is a great place to explore and get off the beaten track. A mile north of the historic downtown is the Boom Site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A ‘Boom Site’ is simply a place where a boom was used to sort logs being floated down the river. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the set of stairs down and swing a right to find the abandoned cave used by the loggers. You can also take the trail along the river upstream to a waterfall. <\/p>\n\n\n