The Birthplace of Minnesota Invites You with Open Arms and Lumberjack Festivals

They say still waters run deep and that’s certainly true in Stillwater, Minnesota, a vibrant city with a deep appreciation for its history, heritage, and traditions. Nestled on the banks of the St Croix River by the Wisconsin border, Stillwater is a dynamic community with a historic main street and riverfront, quirky boutiques and galleries, cozy cafes, scenic nature trails, river recreation, and more.

Easily accessible from the nearby twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, Stillwater is a booming year-round destination that’s perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer break. Party with lumberjacks in the summer to celebrate the town’s logging history, stroll through autumnal forests in the fall, ice-skate downtown in winter, or enjoy a leisurely a boat cruise in spring Here, in the "birthplace of Minnesota," you can experience all the beauty and charm of the North Star State in any season.

History of Stillwater

Downtown Stillwater is an important landmark in Minnesota’s history. It was here that the first territorial convention took place in 1848, a meeting that led to the eventual establishment of the state and earned Stillwater the title of "birthplace of Minnesota."

Officially incorporated as a city in 1854, Stillwater is one of the state’s oldest towns and today boasts 21 buildings on the National Historic Registry and over 100 Heirloom Homes and Landmark Sites. The town is also recognized as a Preserve America community for its efforts to preserve and maintain its historical sites.

Stillwater was originally a lumber town and, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, business boomed thanks to its expansive pine lands and river connections. The biggest employer in town was the Stillwater Lumber Company, named for the tranquil waters of the St. Croix River. The last logs passed through Stillwater in 1914, forcing the riverfront town to diversify its industries. Today, Stillwater is home to just under 20,000 residents and manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism are the main drivers of the local economy.

Stillwater Events

The logging industry may have folded decades ago, but you can still find lumberjacks in Stillwater. Especially in summer when they converge on the town for Lumberjack Days, the longest-running festival in the state. The first Lumberjack Days was held in the 1930s to honor the town’s receding lumber industry and is now a beloved town tradition.

Taking place over three days in summer, the Lumberjack Days Festival takes over downtown, offering live music, fun runs, stunt shows, a pancake breakfast, a lumberjack show, and a huge parade with marching bands and logging-themed floats.

Later in the year, Stillwater throws another party to celebrate the changing season. Harvest Fest takes place on the second weekend of October in Lowell Park, a riverfront green space. The Fall-themed weekend includes a giant pumpkin contest, a pumpkin drop, and a pumpkin regatta, as well as live entertainment, a beer garden, and a tasty chili cook off.

The fun doesn’t stop when the cold weather comes. Stillwater hosts an annual Winterfest to encourage visitors and locals to support downtown businesses during the holiday season. Winter games and downtown deals make the frosty evenings magical during this five-day event.

Tourist Attractions in Stillwater

Any tour of Stillwater has to start with its historic Main Street. You can wander this area on foot and enjoy riverfront views or take a ride on the Stillwater Trolley. The trolley offers a 45-minute tour through the heart of the historic district with a knowledgeable guide sharing snippets of history alongside Stillwater folklore and legends. The tour rolls by key sites such as the Victorian mansions built by 19th-century lumber barons and the iconic Stillwater Lift Bridge.

The bridge, built in 1931, is definitely worth a longer look. One of the few remaining lift bridges in operation in the United States, the structure spans the St. Croix River and was recently converted into a pleasant hiking and biking trail; its replacement, the St. Croix Crossing bridge, opened to vehicle traffic in 2017.

Another must-see historic site is the Warden’s House Museum. Built in 1853, the property served as a home for the wardens of the territorial and state prison. By the time the prison closed, 13 wardens had lived here. Tours of the house, which is full of period furnishings and decor, share its interesting past, with stories of what life was like behind bars in the 19th century.

For more firsthand accounts of Stillwater history, drop into the Stillwater Public Library, a Carnegie Library built in 1902. Inside the library you’ll find rotating art galleries and the St Croix Collection, an archive of historical materials that chart Stillwater’s fascinating past through clippings, photographs, articles, and audiovisual displays. Before you leave, head up to the roof to get the best views in town, looking out over the downtown skyline and to the river beyond.

Outdoor Activities in Stillwater

There are more breathtaking views and picturesque spots along the St Croix National Scenic Riverway. Stillwater is at the southern end of the Lower St Croix section and has plenty of access to the pretty waters of St Croix, the cleanest tributary of the Mississippi River. Start with the St Croix River Crossing Loop Trail, a 4.7 mile scenic pathway which connects Stillwater with Houlston, Wisconsin over the historic Lift Bridge.

You can also paddle, boat, or fish the river. For something a little different, cruise the river in an authentic Venetian Gondola made for two with Gondola Romantica or take a ride on a historic paddle-wheel boat with local company Stillwater River Boats.

Hikers have lots of walks to choose from around town, too. Pick up the Brown’s Creek Trail downtown to follow the 6.4-mile paved path out of town into the lush countryside or stroll the Gateway State Trail which follows a disused rail bed from Pine Point County Park all the way to St Paul’s.

A Must-See in Minnesota

"Birthplace of Minnesota" isn’t Stillwater’s only title. This eclectic town has also racked up an impressive number of awards and accolades including being voted one of America’s Most Picturesque Towns by USA Today and appearing on lists such as Best American Towns for Fall Colors, Best Twin Cities Day Trips, Best Minnesota Weekend Getaway, and Most Romantic Cities. From quaint logging town to fun-filled tourist hub, Stillwater has been through many reinventions over the years but its enduring appeal as a welcoming and lively riverfront destination hasn’t changed.