Twin Cities - Metro Minnesota Articles
Stillwater City Guide
Stillwater: The Birthplace of Minnesota
Nestled comfortably on the banks of the St. Croix River, the town of Stillwater (population 16,000) offers small town charm with access to big city amenities to its visitors.
Located about 20 miles east of downtown St. Paul and only minute away from the Wisconsin border, Stillwater offers breathtaking views overlooking the St. Croix River and a downtown district with many unique shops, stores and dining establishments. Just a short ride across the Historic Lift Bridge gets you into the heart of the St. Croix River Valley and the many charming towns in Western Wisconsin.
Stillwater is often referred to as the birthplace of Minnesota. A territorial convention in 1848 that began the process of establishing Minnesota as a state was held on the corner of Myrtle and Main Streets in downtown. Today, it is a popular day trip destination for families, and a romantic getaway for couples. Families can feed ducks on the St. Croix River (you can buy feed at the Stillwater Farm Store on Main Street), have a picnic on the many open spaces near the river, and climb rocks and hike on the banks of the St. Croix River. But all the action isn't in downtown Stillwater alone.
You can head to Aamodt's Apple Farm (about eight miles west of downtown), or William O'Brien State Park (12 miles north of Stillwater on County Highway 95), or cross the bridge to head to Wisconsin to watch cheese be made and get free samples at Bass Lake Cheese Factory (eight miles from downtown Stillwater). Take your boat upstream to the St. Croix Boom Site, a national historic landmark that was founded by Stillwater lumber barons in 1856, or simply enjoy the sun and fun boating up and down the St. Croix River.
If you're looking for something to do with that special someone in your life, Stillwater offers plenty of opportunities to sweep your honey off their feet. Enjoy the beauty from high above in a hot air balloon ride (Aamodt's Hot Air Balloon Rides of Stillwater is a popular choice), or participate in wine tasting at Northern Vineyards Winery or Saint Croix Vineyards. Want more? Take a trip on the river with Stillwater River Cruises or board the Minnesota Zephyr Dining Train and enjoy a nice dinner and a chance to take a guided trip through the St. Croix River Valley. When you're done, check out some history at the Stillwater Depot Logging and Railroad Museum.
There are also numerous golf courses available in Stillwater, and guides who can take you fishing on the St. Croix where catfish and smallmouth bass will give you a challenge. Stillwater's not just a place to be only in the summer though. There are plenty of things to do in the winter, such as downhill skiing (Afton Alps is one of four downhill ski slops just a short drive away) or cross country skiing at one of the many state parks (Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls is a favorite place for that).
A favorite event is the annual Stillwater Lumberjack Days, which celebrates the area's rich lumber industry. This five-day celebration, traditionally held the second to last week in July, offers a bit of everything, including a treasure hunt, amateur talent contest, ice cream social, softball tournament, live music, log rolling championships, a 10k walk/run, and, of course, numerous food and local vendors with something sure to please the appetite and curiosity of everyone. At the 2006 Lumberjack Days the Washington County Historical Society put together an 1860 vintage baseball exhibition featuring games played by 1860 rules of base ball (two words back then) where uniforms of that era are worn. Each year, there is sure to be something new and unique.
If you forget something on your getaway don't worry. Downtown Stillwater has everything you need so you don't miss a beat on your vacation
The birthplace of Minnesota is also the birthplace of many great memories. Check it out!
Contributed by Matt Krumrie. Matt is a freelance writer based out of Inver Grove, MN.
Wayzata City Guide
When it comes to summer fun, Wayzata is the place to be. With music, fairs, an annual founders day celebration and even steamboat rides, Wayzata is the real deal.
The name Wayzata (pronounced Wise-etta) comes from the American Sioux word Waziyata. "Waziya" was their god of the North, a giant who blew the cold winds from his mouth. With the suffix "ta" added, the name meant "North Shore." In 1852, two pioneer families settled on the present site of Wayzata. In 1857, James J. Hill brought his Northern Railroad to the village. Daily runs from Minneapolis left passengers at the gangplank for the waiting Lady of the Lake, a 50-foot side-wheeler steamer which carried them to other villages and summer homes on Lake Minnetonka. People from Minneapolis and St. Paul began to make Wayzata their weekend retreat. The Wayzata Depot stands as a symbol of the village's glory years. It is now home to the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wayzata Historical Society.
The town's annual celebration, James J. Hill Days, is held the weekend after Labor Day every year. A trip to Lake Street brings a parade, fried fair food, face painting, art and hula-hooping. The main event, however, was the annual dachshund races. These proud pooches run, jump and hurdle through the cheering crowd. There is also a costume and pet tricks contest. In addition to the dog show, the Wayzata Historical Society sponsors passenger steam train rides on Locomotive 261.
Steamboat Minnehaha's boating season starts in April and goes until October. Sponsored by the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, travelers can enjoy a leisurely cruise around Big Island and the Lower Lake's peaceful bays. Learn about the place in history the Steamboat Minnehaha held in the lives of people in the early 1900's. Boaters can meet at the James J. Hill Depot in Wayzata.
Stability is the name of the game in Wayzata. The 2000 Census put the city's population at 4,113. By 2005 that had dropped 4.2 percent to 3,941. While the median household income was $65,833 in 2000, the median house value was $281,700.
In addition to James J. Hill Days and Steamboat Minnehaha, Wayzata's summer fun almost never stops. Here are some of the city's events:
-- The Chilly Open Golf Tournament, played on frozen Lake Minnetonka, is a two-day event that starts with dinner and entertainment on Friday. On Saturday more than 1,000 golfers hit the "links" on the lake with two ten hole courses. The event is the first weekend in February.
-- All summer long, the Wayzata Towne Trolley provides free public transportation around downtown Wayzata. The trolley makes 18 stops in the city and runs from mid May until early October.
-- The Wayzata Art Experience in May is three days of art, live music and food. The Art Experience is an invitational and juried event that includes the culinary and the performing arts. Artists come from around the Midwest and represent media including painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, metals, beads, fiber art and glass.
-- The Summer Concert Series is one of the most popular events at the Wayzata Depot. The series is every Wednesday night from mid-June to early August.
The series features a variety of styles, including polka, big band, blue grass, rock, celtic and jazz
-- The year comes to a close with the Enchanted Wayzata holiday experience, followed by the annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting ceremony at the Wayzata Depot. The event is in mid-November. Attractions include shopping by twinkle light, horse drawn carriage rides and roasted chestnuts all followed by the Chamber's Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting. Revelers at the tree lighting will sing carols, light the town trees and have an exciting kickoff to the Holiday Season.
Contributed by John Fitzgerald. John is a freelance writer based out of Buffalo Hills, MN.
White Bear Lake City Guide
White Bear Lake--Big City Lake, Small Town Lifestyle
If you want a great lake lifestyle and experience while staying close to Metro roots, then White Bear Lake is a great place to be.
Called The City of Lakes and Legends, White Bear Lake was incorporated more than 125 years ago and is located on the northeast edge of Minneapolis and St. Paul, close to the hustle and bustle of the city, yet serene enough to make you feel like you are away from it all.
Those in this town of about 26,000 residents are proud of its 2,500 acre, 10-square-mile lake, which provides some of the best fishing, boating and outdoor recreational activities in the Twin Cities. Legend has it that F. Scott Fitzgerald's Winter Dreams, which describes life in Black Bear Lake, Minnesota, is based around life on White Bear Lake. In its early history during the prohibition era, White Bear Lake was a popular destination for gangsters of Chicago who often would head to the city and lake to cool off and get away from it all.
White Bear Lake may be close to the big city, but it stands alone when it comes to being a great place for a getaway. In the summer enjoy Marketfest, a free family festival held every Thursday from late June through late July in downtown White Bear Lake, featuring live entertainment, fine art, a farmers market, great food, children's activities and more. Marketfest celebrated its 16th year in 2006, and is a favorite event for locals and visitors from near and far. Tally's Dockside (where you can also rent boats) is known for its Summer Series Music by the Water, and the Manitou Days celebration is a must see, featuring numerous activities on the lake and in its historic downtown.
Downtown White Bear Lake can be a one-stop shop for all of your shopping, entertainment, dining and retail needs. A blend of unique new and old stores such as The Farmer's Daughter (featuring handmade and handcrafted gifts), Good things (unique clothes, gifts and homeware), and Select Vintage (Personalized gifts of fine wine and champagne), are sure to please the curious shopper.
Those looking for fun family events can head to one of the more than 20 parks in the White Bear Lake area, including Rotary Nature Preserve off of White Bear Lake Parkway, which has a popular hiking trail and picnic shelter. Other popular options include Pine Tree Apple Orchard which features its famous October Corn Maze and fall wagon rides.
If you love the lake, White Bear Lake is the place to be. The White Bear Yacht Club is a popular place for the many sailing enthusiasts who live on or visit the lake, and many yachting events and races for youth and adults are held throughout the summer. If you're looking to fish, White Bear Lake is home to walleye, bass, sunfish and crappie, and is a great spot to be in the summer and winter, where it provides some of the best ice fishing in the Twin Cities. Water sports are also popular on White Bear Lake, as jet skiing, water skiing and boating are among the favorites.
The city offers numerous other recreational activities, such as golf, with Manitou Ridge and Oneka Ridge Golf course among the favorites.
If you have friends over and want to entertain, take them on a boat ride through the gorgeous Dellwood neighborhood to see some of the areas most beautiful homes.
You can't take White Bear Lake out of the city, but you can head to White Bear Lake to feel like you are getting out of the city - and you don't have to drive far to do just that.
Contributed by Matt Krumrie. Matt is a freelance writer based out of Inver Grove, MN
Twin Cities MN Region Profile
Minneapolis, the City of Lakes, is home to a number of attractions that you wouldn't want to pass up. This jewel of the lakes offers the best in entertainment including sports, fine dining, music, and some of the best theatre in these United States. Explore and learn about the city's history on one of its historic walking tours or bike across one of her historic stone arch bridges. And don't forget the time honored favorite winter activity, skiing. Whether you're a fan of cross country or down hill, the plentiful trails and ski areas around the city will have you strapping on your skis in no time.
Twelve miles west of downtown Minneapolis lies the small city of Wayzata. Nestled on the shores of Wayzata Bay and overlooking the historic waters of Lake Minnetonka, this small community is known for its quiet beauty and has become a popular weekend retreat for many Minneapolis residents. This community, along with White Bear Lake and Stillwater, provide the perfect relaxing getaway for anyone looking for a change of pace.
For Lakeshoredreams.com, the counties grouped in Twin Cities MN include:
Benton County MN, Isanti County MN, Chisago County MN, Sherburne County MN, Anoka County MN, Wright County MN, Hennepin County MN, Ramsey County MN, Washington County MN, Carver County MN, Scott County MN, Dakato County MN
