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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.