This Small Minnesota Town Has The Best Downtown

Hugging the west bank of the St. Croix River, Stillwater is a small town anchored by its storybook downtown. Flanked by the river’s edge, its district boasts a blissful blend of waterfront spaces and commercial attractions, punctuated with Victorian storefronts, mom and pop businesses, and good-old-fashioned Midwestern hospitality. Grounded, community-centered, and extremely easy on the eyes, this small Minnesota town has the best downtown.

As the Birthplace of Minnesota and one of the state’s oldest towns, Stillwater’s history and heritage infuse its downtown with nostalgia. The district is the kind of place you visit to unwind, whether antique hunting, taking a scenic trolley tour, or trying a cute new cafe. In its simplicity and authenticity, downtown Stillwater reminds its visitors to unplug, slow down, and live in the moment as our parents and grandparents did.

Spend A Day In Downtown Stillwater

Start With A Coffee

Before you begin your day downtown, Stillwater’s cozy cafes are the perfect prelude. Whether sitting in or ordering to-go, these downtown locales have more charm and character than any Starbucks or chain. For takeaway drinks and pastries, MADE Coffee and the Green Bridge Coffee Shop are ideal spots to pop in and out. If you want a full-on breakfast or brunch, Mon Petit Cheri is a charming alternative on Main Street. The cafe serves a variety of bites, ranging from their classic Egg Sandwich to a gourmet Citrus Ricotta Pancake.

Take A Downtown Walking Tour

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Stillwater’s storied past is by taking a free Downtown Walking Tour. Developed by the Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission, this self-guided tour traces Stillwater’s defining periods, from its role as the Birthplace of Minnesota to its historic lumber era. Begin at Stillwater City Hall to grab a free tour brochure, then start your stroll through the downtown core.

The Commission suggests leaving 1.5-2 hours to complete this 14-site tour, but you can customize a route to your liking. One must-see site is the Washington County Courthouse, the oldest courthouse in Minnesota. The 1870 structure was built in the Italianate style, reflecting the height of Stillwater’s lumber boom. Other notable stops include the 1853 Staples Sawmill, the 1868 Joseph Wolf Brewery, and the iconic Territorial Convention Site. Posted at the intersection of Myrtle and Main Street, its historical marker commemorates the 1848 convention that began Minnesota’s journey to statehood right here in Stillwater.

Hop Aboard A Stillwater Trolley

For historic sightseeing with a guide, Stillwater Trolley tours offer an immersive excursion departing right from downtown. The company has been a local hallmark since 1989, but the history it explores delves back far further. Historic Tours last around 45 minutes, offered daily from May through October. The tour route traces the picturesque St. Croix River, passing grand Victorian Mansions built by Stillwater’s lumber barons. The old-timey trolley adds a charming layer of nostalgia, with informed narrators engaging travelers with fascinating facts about Stillwater’s past.

Cross The Stillwater Lift Bridge

River views are even prettier from the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, a popular pedestrian path spanning the St. Croix River. Situated at the edge of downtown Stillwater, the landmark connects Minnesota to Wisconsin, stretching around 1,050 feet long. Formerly open to vehicles, the structure was converted to a pedestrian and bicycle route in 2020 due to traffic congestion. With vehicles now driving the newer St. Croix Crossing bridge, the original Stillwater structure thrives as a tourist site, recreation spot, and sightseeing haven. As a bonus, no matter which side you enter from, downtown Stillwater is the perfect follow-up or prelude to your cycle or stroll.

Relax With River Views At Lowell Park

Lowell Park is a crown jewel of Stillwater’s park system, framing Minnesota’s entrance to the Lift Bridge. Skirting the St. Croix, this downtown green space offers a picture-perfect perspective of the bridge and waterway. Punctuated with walking paths, benches, and a quaint gazebo, Lowell Park may be simple in design, but its serene setting is memorable. Whether strolling the riverfront, picnicking on its grassy banks, or simply passing through toward the Lift Bridge, this Stillwater park is a tranquil addition to your downtown itinerary.

Shop And Dine On Main Street

Stillwater’s Main Street is a dynamic commercial center, yet its 19th-century buildings and locally-owned businesses make it feel like walking through a retro Hallmark card. Lined with red-brick Victorian and Italianate-style storefronts, the look of this historic strip is half the fun of exploring. The other half lies in the businesses inside, ranging from eclectic specialty stores to atmospheric restaurants with comforting bites.

Antique shopping is a popular Main Street pastime at spots like the Midtown Antique Mall and Park Avenue Antiques. Nearby, vintage charm extends to Stillwater’s old-fashioned confectionery stores, like Tremblay's Sweet Shop and Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop. For souvenir hunters wanting something more sentimental, gift shops like Minnesota Made and Smith + Trade Mercantile are charming alternatives.

As for Stillwater’s cuisine scene, foodies can find some of Minnesota’s most unique restaurants, including the Mad Capper Saloon & Eatery. Housed in a building from 1890, this cool and casual family-owned eatery serves comfort food and awesome signature cocktails. A few buildings down, Brick & Bourbon is another stylish spot pairing American eats with fun cocktails. In summer, their rooftop seating is a gorgeous addition, offering St. Croix River views.

Discover Minnesota’s Best Downtown

Whether visiting from out of state or dropping in from down the road, Stillwater is the type of place that makes its guests feel right at home. Its downtown core is no exception, pairing historic sites, river views, and cool attractions with Midwestern hospitality every step of the way. If you want to step back in time for a few hours or simply enjoy the charms of a small-town feel, there is no better place in Minnesota to relax, unwind, and leave your worries behind.