Looking for a fun day trip in Minnesota? We found so many great things to do in Stillwater MN this weekend that we need to go back for more! I love history, food, and shopping, so this was the perfect getaway for the day.
Updated October 2019
Related Article: How to spend a fall day in Stillwater MN
Keep scrolling for my recommended things to do in Stillwater MN!
Stillwater Food and Drinks
Grab breakfast at Tin Bins
Every good day starts with coffee. When I asked friends for coffee recommendations in Stillwater, this one was top of the list! Located in an old grain elevator, Tin Bins has everything you would expect from a coffee shop and more: breakfast, lunch, tea, and kombucha. If you like bakery items like me, order a muffin. It was hot and fresh from the oven!
Eat lunch at Lolo
Lolo alone is worth the trip to Stillwater. This American restaurant is one of my favorites in Minnesota. I love the craft cocktails, tacos, and rice bowls, but their fries are the reason I keep going back! They are the best fries I’ve ever had (that means a lot coming from this fry-lover) and they’re topped with rosemary and served with a basil aioli. Droooooling just thinking about them.
Sip beer at Maple Island Brewing
There’s a few breweries in the town of Stillwater, but we stopped at Maple Island Brewing being it was right downtown. The brewery had live music on a Saturday afternoon, and we sat outside on their patio overlooking the water. I tried the Pre Prohibition Submission Lager which is made from local St. Croix Valley hops!
Get a smoked Old Fashioned at Brick & Bourbon
Brick & Bourbon takes the cake for the craziest drink I’ve ever tried. Cole loves his old fashioned drinks, so we had to try the Smoking Gun, where they literally smoke your drink for a few minutes before you drink it! We were like little kids waiting to take the top off the stand to watch the smoke escape. This drink is definitely an experience you need to try!
Activities in Stillwater MN
Take a historic ride on the Stillwater Trolley
Cole and I have a soft spots for trolleys being we had one at our wedding, so when we spotted the Stillwater Trolley Company, we had to go for a ride! The trolley is $13.50 for adults and takes 45 minute narrated tours around Stillwater that teach you all about the history of the this community that was built on the logging industry. I loved seeing the old houses and hearing the stories of the people who once lived there. I won’t spoil the tour for you, but my favorite fact was that Stillwater used to be called “Little San Francisco” being it had so many trolleys and so many hills!
Take the stairs to the Stillwater look out
We’ve been to Stillwater a few times but never knew this existed! Thanks to our trolley tour we saw a quick view of the look out, but decided to take the trek up the stairs to spend some more time. 157 stairs later, and we made it to the top! You can find the stairs on the south end of downtown – and trust me – the view is worth the effort!
Stillwater MN shops
Stillwater Olive Oil Co.
If you read my post last summer when I visited Nisswa, MN, you know I love local olive oil and vinegar shops. We just ran out of our rosemary (see a theme here?!) olive oil from Nisswa, so it was time to get something new! We sampled a few and settled on the Basil from Stillwater Olive Oil Co. Can’t wait to cook with it!
Scandinavian North
Scandinavian North caught our eye as it sold so many things that reminded us of our trip to Sweden and Norway last year! We swapped stories of the store clerk, Wendy, and she told us how people love coming into the store to find little items that remind them of their heritage. I bought a new backpack for our next Europe trip!
Jori & June
Jori & June is a super cute boutique with women’s clothing and accessories. When I think of things to do in Stillwater MN, boutiques are always at the top of my list! I loved the unique items in this little shop which just opened.
Collaborations Boutique
If you have MN pride, Collaborations Boutique is the spot for you! Shop here for unique MN gifts and clothing. I had to buy a scrunchie to get on board with the returning 90’s trend!
Tremblay’s Sweet Shop
If the smell doesn’t bring you into Tremblay’s Sweet Shop, all the people will! We had fun looking at all the candy to buy and I couldn’t get over their massive wall of taffy! On the other side of a glass wall, you are able to watch the employees make chocolate which adds even more to the experience.
Related Article: How to spend a fall day in Stillwater MN
That’s a wrap! What are your favorite things to do in Stillwater MN?
Come back and visit us at Northern Vineyards Winery. We’ll take good care of you!
Yes I should! We didn’t have enough time last weekend but I will check it out for sure!
You gotta review some B&Bs for your fav recommendation on where to stay! Stillwater has some of the best in the state! You two are so cute!
Aww thanks! Yes I would love to stay at a b&b, we drove by so many of them on our tour, I had no idea there were so many!