Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Stillwater
Guests explore red-brick storefronts, enjoy riverboat cruises, or bike along converted rail trails. Local events include art fairs, food tastings, and holiday parades that create lasting memories. Visitors admire antique shops or toast the evening at rooftop patios. Stillwater charms with timeless moments.
Top areas to stay at in Stillwater
Historic Downtown Stillwater
This core district offers cobblestone alleys, river views, and walkable shops with Victorian flair. Airbnbs in Downtown Stillwater include converted inns, cozy studios, and stylish apartments above boutiques. Guests savor wine bars, bookstores, and riverside dining.
North Hill Neighborhood
Elevated above downtown, this residential area provides peaceful charm with access to historic homes and parks. Vacation homes in Stillwater’s North Hill area include porched houses, tree-lined retreats, and heritage-rich stays. Visitors walk to Lookout Park or admire Victorian rooftops.
South Hill District
Located on the southern bluff, this area mixes residential comfort with glimpses of downtown energy. Rentals in Stillwater’s South Hill District include family homes, duplexes, and backyard gardens. Guests balance privacy with proximity to Main Street.
Oak Park Heights
Adjacent to Stillwater, this suburb provides chain stores, eateries, and family conveniences. Vacation rentals in Oak Park Heights include townhouses, pet-friendly homes, and driveway-equipped stays. Guests combine suburban calm with quick downtown drives.
Bayport
A nearby riverside town, Bayport adds marina access, river trails, and quiet charm to the stay. Airbnbs in Bayport include boatside homes, relaxed porches, and scenic outlooks. Travelers kayak or visit lakeside cafés here. Bayport expands Stillwater's water-bound allure.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Stillwater
St. Croix River Cruises
Offering paddlewheel and yacht-style rides, these cruises deliver sunset views, brunch options, and fall foliage tours. Guests sail past bluffs, under bridges, and through history. Cruises suit families, couples, and groups.
Historic Lift Bridge
A symbol of the city, this bridge now serves as a pedestrian walkway linking Minnesota to Wisconsin. Visitors photograph its steel design, bike across the span, or picnic nearby. The structure represents preservation and progress. Stillwater keeps history in motion here.
Warden's House Museum
Once a territorial prison warden’s residence, this home now offers guided tours filled with 19th-century artifacts. Guests hear stories of frontier life, family dramas, and early Minnesota. The museum connects deeply with local history.
Brown's Creek State Trail
A popular rail-to-trail route, this scenic path leads bikers and walkers through forest, past trout streams, and into town. Nature lovers enjoy quiet lanes and changing leaves. The trail fits both leisure and exercise. Stillwater invites movement through its greenways.
Downtown Antique Shopping
Stillwater features a renowned cluster of antique stores, from elegant furniture galleries to vintage toy troves. Visitors hunt treasures, chat with shopkeepers, and uncover rare finds. Shopping blends nostalgia with adventure. Stillwater turns browsing into a pastime.
Where to find a vacation rental near Stillwater, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Located just 40 minutes west of Stillwater, Minneapolis is a major city known for its arts scene, lakes, and cultural landmarks. Highlights include the Walker Art Center, Minnehaha Falls, and the Chain of Lakes. Spend a few days in a vacation rental in Minneapolis to enjoy quick access to both culture and nature. Minneapolis brings dynamic urban culture and variety to complement the historic charm of Stillwater.
St. Paul, Minnesota
Only 30 minutes away, St. Paul, Minnesota’s capital, offers historic architecture, museums, and family-friendly attractions. Guests can visit the Minnesota History Center, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, or take in views from the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Enjoy a peaceful stay in a house in St. Paul located near scenic river walks and cultural sites. St. Paul’s rich heritage and scenic riverfront atmosphere pair well with Stillwater’s river-town appeal.
Hudson, Wisconsin
Just across the St. Croix River, Hudson offers a small-town feel with lively downtown shops, waterfront dining, and parks. Visitors can enjoy Lakefront Park, art galleries, or a boat cruise on the river. Relax in an airbnb in Hudson close to the marina and downtown boutiques. Hudson’s proximity and similar setting make it a natural extension of any trip to Stillwater.
Red Wing, Minnesota
About an hour southeast, Red Wing is famous for its Red Wing Shoes, riverfront views, and historic downtown. Visitors can hike up Barn Bluff, browse antique stores, or tour the Pottery Museum of Red Wing. Choose an apartment in Red Wing to stay near artisan shops and bluffside trails. Red Wing’s mix of outdoor beauty and craftsmanship offers a fitting companion to Stillwater’s historic identity.
Duluth, Minnesota
Roughly two and a half hours north, Duluth is a scenic port city on the shores of Lake Superior. Guests can walk the Lakewalk, explore Canal Park, or visit the Great Lakes Aquarium. Extend your journey in a vacation rental in Duluth offering panoramic views of the lake and harbor. Duluth’s dramatic natural surroundings and maritime charm provide an adventurous contrast to the calm and cozy feel of Stillwater.
Explore urban vibrancy and cultural richness across diverse American states
This destination serves as a perfect gateway for urban adventures, offering a unique blend of modern amenities and historic charm. Discover bustling areas by exploring holiday homes in The Woodlands, where you can savor lush green parks and vibrant art scenes. For a taste of the East Coast buzz, consider staying in an airbnb in West New York, conveniently close to Manhattan's skyscrapers and cultural landmarks. Meanwhile, history enthusiasts can find comfort in Arlington vacation rentals, surrounded by iconic sites such as the Arlington National Cemetery. For those preferring a slower pace, vacation rentals in Jackson (Tennessee) offer a blend of Southern charm and vibrant music history at Jackson's famous Casey Jones Village.
The rich cultural tapestry of this area intertwines beautifully with destinations steeped in history and tradition. Expand your cultural horizons by choosing Augusta ME rental homes, where history meets serenity in this charming capital, offering visits to the Maine State Museum. For those yearning for coastal escapes, Ogunquit airbnb provides a picturesque backdrop with its renowned beaches and art galleries that capture the essence of Maine's artistic heritage. On a different note, venture to the warm, welcoming streets of Alabama by choosing to book accommodations in Fairhope, known for its captivating blend of shops, culinary delights, and the famous Fairhope Pier.