With Minnesota being our Place of the Month for July, we are super lucky to have some locals from our own community to contribute their knowledge! Today’s post comes from the lovely Wunmi & Sophia of Thrifty with a Compass. Enjoy!
As primarily midwest travel bloggers, we love sharing about local finds that are too often overlooked. Stillwater is one of our all-time favorite cities in Minnesota! It’s one of those places that you can visit over and over again, and still find fresh new things to do there. We narrowed it down to our top 6 reasons to visit Stillwater, MN so that you have everything you need for a future visit!
1. It’s got the “Small Town Charm”, with a “Big City Outlook”
One of the best things about Stillwater is its small-town charm. With a population of only 19K people, this city takes the role of “Minnesota Nice” as of the utmost importance. Every time we visit, we can count on having a meaningful conversation with a local barista and leaving with new recommendations to check out during our next visit. But despite the small-town friendliness, Stillwater is beaming with diverse perspectives and open-mindedness. It’s very common to see a “Black Lives Matter” or “LGBTQ PROUD” sign hanging on the local store windows. We love to see it!
2. It offers shopping, eating, and drinking all along Main Street
We can’t say enough great things about Stillwater’s Main Street. It’s stocked with tasty restaurants, lively bars, and unique shops all along Main. You can spend an entire afternoon just hopping in and out of the many spots on this popular street. Smith & Trade, Mai’s Little Cakes, and the happy hour at Hotel Crosby are some of our favorites.
3. It’s budget-friendly
We always love a city that speaks to our budget-friendly soul! You can find many fun things to do in Stillwater for cheap or even free! It’s very outdoor-friendly, so there is much to see and do that does not require breaking the bank. If you plan to stay overnight, you can also find affordable Airbnb options for less than $100 a night. Such a steal!
4. It’s a great way to support local
Even though we are particular about how we spend our money, we are always happy to put our money back into our communities! There are so many incredible local shop owners and artists showcasing their work for people to purchase. So not only are you walking out with well-made products, but you feel good doing so.
5. It’s located along the St. Croix River
Remember when we mentioned that Stillwater was outdoor-friendly? That’s because it is situated right along the St. Croix River. Walk along the iconic Stillwater bridge for the best riverside view. Try out a romantic gondola ride or take a boat tour over lunch. So many fun options right downtown!
6. It hosts events and festivities all year long
Regardless of what time of year you are visiting, there is always something going on in Stillwater. Whether it be attending an outdoor movie in the summer or joining in on some holiday caroling in the winter. Check out their calendar of events and plan your trip accordingly!
Have fun!
