12 Best Things To Do In Stillwater, MN In Winter

Recently, my husband & I (& our 2 pups, of course) visited Stillwater, MN for the very first time!

We were so surprised by how much there was to do & see in the winter months. This charming little town along the St. Croix River has so much to offer from outdoor adventures, shops, restaurants, & much more.

Here is a list we compiled during our visit: 11 Best Things To Do In Stillwater, MN In Winter & other relevant info:

What Is There To Do In Stillwater In The Winter?

Colder weather does not stop the city of Stillwater from showcasing all that it has to offer! Enjoy less crowds & a winter wonderland nestled in the bluffs during your visit.

Wondering what there is to do in Stillwater in the winter? Check out the list below!

11 Best Things To Do In Stillwater, MN In Winter

If you are looking for a wonderful winter getaway, then Stillwater is the perfect place. There’s so much to do both indoors and outdoors. You’ll find that there is always something new happening around every corner no matter what the temperature is!

1. Visit the St. Croix Boom Site

The scenic and historic St. Croix Boom Site is a wayside along the banks of America’s most beautiful river, where logs were sorted before being dispatched to sawmills downstream in 1856-1914!

It is a great place to hike along the St. Croix River as it follows along the bank. There is a waterfall a ways down from the trailhead but it is well worth it during any season.

4. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is available throughout the winter months, just remember to bring your own skates! The rink is located between the St. Croix river, the lift bridge & Water Street Inn hotel.

6. Walk The Lift Bridge Path

Another great thing to do in Stillwater, MN in winter or any season is to walk the lift bridge cross from Minnesota into Wisconsin over the St. Croix River!

3. Attend The World Championship Snow Sculpting Contest

Stillwater is home to The World Championship Snow Sculpting Competition which is an exciting event during the winter months. Teams from all over the world participate in this event as spectators watch them bring their sculptures to life.

Can’t make the weekend of the competition? No worries, the sculptures stay up for display well after the event is over.

5. Check Out The Winter Light Displays

The awe-inspiring light show set to music and historic district outlined in white lights all winter long (Black Friday thru March – dependent on weather). A fascinating, vibrant environment awaits you when walking down the street during these months!

2. Get Lost At The Ice Palace Maze

*Note: the Ice Palace Maze will not be at Zephyr Theatre in 2023

Each year, the Zephyr Theatre in downtown Stillwater has an Ice Palace Maze including ice slides, bonfires to keep you warm & a bar area.

The maze it lit up to music & changing colors as well as ice sculptures hidden in different corners of the maze for you to find!

7. Explore Downtown Stillwater

There are so many wonderful things to do in Stillwater, MN – especially it’s downtown area. There are shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, & other fun stopped all along main street Stillwater!

9. Warm Up With Some Delicious Food

With all the food choices – you can’t go wrong with stopping to eat in downtown Stillwater! Check out the current places to eat downtown here.

8. Go See The Arcola High Bridge

Also known as the Soo Line High Bridge is a historic bridge towering over the St. Croix River which connected Minnesota to Wisconsin. Although it is no longer in use – it is truly marvelous to see!

10. Get Cozy By The Fire

Stay at Water Street Inn & cozy up by your own in-room gas fireplace! Water Street Inn offers a wide variety of amenities, cozy rooms, & a phenomenal location along the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater near shops, restaurants & many activities.

11. Visit During The Winter Festival In Stillwater

The winter festival in Stillwater is called Winterfest and it draws attention from people all over the Midwest with their full line up of events, activities, local vendors, food and fun games! Check out this years details here.

12. Take In The View At The Scenic Overlook

Located right next to Lora Hotel & Feller restaurant are stairs to reach the scenic overlook. The view is incredible – you can see all of downtown Stillwater, the lift bridge, the St. Croix River & into Wisconsin!

Not a fan of stairs? You can also drive to the top as well.

Here is a Google Maps link to a fairly accurate address: Stillwater Scenic Overlook

What Is There To Do In Stillwater MN This Weekend?

For a list of this weekends events & activities line up, head over to Discover Stillwater.

How Can I Spend A Day In Stillwater MN?

Short on time & wondering how to best spend a day in Stillwater? Check out my dedicated How Can I Spend A Day In Stillwater, MN: The Perfect Itinerary post to get more details

What is Stillwater MN known for?

Stillwater is known for being the birthplace of Minnesota – many photos you see of Stillwater will be of it’s iconic lift bridge connecting to Wisconsin between the bluffs.

FAQ: Downtown Stillwater

• Main Street Stillwater is a hidden Minnesota treasure with more than 50 unique stores to discover. The historic downtown area has it all: fashion-forward clothing boutiques, art galleries and antique shops mixed in among charming cafes for when you get hungry or want some work done at a charming coffee shop.
• Parking is FREE Nov. 1st – April 30th
• Find a list of all shops & boutiques here
• Stillwater has a wide variety of downtown restaurants, cafes & delicious eat.
• Check out the current places to eat downtown here
• Downtown Stillwater has many hotels downtown that are close to shops, food, & beautiful views of the the St. Croix!
• Wanting to stay downtown? Check out the list of downtown Stillwater hotels here

Stillwater Winter Activities

Looking for other Stillwater winter activities than the list above? Check out Stillwaters full list of other winter activities here.

What Is There To Do In Minnesota In The Winter?

Check out out 15 Beautiful Places To Visit In MN In The Winter for more Minnesota winter inspiration & ideas!

Overview: Best Things To Do In Stillwater, MN In Winter

If you’re looking for a winter getaway that has plenty of charm and small town appeal, Stillwater is the place for you. From its quaint Main Street filled with unique shops and restaurants to its location on the banks of the St. Croix River, there’s something special about this little town that will make you want to come back time and again.

Have you been to Stillwater in winter?