Major city · United States
Stillwater, MinnesotaStillwater
Spend a weekend (1 night) to see the historic downtown, lift bridge and riverboat tour; 1 day works if you’re nearby.
Stillwater is a historic river town on the St. Croix, popular for day trips from the Twin Cities. Its compact centre, lift bridge and riverboat tours fit a short stay, while limited public transport makes a car or bike the easiest way to get around.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, possible snow)
- Airport
- MSP
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Stillwater, Minnesota911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Stillwater, Minnesota, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; watch for river currents when swimming and keep an eye on traffic on MN‑36.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMSP Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport (About 45 min drive via MN‑36).
- Getting aroundCar is best; limited express bus (Metro Transit Route 294) runs weekday rush hours only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–$4
- Sit-down mealDinner at a downtown restaurant$15–$30 per person
- Budget bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per roomUS$150
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per roomUS$200
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per roomUS$300
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$180
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MSP Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport (About 45 min drive via MN‑36)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Feb
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Mar
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C) low), wettest Jun (11 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Stillwater, Minnesota: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
8 rd
Feb
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
7 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
8 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is best; limited express bus (Metro Transit Route 294) runs weekday rush hours only. The downtown area is walkable and bike‑friendly.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
St. Paul
goDoor to door: ≈30 min
Car via MN‑36, about 25 min
State Capitol and museums.
Minneapolis
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Car via MN‑36, about 45 min
Mall of America, lakes.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Elephant Walk Bed and Breakfast
Themed rooms, wine welcome, $139+ per night
Aurora Staples Inn
Whirlpool tubs, $119‑$229 per night
Water Street Inn
River views, on‑site restaurant, price check
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $100–$150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Bed & Breakfast room2 × 1 night × US$180 | US$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Metro Transit Route 294 round‑trip2 × US$10 · check schedule | US$20 |
| Riverboat dinner tour2 × US$45 · check availability | US$90 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$71 |
| Trip total≈ US$391 per person per day, bed included | US$781 |
Includes breakfast.
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–$4 |
| Ice cream scoop | $3–$5 |
| Dinner at a downtown restaurant | $15–$30 per person |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Public bus service is sparse; plan car or rideshare.
- Lift Bridge pedestrian reopening was in 2019; confirm seasonal hours on city site.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Stillwater, MinnesotaStillwater
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Till den här adressen, tackTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate is in Minneapolis; nearest Canadian consulate in Minneapolis.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Car from MSP to Stillwater: ≈45 min, $45–$55 (rental + fuel, check rates)
- Metro Transit Route 294: ≈$5 each way, weekday rush only
Say or show
- Ursäkta mig — Excuse me / Sorry (ursäkta mig)
- Tack — Thank you (tack)
- Hur mycket kostar det? — How much is it? (hur mycket kostar det)
- Var är lyftbron? — Where is the lift bridge? (var är lyftbron)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Stillwater, Minnesota. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, possible snow) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add car‑rental guide for MN‑36/95 routes.
- Link to Twin Cities public‑transport page for Route 294.
Sources
Ask about Stillwater, Minnesota
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