STEP BACK IN TIME
Historic Inn in Stillwater Mn
Aurora Staples Inn
Just three blocks from historic downtown Stillwater, Minnesota, the Aurora Staples Inn will help bring out the romantic spirit in you. Our beautiful Victorian B&B offers period decor in rooms and suites with 21st century amenities such as private baths, whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces and comfortable beds for a good night’s rest.
Aurora Staples Inn – Stillwater, MN
Welcome
Imagine life in the late 1800’s… horse drawn carriages… ladies in flowing gowns and flowered hats… gentlemen smoking pipes in their private libraries…and shopping in an array of unique stores on Stillwater’s Main Street with a saloon or two thrown in. One can still experience this genteel time when staying at the authentically restored Aurora Staples Inn.
Let Aurora Staples Inn be a part of your love story!
Rent the Entire Inn
Did you know that you can rent the entire Inn for your next event? We would love to be a part of your next gathering. Contact us and let us help with your planning.
Breakfast
We will no longer offer breakfast at the Inn. In lieu of this, guests are offered a $30 gift certificate to a local restaurant.
All Our Rooms
Aurora Staples Inn is a great retreat to rest and relax, celebrate a birthday or an Anniversary, or just get away.
All rooms feature private baths and a gas fireplace.
Each bed features the “Comphy” brand of incredibly soft sheets. Our guests love them so much we decided to sell them. Each of our spacious rooms has a gas fireplace and soft robes, A/C, bath spa amenities, internet access, cold bottled water and sodas. TVs are available in the St. Croix Suite, Peacock Room, Giverny Room, Riverview Suite, Carriage House.
Some rooms have views of the St. Croix River.
House Rules:
- Self check-in anytime after 4:00pm; check-out time is 11am. We do not offer early check ins due to cleaning and disinfecting rooms or preparing rooms.
- Please remove shoes/boots off when entering the inn…slippers are welcomed!
- Please, no smoking, candles, rose petals, or pets. There will be a $200 fee for those who smoke in the rooms.
- Please inquire about bringing children.
- All rooms including the Carriage House are limited to 2 guests MAX due to fire code.
- Stay 2 or more nights during the week at get a 10% discount! (Rates do not reflect state, local tax and fees)
The Peacock Room
This room is mesmerizing…it is surrounded by windows, this Eastlake period-designed room welcomes you with a cozy gas fireplace and a whirlpool tub and shower. The bed is extremely comfortable and there is a Private bathroom.
Relax and Rest!
The Giverny
This Charming Monet inspired room features Monet prints from his studio in Giverny, France. This room has a King size bed, a gas fireplace and a private bathroom. Take a luxurious soak for two in your double whirlpool tub (no stand-up shower) while enjoying a warm fire.
Stay awhile!
The Riverview Suite
View the beautiful gardens and the St. Croix River as you relax in the wicker swing on your indoor four-season porch. Slip into a warm, soft, cozy robe and snuggle by the fireplace after taking a bath in the whirlpool tub. Why wait? Book online or call
651-351-1187.
The St. Croix Suite
Feel the luxury by sitting next to the double-sided fireplace in this enchanting room. This is the largest room in the house. This elegant Suite has a comfortable King-sized bed, TV, and some original furniture given to Aurora Staples from her parents as a wedding gift. The only thing missing is you! Come stay with us!
The Carriage House
Imagine your own private cottage where your world consists of just the two of you…. Our romantic Carriage House features a three-sided fireplace for optimal viewing, a large double whirlpool tub, TV, a comfortable sitting area and an incredible king-size bed. Be our guest!
About the Innkeepers
As a teenager, I used to walk by Aurora Staples Inn and dream about this home. I’d wonder what it looked like inside and about all the people who once lived there. I grew up four houses away from Aurora Staples Inn, on Mulberry Street and even worked at a couple Bed and Breakfasts myself. I asked the previous owners of Aurora Staples Inn if they would sell it to me. They said, “YES!” After negotiations, everything fell into place and I had exactly enough money for the down payment. This was an answer to prayer!
Location, Location, Location…Is one of the reasons this Inn is popular. It is located in Stillwater, the birthplace of Minnesota. This Queen Anne Victorian overlooks the St. Croix River from some rooms and was built on a hill. It’s been a part of Stillwater’s history for over 131 years. It’s unique architecture is eye-catching and the inside is breathtaking. The Inn takes you back in time.
Rachelle graduated from the College of St. Catherine in 2003 with a B.S. in Education (kindergarten-8th grade). She loves to read and write poetry. She is currently finished a poetry book. One is called, “A Rose in a Teacup and Other Poems,” by Rachelle Nevaeh Rose and the second book will be coming out in the next couple of months. She is a former teacher, gymnastics coach and salsa dancer. Rachelle loves tea, nature, hiking, running, Zumba, listening to music and traveling.
History
Aurora Staples Inn was built in 1892, during the Lumber Boom. This home was a gift from Isaac Staples to his youngest daughter Aurora & her husband, Adolphus Hospes, a civil war veteran, one of the six survivors from the Battle of Gettysburg. He was founder of the Last Man’s Club from Company B. Aurora & Adolphus had three children: Olivia, Louis & Eva.
One of Stillwater’s Pioneers, Isaac Staples, arrived in Stillwater in 1853. Legend has it that he stood over the bluffs of the St. Croix River over-looking the great white pine forest & exclaimed, “I can cut those trees down,” and he did. He had some help from Eastern investors. He went on to become a Lumber Barron & one of Minnesota’s first Millionaires. He was also involved in many enterprises such as banking, flour milling, saloons, steamboats, 3,000 acres of farms and even race horses!
The architecture is unique to the Boom Town Period which is seen in different types of wood used throughout the home. You will find bird’s eye maple, pine, oak, ornate inlaid flooring and wood carvings featuring Isaac Staples signature oak leaves and acorns around the fireplaces and doors. There are leaded glass windows, wood & coal burning fireplaces, pocket doors, a servant’s stair case. Originally, the kitchen was in the basement & the third level was a ballroom. A beautiful open staircase leads to four guest rooms. There are flower gardens in back and a Carriage House, which is renovated and made into a guest suite. The St. Croix Suite was Aurora’s bedroom until 1924, Her original dresser is still there and her bed is currently in the Gallery Room.
Our Inn offers a unique getaway experience with a balance of period décor, romantic ambience & modern amenities. All rooms have gas-fireplaces, jetted tubs, soft sheets, comfortable beds, A/C, and televisions. We now offer a delicious breakfast to the Lowell Inn, Mon petit Cheri or Oasis Cafe.
We invite everyone to visit one of the oldest towns in America where you can enjoy: old buildings, shops, fine restaurants, Breweries, Award Winning Wineries, lunch & dinner cruises, kayaking, art galleries, wedding venues, gondola rides, Segway & trolley tours, biking & walking trails, cooking classes & parks. All with a great view of the St. Croix River. Stillwater hosts many events such as Lumber Jack Days, a 4th of July celebration with fireworks over the river, gondola races, art fairs, Oktoberfest, Ice Castles, hot air balloon rides and much more! Stillwater is a great place for a weekend getaway! Be sure to check out our Inn. We welcome you to have a unique experience in Stillwater!
Rachelle
Recent Reviews
-
We are so glad we decided to stay here! The location is perfect. We walked to dinner and had drinks on our way home. There were delicious cookies and coffee... read more 
715maureenh
November 26, 2022Dan L This inn was quite nice. While many parts of it are no longer being used (e.g., no breakfast at this inn - a voucher for Lowell Inn), the room... read more
October 17, 2022Julie B This is the second time I've stayed here, the first in the carriage house. We loved it. It was large and beautiful, quiet and inviting. The hosts were perfect --... read more
December 1, 2021
Stay and Play in Stillwater
These are just a few of the things you can do while exploring Stillwater: Gondola Romantica Segway Tours of Stillwater Guided Bicycle Tour – Bridges and Booms River City Sculpture Tour Historic Stairs (For amazing views and take selfies) Live Music at Ziggys or Liftbridge Brewery Nelson’s Ice Cream Parlor Wedding Venues
poetry, prose, Things to Do, and a recipe or two
Follow Along
Christmas Open House 2023
Join us at Aurora Staples Inn on Sunday afternoon, December 17th from 4pm-7pm for our Christmas Open House. Have you ever wanted to view our rooms and see our glorious Victorian Inn? We will have a drawing for a free night stay, music from a harpist, and offer...
Number 2 in the 10 Best Hotels in Stillwater, Minnesota
We are pleased to announce that we have recently been listed #02 in the 10 Best Hotels in Stillwater, Minnesota by Kyle Kroeger on April 6, 2023. You can read the full article here: https://viatravelers.com/best-hotels-in-stillwater/ 2. Aurora Staples Inn Address:...
Breakfast Discontinued at Aurora Staples Inn
Due to COVID-19 outcomes, supplies and rising costs, Aurora Staples Inn has made the decision to move from a Bed & Breakfast to more of an AirBnB model. Beginning January 1st 2022 we will no longer be serving breakfast or wine/beer trays in our room packages....
Spring Newsletter 2019
Spring Specials at the B & B:Book two or more nights during the week and receive 20% off! Book three or more nights any day of the week and get the 4thnight FREE! These offers are good through April 1st, 2019. (discounts are applied at check-out) In the...
Aurora Staples Inn: Summer Inn-Sight Newsletter
Make time for fun in the Sun while visiting Stillwater: There are many things to do here while the Sunshine lasts: Walk/Bike the Brown’s Creek trail Segway,Trolley or walking tours Shopping Art Galleries Local Breweries and Wineries (Maple Island...
KAS Films and New Video
Welcome KAS Films to our team! Kelly, the Founder, made an awesome video of Aurora Staples Inn. Visit her website KASfilmsLLC.com...
St. Croix Crossing – the new bridge
(source: wikipedia) MnDOT, WisDOT, and the Federal Highway Administration were seeking a replacement for the nearly 90 year old Stillwater Bridge, which was frequently congested, inadequate for modern traffic, and was deteriorating from its age. The St. Croix River...
Stillwater’s fabled Lift Bridge, now permanently closed to motorists
Imagine Stillwater without its Lift Bridge. Go ahead, try. That’s what most everyone else thought too. And although the old bridge is now permanently retired as a crossing for cars, it stands to live another day — as a pedestrian and bicycle concourse and loop...
Romantic Gondola Cruises on the St Croix
Did you know that you can find an authentic Italian gondola right in the heart of Stillwater Minnesota? Enjoy the romance of Venice blended with the beauty of the St. Croix River and the charm of Stillwater. Plan an especially romantic proposal, celebrate a...
Contact Us
