Summer in Stillwater brings warm days along the St. Croix River, bustling patios, and a packed calendar of outdoor adventures, while fall in Stillwater trades humidity for crisp air, apple orchards, and golden river bluffs. Whether you’re wondering what to do in summer in Stillwater or hunting for fall activities in Minnesota, this charming river town delivers something for every kind of traveler, from thrill seekers to history buffs to those who just want a good meal with a view. Because this is high season, running from May 15th through October 15th, weekends fill up quickly, so plan ahead. And here’s a bonus: the Aurora Staples Inn offers a midweek special. If you stay two or more midweek nights (Sunday through Thursday), you’ll receive 10% off your stay.
Key Takeaways
- High season in Stillwater runs May 15th to October 15th, and weekends book up fast, so reserve your room at the Aurora Staples Inn 2-4 weeks in advance.
- Water lovers have plenty of options, from tubing the Apple River to fishing, kayaking, and dinner cruises on the St. Croix.
- Trail access is excellent, with the Brown’s Creek Trail sitting less than half a mile from the Aurora Staples Inn, and lots of state parks in the area.
- Late summer through early fall is the start of apple picking at Aamodt’s Orchard.
- The cooler water makes for ideal fishing for catfish and drum.
- Romantic experiences abound, including gondola rides, hot air balloon flights, and historic trolley tours.
- Stay two or more midweek nights at the Aurora Staples Inn and save 10% on your visit.
Get Out on the Water
No summer in Stillwater is complete without time on the water. Just across the bridge in Wisconsin, the Apple River offers weekend tubing trips that include a ride out to the drop-off point followed by an approximately 2.5-hour float back downstream. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer afternoon.
If you’d rather stay dry while still taking in river views, consider a lunch or dinner cruise with Stillwater River Boats, which operates mid-May through mid-October. These cruises run rain or shine thanks to enclosed, climate-controlled decks, though on a nice day you’ll want to head up to the rooftop viewing deck. Meals are included with your ticket, and drinks are available from a full bar, but reservations are required, so book ahead.
Looking for something more romantic? Gondola Romantica offers rides, available May through October, and brings a touch of Venice to the Midwest. Even the gondolas themselves came from Italy. Bring wine and a picnic for your hour-long scenic cruise, and don’t forget to steal a kiss under the Stillwater Bridge.
Anglers shouldn’t overlook the St. Croix River either. There have been more than 60 species documents in the river. As late summer shifts into early fall, cooler waters draw catfish and drum closer to the surface, and you can cast a line right from shore at Stillwater City Park.
Hit the Trails
Stillwater’s trail network is one of its best-kept secrets for anyone asking what to do in summer in Stillwater. The Brown’s Creek Trail stretches 5.9 miles, connecting the Gateway State Trail in Grant to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Built on a former railroad grade, it’s mostly level and accessible to walkers and cyclists of all abilities. About two miles run alongside Brown’s Creek itself, a designated trout stream shaded by a dense broadleaf canopy, while another mile parallels the St. Croix River with sweeping views of the National Scenic Riverway. Conveniently, the trail’s eastern end sits less than half a mile from the Aurora Staples Inn, so there’s no need to move your car. Best of all, there’s no fee to access it.
For a different perspective, try the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail, a 4.7-mile paved path open year-round to walkers and cyclists. It crosses both the modern St. Croix Crossing Bridge and the historic Lift Bridge, linking Minnesota and Wisconsin in one scenic loop.
Both trails are open to bicycles. If you didn’t bring your own bike, Herman Electric Bikes offers rentals nearby.
While not technically a trail, golfing does include a lot of walking. Golfers can tee off at Oak Glen Golf Course, which features two distinct courses: a championship par 72 layout and a shorter executive par 29 course, making it a good fit for players of any skill level or time constraint.
Head to a Park
Stillwater is surrounded by parks that make the most of the region’s rolling bluffs and river valleys.
Afton State Park is ideal even for travelers short on time. In just an hour, you can visit the interpretive center and walk a half-mile nature trail, or hike to a scenic overlook above the river valley, or relax at the swimming beach. The park is especially known for its prairie landscaping, where grand oaks and prairie flowers frame trails that wind through ravines and climb to grassy ridgetops overlooking the St. Croix River.
Closer to downtown there are two parks with scenic views. Pioneer Park offers one of the best views in Stillwater from its bluff-top perch on the north side of town. Lowell Park provides great views of the Lift Bridge, a riverside path for strolling, and frequent festivals and concerts throughout the season.
In Wisconsin, Willow River State Park spans 2,800 acres and is known for its views of Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge. Visitors can swim at the beach on Little Falls Lake, rent canoes and kayaks in season, and choose from 13 miles of hiking trails, with the hike to Willow Falls and its scenic overlooks being the most popular route. Note that a daily pass for out-of-state plates runs $16.
Take to the Sky and the Streets
For a more unforgettable experience, book a hot air balloon ride with Stillwater Balloons, which has offered commercial flights since 1976. Rides run year-round, but summer offers some of the best flying weather. The three-hour adventure includes a full hour in the air, spectacular views of the St. Croix River from above, and a champagne toast to celebrate. Just keep in mind that flights are weather dependent, so it is wise to book early in your trip in case you need to reschedule.
To learn the town’s story, hop aboard the Stillwater Trolley for a 45-minute narrated historic tour, available May through October, tracing Stillwater’s evolution from a booming lumber town of Victorian mansions into one of the prettiest little towns in America. Prefer to explore historic areas on foot? The self-guided Downtown Walking Tour features short videos at 14 historic locations throughout town and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. You can also simply wander past historic homes and browse locally-owned boutique shops at your own pace.
Foodies won’t want to miss a guided Food Tour, which lasts about three hours and visits five locally owned restaurants. Since it involves walking between stops, it’s best enjoyed before the weather turns too cold. Tours are available on select days, so check the schedule in advance, and consider taking the tour early in your trip so you have time to revisit your favorite spots later.
Fall Activities in Stillwater
As summer fades into fall in Stillwater, apple season takes center stage. Aamodt’s Orchard opens seven days a week starting August 1st, with plenty of summer apple varieties, including Duchess, State Fair, and Chestnut, available for picking from early August through early September. Availability changes weekly, so it’s worth checking ahead. While you’re there, say hello to the resident goats, sample some hard apple cider, and pick up fresh apple pie, baked goods, local honey, and gifts from the apple barn and bakery. Starting in September, wagon rides are also available on weekends, adding a classic autumn touch to your visit.
Fall is also an excellent time to enjoy peak-season outdoor dining, as restaurant patios take advantage of cooler, comfortable temperatures, and it remains a great window for river cruises before the season winds down in mid-October.
Plan Your Stillwater Getaway
Between water adventures, scenic trails, expansive parks, sky-high views, and orchard visits, there’s no shortage of things to do whether you’re chasing summer in Stillwater or looking for fall activities in Stillwater. Just remember that high season runs from May 15th through October 15th, and weekends go quickly, so booking your stay at the Aurora Staples Inn 2-4 weeks in advance is highly recommended. And don’t forget, staying two or more mid-week nights unlocks a 10% discount, making it easier to enjoy everything this beautiful river town has to offer.
