The scenic St. Croix River offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable girls weekend in Stillwater. This charming historic town combines small-town hospitality with sophisticated amenities, making it an ideal destination for reconnecting with your favorite people. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, need a break from daily routines, or simply want to create lasting memories, Stillwater provides the perfect setting for a rejuvenating getaway with the girls.
Why Girls Weekends Matter
In our fast-paced world, the importance of maintaining strong friendships cannot be overstated. A girls weekend away in Stillwater, MN offers more than just fun – it’s an investment in your mental health and relationships. Research consistently shows that quality time with close friends reduces stress, boosts happiness, and provides essential emotional support. These weekends create sacred space away from work deadlines, family responsibilities, and daily distractions, allowing you to reconnect with both yourself and your closest friends.
The ritual of planning and anticipating a girls weekend together builds excitement and gives everyone something positive to look forward to. During the weekend itself, shared experiences create new memories and inside jokes that strengthen bonds for years to come. Whether you’re laughing over a wine tasting gone wrong, cheering each other on during an art class, or having deep conversations in a boutique inn’s parlor, these moments become treasured memories that sustain friendships through life’s ups and downs.
Your Home Base: Aurora Staples Inn
Make your girls weekend in Stillwater truly special by reserving the entire Aurora Staples Inn. This historic boutique inn offers four beautifully appointed guest rooms and the charming carriage house, providing ample space for your group to spread out while maintaining that intimate, together feeling. The inn’s elegant parlor and cozy library become your private gathering spaces, perfect for hosting a book discussion, organizing a private wine tasting with local selections, or settling in for a competitive game night.
The Aurora Staples Inn’s historic charm and modern amenities create the perfect atmosphere for both relaxation and celebration. The inn’s central location puts you within walking distance of downtown Stillwater’s shops, restaurants, and many attractions, making it easy to explore on foot or return for midday breaks.
Girls weekends are often associated with a Friday through Sunday event, however, many women choose to plan a mid-week getaway. The crowds are smaller and there is often an opportunity for more personal attention at wineries or art activities. As an added bonus, the Aurora Staples Inn offers a 10% discount on Sunday-Thursday stays when you book two or more nights.
Dinner on the Water: St. Croix River Boat Cruises
Surprise the girls with an extra special dinner setting where the “restaurant” is half of the fun. Stillwater River Boats offers lunch and dinner cruises along the scenic St. Croix River from mid-May through mid-October. Order a drink from the fully stocked bar and venture to the top of the boat for the viewing patio. Dinner is served inside the enclosed and climate-controlled decks. Note that advance reservations are required for all Stillwater River Boats cruises.
Sip and Savor: Wine and Brewery Adventures
No discussion of wine on a girls weekend would be complete without exploring Stillwater’s exceptional beverage scene. The area’s wineries and breweries offer perfect settings for toasting your friendship and trying new flavors together.
Saint Croix Vineyards provides an elegant wine-tasting experience with beautiful vineyard views. Their knowledgeable staff can guide your group through tastings that introduce you to local varietals and wine-making techniques. The vineyard setting offers plenty of photo opportunities and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for celebrating special occasions.
For beer enthusiasts in your group, Stillwater’s local breweries offer unique experiences. River Siren Brewing crafts innovative beers in a welcoming atmosphere where you can sample flights and discover new favorites. River Siren is also within easy walking distance of the Aurora Staples Inn. Lift Bridge Brewing Company, named after Stillwater’s iconic bridge, combines local history with exceptional brewing, creating a distinctly Stillwater experience.
Consider planning a progressive tasting tour, starting with wine at Saint Croix Vineyards and continuing to the local breweries. This approach lets you experience the full range of Stillwater’s beverage culture while pacing yourselves throughout the day.
Creative Expression: Art and Craft Adventures
Girls weekend ideas that include creative activities often become the most memorable. Stillwater’s vibrant arts scene offers numerous opportunities to explore your creative side while bonding with friends.
Local artist Karen Chan leads monthly classes at the Stillwater Public Library – check their events calendar for upcoming sessions and other creative programming. These library-based classes often provide intimate, community-focused experiences that let you connect with local artists and residents.
AR Workshop offers both structured workshops and a walk-in craft bar, giving your group flexibility in how you want to engage. Whether you prefer following guided instructions or want the freedom to create spontaneously, they accommodate different creative styles and energy levels.
For sensory experiences, Carpe Noctem Candle Co. offers candle-pouring workshops where you can create custom scents and designs. The process of selecting fragrances and colors together often sparks conversations and laughter, while everyone leaves with a personalized keepsake.
Textile enthusiasts should visit Darn Knit (Anyway) for classes or open stitch days. Even beginners can learn basic techniques while experienced crafters work on more complex projects. The communal aspect of fiber arts – sitting together, working with your hands, and chatting – creates a meditative, bonding experience.
Kari’s Create and Paint Studio welcomes both class participants and walk-in visitors interested in pottery painting or canvas painting. This flexibility means your group can participate based on mood and energy levels, with some choosing guided instruction while others prefer independent creation.
For unique skill-building, Marquess Studios offers jewelry-making classes where you can learn metalworking techniques and create wearable art. Smith + Trade Mercantile provides various art classes in their welcoming studio space, often featuring local artists as instructors.
Nature lovers should watch for workshops at Studio Louise Flowers, where occasional flower arranging and plant-focused classes combine creativity with botanical education.
Unique Adventures and Experiences
The most memorable different girls weekend ideas often include activities you wouldn’t typically do alone. Stillwater offers several unique experiences perfect for creating shared adventures and overcoming challenges together.
For breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience, consider booking a hot air balloon ride with Aamodt’s Balloons or Stillwater Balloons. These small group experiences (limited to 8 people with Aamodt’s) provide stunning aerial views of the St. Croix River valley while creating an adventure you’ll discuss for years to come.
Honeycomb Cottage offers bee therapy, a unique wellness experience that connects you with nature in an unexpected way. This specialized treatment might introduce your group to new relaxation techniques while supporting local beekeeping efforts.
Channel your inner lumberjack at Lumberjack Lodge, where axe throwing provides an exciting, slightly competitive activity that often brings out everyone’s playful side. The satisfaction of hitting the target (or laughing at creative misses) creates immediate bonding moments.
Test your group’s problem-solving skills and teamwork at Stillwater Escape Co., which offers escape rooms with varying difficulty levels. Choose a theme that appeals to your group and work together to solve puzzles and beat the clock. These experiences often reveal different strengths within your friend group while providing plenty of laughs.
Challenge each other to a game at Oak Glen Golf Course. Oak Glen features a Par 72 Championship Course and a Par 29 Executive Course. Interested in improving your game? Ask about a private lesson for your group. Enjoy a day outside with the girls while you get some exercise and test your skills.
Planning Your Perfect Weekend
When planning your girls weekend away in Stillwater, MN, consider your group’s interests, energy levels, and budget. Mix active adventures with relaxing activities, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy. Book accommodations and unique experiences early, especially during peak seasons when Stillwater attracts many visitors.
Consider creating a loose itinerary that allows for spontaneity. Some of the best weekend memories come from unexpected discoveries – maybe you’ll stumble upon a charming shop, decide to extend a wine tasting, or spend extra time in that cozy inn parlor sharing stories.
Pack comfortable shoes for walking Stillwater’s historic streets, layers for changing weather, and an open mind for new experiences. Most importantly, come ready to disconnect from daily responsibilities and reconnect with the friends who make life richer and more joyful.
Creating Lasting Memories
Your girls weekend in Stillwater will provide more than just temporary escape – it will create lasting memories that strengthen friendships and provide joy long after you return home. The combination of historic charm, modern amenities, creative opportunities, and unique adventures makes Stillwater an ideal destination for celebrating friendship and creating new traditions.
Whether you’re toasting with local wine, creating art together, floating above the river valley in a hot air balloon, or simply enjoying deep conversation in your inn’s parlor, Stillwater provides the perfect backdrop for the kind of weekend that reminds you why these friendships are so precious. Start planning your Stillwater girls weekend today – your future selves will thank you for prioritizing these important relationships and creating space for joy, laughter, and connection.
