The Overlooked Minnesota City With A Thriving Food Scene And Vibrant Downtown

The American Midwest is sometimes overlooked as a travel destination, which is unfortunate, as the region is full of many hidden gems. From this Michigan lake town worthy of a weekend getaway to the "Cape Cod of the Midwest" in Wisconsin, there is plenty to discover — and this is especially true for Minnesota. While many flock to Minnesota to experience its nature — like this lake dotted with campsites, cabins, and world-class fishing — it's also home to a host of charming cities and towns, including Stillwater. 

Situated on the banks of the St. Croix River just over 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, this laid-back settlement of around 19,000 boasts not only beautiful surroundings, but also top-notch food and a buzzing downtown core. Dubbed "the Birthplace of Minnesota" because of its role in establishing official statehood for Minnesota, modern Stillwater is a picturesque, artsy town that acts as a perfect getaway from the more hectic environs of nearby Minneapolis. It's also a center for cycling, with some great trails and opportunities for rentals if you don't happen to have your own bike on hand.

In 1848, Stillwater was the site of the territorial convention that led to the establishment of Minnesota as a state in 1858. Over the years the town because a center for lumber and steamboat production, which brought in plenty of prosperity. You can see this today in Stillwater's old-school brick building downtown, which is federally registered as the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. The city also boasts 21 buildings on the National Historic Register, plus another 100 or so Heirloom Homes and Landmark Sites. For those keen to learn the stories behind these buildings, you can take a self-guided walking tour complete with videos describing each property.

Despite its rich heritage, Stillwater is no museum piece, but a thriving modern community with plenty to see and do. The downtown may be pretty, but it's also full of over 100 locally-owned shops, galleries, boutiques, and a whole cluster of bars and eateries. Stop in for a bite and sip at the Brick & Bourbon, which in addition to expertly-mixed drinks, features locally-sourced, rustic American standards, a big burger list, as well as patio seating during the warmer months. The Velveteen Speakeasy offers craft cocktails and shareable, tapas-style dishes in an elegant, exposed brick space, while Lolo American Kitchen boasts "Gourmet American street food & killer cocktails." For pizza, dive into a hot pie at Melt Pizza Company; Domaćin is the go-to spot for wine, and the Lumberjack Lodge has great food and booze, along with tons of games, including skee-ball, darts, foosball, pinball, tabletop PacMan, and — this being an old logging town — axe-throwing.

Stillwater's idyllic surroundings mean that it's also a great place to unwind in nature. This especially applies to explorations on two wheels, as the town is a popular destination for cyclists, many of whom cruise in from Minnesota's capital, St. Paul, via the Gateway and Browns' Creek Trails. From downtown, you can also jump on the Wisconsin-Minnesota Loop Trail, a 4.7-mile circuit path that takes riders along the banks of the St. Croix via bridges connecting the two states. For those wishing to combine local sightseeing, bicycles, and the great Midwestern tradition of drinking frothy suds, BierCycle Adventures is a multi-person pedal bicycle, that takes guests around the historic parts town while serving food and beverages, including plenty of beer.

Back in town, you can also get out on the water of the St. Croix River. This National Scenic Waterway is considered the cleanest tributary of the Mississippi and offers plenty of opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboard. Wahoo! Adventures offers kayak tours of the St. Croix — along with other lakes and waterways in the region — or you can jump into a Venetian gondola and let someone else do the paddling at Gondola Romantica. And for a classic experience aboard a slow-moving paddleboat, climb aboard a vessels with Stillwater River Boats, which also offer not just cruises, but also food and entertainment as you slip along the lazy waters of the St. Croix. For more of Minnesota's under-the-radar wonder, head out to this state park with stunning views of more than 100 lakes.