Stillwater Celebrates Summer with Festivals and Events

Stillwater, MN - Stillwater is a picturesque river town filled with antiques, art galleries, historic hotels and B&Bs and fantastic eateries ranging from cozy cafes to fine dining riverfront restaurants. Located just 30 minutes northeast of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Stillwater sits upon the bluffs of the St. Croix River along the Wisconsin border. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway, day trip or waterfront vacation.

Visitors can learn about the town’s rich lumber history and architecture, shop the boutiques and antique shops, walk along the riverfront, hike the bluffs or explore nearby wineries and apple orchards. The St. Croix River beckons all to its banks, and visitors can enjoy it by swimming, fishing, water skiing or boating, via canoe, sail boat, motor boat or paddleboat cruise.The residents of Stillwater celebrate the warmer months with a series of festivals, which showcase the town’s scenic beauty, rich heritage, lively arts scene and zest for living.

The outdoor festival season kicks off May16-17 with the 30th annual Rivertown Art Festival which is held in Lowell Park on the banks of the St. Croix River. This juried event features some of the finest artists from around the country showcasing arts including Ceramics, Clothing, Drawings, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Painting, Paper, Photography, Wood and other art forms. www.rivertownartfestival.com

Next up is the Inaugural Stillwater Marathon May 24th. The race course along Stillwater’s riverfront bluffs, sandstone cliffs and historic districts is sure to make it among the most scenic in the country. The day’s activities will also feature a half marathon, a 12k and 20-mile race in a festive atmosphere. www.stillwatermarathon.com

The final stage of the Minnesota Bike Festival and Nature Valley Grand Prix will be held Sunday, June 14th. This five-day pro stage cycling race welcomes 300 professional racers to town who will compete in the Stillwater Criterium, an exciting race around sharp curves and steep hills including the 24 degree climb up Chilkoot Hill, considered the most grueling trek in North American racing. The festival also features food, musical entertainment, bike expos, stunt riders and a Kid’s Fun Race.

The town celebrates Fourth of July with river cruises, music and an amazing fireworks display at dusk. Join the legions of boaters and spectators who line both sides of the river for one of the region’s most dynamic fireworks shows.

The centerpiece of the Stillwater Festival season is Lumberjack Days, a week-long festival July 23-26 which celebrates the city’s heritage as the world’s largest lumber producer. In the mid 1800s the “jacks” came out of the hills and into town for food, drink and merriment and today’s citizens do the same each July. Enjoy top national musical entertainment, food, games and “strong-man” lumberjack competitions in beautiful Lowell Park next to the St. Croix River. This year’s festival will feature an inaugural treasure hunt and 1970s pricing for 2009 concerts. www.lumberjackdays.com

The Washington County Fair takes place in nearby Lake Elmo July 29-August 4. The fair has been entertaining families and visitors since 1871 with 4-H exhibits, local business booths and vendors, a terrific horse show, Midway rides, food and musical entertainment. www.washingtoncountyfair.org.

Stillwater’s fall colors peak from late September through mid October and there is no better time to enjoy outdoor arts and music along the river. Afton Art in the Park is a juried art show which takes place September 26-27 in Afton’s Village Square about 20 minutes south on the St. Croix River. Stillwater’s Fall Colors Fine Art & Jazz Festival will be held October 2-3 in Lowell Park. This juried show and festival showcases original works of art from area artists and is sponsored by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. www.ilovestillwater.com.

For more information on Stillwater’s festivals or events to make lodging and dining reservations visit www.discoverstillwater.com.

About Stillwater, Minnesota

Considered the birthplace of Minnesota, Stillwater grew up as a rich lumber town as it had the world’s greatest concentration of white pine and by the 1880s, it was the largest lumber producer in the world. The lumber barons provided the town with incredible wealth and dozens of gorgeous mansions, some of which have been converted to historic B&Bs. Stillwater still celebrates its lumber heritage with Lumberjack Days, a week of strong man contests, food, culture, games and outstanding music along the St. Croix River. The city also houses the Washington Co. Historical Society and the Warden’s House Museum, which relays the town’s designation as the site of Minnesota’s first prison.

Although it has grown to a bustling community, Stillwater has guarded its past and has a thriving main street full of antique stores, independent coffee houses, boutiques, furniture stores, cafes, lively neighborhood bars and incredible res
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