Stillwater, MN Date Ideas: 9 Ways to Spend a Romantic Night Out (2023)
Are you getting ready to head out for a romantic night and are looking for some Stillwater, MN date ideas?
There are so many fantstic things to do in this charming town that are perfect for a night out with someone that you love or are getting to know.
Whether it’s for just a weekend getaway, an anniversary, or Valentines Day, there is something for all couples in the beautiful town of Stillwater.
Date Ideas in Stillwater, MN
Stillwater is located right along the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and has a whole lot to do, especially for couples looking to spend a night out.
Here are a few of the best activities.
1. Take in the Sites on the Historic Lift Bridge
The historic lift bridge is one of the most iconic sites in Stillwater, and offers some of the best views in the entire town.
What once was open to vehicles is now closed to just pedestrian traffic, and connects Stillwater, Minnesota to Houlton, Wisconsin.
The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail crosses the brige, and allows visitors to take in the incredible views along the river.
If you’re heading out for a Stillwater romantic getaway, this is a nice spot to walk to and admire the views of the towering trees above the St. Croix River.
It’s especially beautiful during the fall months when the trees begin to turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow.
There are even benches along the trail beside the bridge that make for the perfect spot to sit and relax together.
Maybe even pack a picnic and set up your date night on a grass patch nearby to watch the boats pass down the river.
2. Go For a Private River Gondola Cruise
Have you ever wanted to glide through the colorful canals of Italy on a goldola with that special someone?
Well, the good news is that you don’t have to travel all the way across the country to do it, because it can be done right here in Minnesota.
With Gondola Romantica in Stillwater, you can book a romantic Venetian-style gondola cruise right along the St. Croix River with your partner.
Choose from their variety of cruises, including 45 minute or one hour sessions, and even unique ones such as a night time ride.
Each tour is private, so you’ll get to spend quality time with that special someone, and you can even bring along your favorite snacks and drinks.
3. Go Wine Tasting at St. Croix Vineyards
A perfect way to spend a date night in Stillwater is to plan a visit for wine tasting at St. Croix Vineyards.
The vineyard is just a few minutes outside of town and is a beautiful location to spend the evening with your partner.
The tasting room is open on Saturdays, and you can enjoy listening to tunes from local musicians as they have live music on Saturday afternoons.
Either choose to take your date inside and sit at the tables or on the outdoor patio to enjoy the warm sun during the summer months.
You can also bring a picnic blanket and spend some time relaxing out on the large lawn with each other.
Wander through the winery and vineyard, which is one of the best in Minnesota and enjoy each others company.
4. Book a Tour on the Stillwater River Boats
With the St. Croix River running right through Stillwater, it’s no surprise that there’s another activity that is centrally located on the river.
One of the best Stillwater date ideas is to book a tour on the Stillwater River Boats, and take a cruise down the water.
These are different from the gondola tours, because they typically aren’t private and are on much larger boats.
During the summer, you’re able to hop onboard the boat and enjoy a dinner cruise as you take in all the sites of the St. Croix.
The menu varies greatly depending on which day you take your tour, but every meal that they serve onboard is delicious.
So if you’re looking to get out for dinner but want something a bit more unique, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
5. Take a Ride on the Stillwater Trolley
The Stillwater Trolley has long been one of the best things to do in Stillwater, and makes for a perfect date night with your loved one.
The trolley is just as you’d imagine, bright red and decorated in the most fun way, making it a unique option for getting around town.
There are a few different tour options available, including a historic sightseeing tour.
Or, if you’d prefer to request a custom tour for your night out, they can likely suggest some pretty great options for you as well.
Taking a ride on the trolley is the perfect addition to your date night after enjoying dinner together, or maybe even an ice cream cone.
6. Share a Cone at MN Nice Cream
Nothing says romantic date night like a shared ice cream cone, and MN Nice Cream provides the most perfect location for that.
This isn’t your average ice cream shop, as you’ll find toppings like edible glitter, toasted marshmallows, and gummy works to top your cone.
Order up your favorite flavor (I personally love the Camper and Tyler loves the Bourbon Caramel Brownie), and walk down by the water for the perfect romantic evening.
The shop is located right in downtown Stillwater, so it’s in the perfect location.
And by the way, I totally get it if you aren’t up for sharing and want to get your own– they’re all just too good! 😋
7. Fly in a Hot Air Balloon Over the St. Croix River
Perhaps one of the most romantic Stillwater, MN date ideas is booking a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful St. Croix River with Stillwater Balloons.
There aren’t many places in the midwest that you’re able to do this, so booking a ride while you’re in Stillwater is a must-do.
Each ride lasts for about 1 hour, and takes off either at sunrise or just before sunset, so you’ll have some of the most fantastic views from the air.
Soar over the St. Croix River Valley and enjoy the thrill that you’ll get from being in the air with the person that you love.
And once you’ve landed, you’ll get to celebrate with a glass of champagne and a keepsake flute.
While this is definitely a bit pricier of an option than others on this list, it’s surely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
8. Take a Walk Along the St. Croix
One of the simplest date ideas on this list is to take a walk along the St. Croix River and just enjoy the sites and sounds of Stillwater.
Whether it’s summer or winter, the trail right along the river is the perfect place for a romantic stroll with that special someone.
In the summer, watch as the tour boats cruise down the river, and in the winter, enjoy the sounds of ice crackling under the surface.
You can also cross the lift bridge, as I mentioned above, to get a better look out into the river and the area.
9. Have Dinner on a Rooftop Patio
Why enjoy dinner on the ground when you can be up on a rooftop patio, gazing out into the beautiful St. Croix River Valley?
At Papa’s Rooftop in the Water Street Inn, you can do just that during the summer months.
Enjoy a drink or two and share a woodfired pizza with panoramic views of the lift bridge, river, and downtown Stillwater in the background.
Talk about a special night for you and that special someone.
Romantic Restaurants in Stillwater, MN
If you’ve had quite the date day and are ready to relax and grab a bite to eat, head to one of these great romantic restaurants for dinner.
Papa’s Rooftop
As I mentioned above, this is one of the best and romantic restaurants in Stillwater, MN, thanks to it’s wonderful views.
They serve wood-fired pizza and some great drinks, which you can enjoy as you chat with your loved one and gaze out at the views.
The Tilted Tiki
Found in the historic downtown Stillwater, the Tilted Tiki is a beautiful tropical oasis, right here in Minnesota.
Enjoy cocktails like you would find in the Caribbean, delicious burgers, an outdoor patio, and more at the Tilted Tiki.
Lift Bridge Brewing
If you’re just looking for somewhere to grab a nice drink, then head on over to Lift Bridge Brewing.
Named after the histroic lift bridge, this brewing has locally made brews for you to check out and enjoy.
Where to Stay in Stillwater
Ready to call it a night and need to book somewhere to stay? These are a few of the best places to stay in Stillwater for your visit.
Water Street Inn
Located right in downtown and home to Papa’s Rooftop, the Water Street Inn is perfect for your Stillwater romantic getaway.
You’ll even get to enjoy fantastic views from your room, and enjoy the spa bath included in every room.
Check availability for your stay at the Water Street Inn here!
Hotel Crosby
Enjoy beatifully decorated rooms, a terrace, an on-site restaurant, and an outdoor hot tub during your stay at Hotel Crosby.
Plus, the hotel is just minutes from some of the best things to do in Stillwater, MN.
Check availability for your stay at here!
How Can I Spend a Day in Stillwater, MN?
There are many ways that you can spend just one day in Stillwater, but I wanted to list a few of the best options for you to plan out your day.
If you are looking for more ideas for your date or are just searching for things to do in Stillwater, here are a few great ideas.
- See the Stillwater Lift Bridge
- Grab a brew at Lift Bridge Brewing Company
- Visit St. Croix Vineyards
- Kayak on the St. Croix River
- Bring the kiddos to Teddy Bear Park
- Take a ride on the Stillwater Trolleys
- Have dinner on Papa’s Rooftop or The Tilted Tiki
- Wander around Main Street and Downtown Stillwater
Where Can I Watch the Sunset in Stillwater?
There are multiple places that make for a great sunset spot in Stillwater, MN.
One of the best places is at Papa’s Rooftop, where you’ll get to enjoy a few drinks or some delicious food as you watch the sun go down over the river.
You can also view the sunset from the Stillwater Overlook, which sits high above the town and looks down on the river.
Another great option for sunset viewing is on a Stillwater Balloons hot air balloon where you’ll soar over the valley at either sunset or sunrise.
What is Stillwater, MN Known For?
Stillwater, Minnesota has become a favorite city for visitors to the Land of 10,000 Lakes because of its beauty and close proximity to the Twin Cities.
But what is’s really known for is the lumber industry, which put Stillwater on the map at the height of the log boom.
Stillwater is also known for it’s iconic lift bridge, which is one of the only ones in the country that still is in operation (Duluth’s is another!).
Wrap-Up: Stillwater MN Date Ideas
If you’re planning a night out with a special someone, then heading to the charming town of Stillwater is the perfect option.
With so many great, romantic things to do, the beautiful St. Croix River, and plenty of restaurants to dine at, it’s the perfect little town.
I hope that this post was helpful in finding a few great Stillwater, MN date ideas for your romantic night out.
