What You Will Do
Our private riding tour begins on the outskirts of historic Stillwater, MN and winds among the steep river bluffs of an 1800s village filled with the grand Victorian homes built by past lumber barons and luminaries. You'll see exquisitely restored Queen Anne mansions as well as other styles of architecture, and hear about the colorful owners of these homes. Our history-filled adventure will explain why Stillwater is known as the "Birthplace of Minnesota, " and also brings-to-life the rollicking world of lumberjacks who flocked to the pristine St. Croix River area in the 1800s.
Our tour concludes with a walk down Stillwater's quaint Main Street of shops and restaurants, plus a visit to a famous candy store for treats (purchased on own).
NOTE:
- Private transportation to and from the Twin Cities metro area is available. Please inquire.
- Tour does not include home or building interiors.
“Absolutely wonderful. A++ and 5 stars. Douglas is exceptional! " Genevieve R., Maryland USA
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Meet me (your guide) & our professional driver with private sedan in the parking lot of Culver's restaurant, 1725 Market Dr., Stillwater, MN 55082. Your vehicle will remain in the parking lot during the 2-hour tour. At the tour conclusion, our private sedan will return to your personal vehicle.
1
Culver’s
10 minutes
Meet me (your guide) and our professional driver with private sedan here in the parking lot of Culver's restaurant. Your personal vehicle will remain here during the 2-hour tour. At the conclusion of the tour, our private sedan will return you to retrieve your vehicle.
2
Stillwater
30 minutes
This 2-hour tour of Stillwater occurs in two parts - first riding, then walking. The riding tour includes views of beautiful Victorian mansions that are preserved as family homes for today and stunning views of the St. Croix River valley.
The walking portion of the tour includes a quick overview of Main Street shopping, plus a stop at Candyland, the local's favorite candy store for popcorn or sweets (purchased on own).
3
611 3rd St S
We'll see many celebrated churches in Stillwater, including the tallest spire in the region here.
4
Washington County Historic Courthouse
15 minutes
A view of the famous Courthouse is the backdrop for stories about how Stillwater became the "Birthplace of Minnesota."
5
Stillwater Veterans Memorial
5 minutes
Stillwater's legacy includes a major contribution to the early days of the American Civil War. We'll discuss how this came to be and why war memorials became so important through the years.
6
St Mary's Catholic Church
This historic church has been an active part of Stillwater's history for decades.
7
Rivertown Inn
5 minutes
The opulent Rivertown Inn was the first B&B in Stillwater and continues its role today as a popular accommodation destination. It occupies a beautifully restored Victorian mansion.
8
Stillwater City Hall
A quick drive by of city hall and the library in the civic center of Stillwater shows how this old village functions today as a modern town.
9
Stillwater Public Library
A quick drive by of city hall and the library in the civic center of Stillwater shows how this old village functions today as a modern town.
10
Sauntry Mansion
10 minutes
This imposing, beautiful mansion was the home of one of Stillwater's early entrepreneurs and success stories...until a tragic ending changed its course. The story will be explained as we view different buildings that were part of the original homestead.
11
Lowell Inn - Hotel & Restaurant
An historic hotel and restaurant greets us as our drive winds down from the river bluffs and into downtown Stillwater.
12
Teddy Bear Park
A popular city park designed exclusively for young children greets us as our drive winds down from the river bluffs and into downtown Stillwater.
13
Lowell Park
A grassy expanse hugs the western bank of the St. Croix River in the heart of downtown Stillwater, home to city festivals, entertainment and recreation.
14
Stillwater Lift Bridge
5 minutes
A 1930s mechanical lift bridge is the signature feature of downtown Stillwater. Still operating over the St. Croix River, the bridge has been transformed from its work-a-day early years for vehicle traffic into a recreational destination for walking and biking.
15
Public Restrooms
10 minutes
We'll break from our private sedan in central downtown with a quick rest stop, then begin walking Main Street.
16
Candyland
10 minutes
We'll stop for a treat and refreshments at this local sweet shop, a favorite of the locals'. Purchases here are on your own.
17
Downtown
20 minutes
The walking portion of the tour includes a quick orientation overview of Main Street shopping, after a stop at Candyland, the local's favorite candy store for popcorn or sweets (purchased on own).
18
Stillwater Antiques
Downtown Stillwater is a noted destination for antiquing. We'll do some window-shopping as we walk by.
19
LoLo American Kitchen and Craft Bar
LoLo and several other popular dining establishments are on our Main Street walking route that may be of interest as a snack or lunch destination. Purchases are on your own.
20
Culver’s
5 minutes
We'll return to the tour start point and your personal vehicle. Once your 2-hour tour is concluded, this experience is designed to allow additional time on your own to shop along Main Street, walk across the historic Lift Bridge over the St. Croix River, or dine. The overall duration of your Stillwater visit can be up to you. Please inquire.
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