Destination Three:
Stillwater
Stillwater's Historic Lift Bridge
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Shopping, attractions, historic surprises await in Minnesota's birthplace
by Megan Rinerson, WJON.com
STILLWATER -- With gas prices expected to continue to rise over the summer, most of us are looking to vacation closer to home.
All summer long, the WJON newsroom will explore different places here in Minnesota to vacation to on our weekly news special "Tour of 10,000 Lakes."
Today, we'll take a trip down I-94 to Stillwater, the birthplace of Minnesota.
Stillwater is known to most people as a place to find great antiques. However, the Executive Director of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Severson says there are actually only 6 antique shops. But they're big ones! She says Stillwater's known for its excellent antique stores, but the city offers both old stores and new 
additions as well.
Severson says Stillwater's historic's downtown district is an antique in itself. And, she says you can look at old homes and businesss by climbing the historic stairs. Those stairs not only used to lead from the business to the residential district, but it offers a beautiful view of the valley below and will give you a workout.
Or take a tour back in time at the Warden's House Museum. Severson says Stillwater had one of the earliest state prisons. And the Warden's House Museum takes you back in time to a glimpse into the earlier days of Minnesota.
And, if your planning on staying the weekend, Severson says there are some great well-known bed-and-breakfasts available.
Stillwater sits in the St. Croix River valley with an historic lift bridge that you'll probably drive right by on your way into town.
Severson says if you want to enjoy a picnic next to the river, Lowell Park is right next to the lift bridge. In fact, She says there is plenty to do on the St. Croix River.
You can even ride above it in a hot air ballon. (Aamodt's or Stillwater Balloons) Severson says a hot air balloon ride is nothing short of magnificent with balloon gondolas touching down on the waters of the St. Croix River, then lifting off and clearing the Stillwater Lift Bridge.
Or go on a romantic ride in a gondola shipped straight from Italy with a guide that sings you love songs.
Or take a train ride through Stillwater on the Minnesota Zephyr. Severson says the Zephyr dinner train winds along the St. Croix River until it meets-up with the Gateway Bike Trail.
If you're planning on bringing the kids, Severson says there's a great new park that just opened up. Severson says Teddy Bear Park has a wide range of programming for kids 8 and under.
Also, take the kids through a tour of the old brewery caves or the historic grain elevator.
Finally, there's lots to do including wine tasting, bluff climbing, paddle boating, fishing, and apple picking. But, you can't forget about Stillwater's biggest summer celebration. Severson says Lumberjack Days will be held from July 23rd through the 27th.
Next week we'll continue of Tour of 10,00 Lakes as we take you on a short trip up to Little Lalls. And, the week after that we'll check out the Brainerd lakes area.
Resources:
Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
City of Stillwater
Warden's House Museum
Virtual Tours of Stillwater
If we've missed a great tourism destination in the Stillwater area, tell us about it, or send us pictures of you visiting that place. You can e-mail Jim.
RELATED STORIES:
Destination One: St. Cloud/Central Minnesota
Destination Two: Duluth