Stillwater, Minnesota is a scenic historic town just twenty miles from the Twin Cities city of St. Paul, Minnesota. Stillwater is on the border of the Illinois / Wisconsin state line. The City, which was a prosperous logging town in the 1800,’s became known as the “Birthplace of Minnesota” in 1848, when 61 delegates gathered to draft a petition requesting the U.S. Congress to recognize a new territory to be named Minnesota. The Minnesota territory was established as a result of this petition.’
The dense forested land along the rich river valley provided the lumber for the Victorian mansions that were occupied by wealthy townspeople. Many of the historic buildings from the prosperous Victorian era are still in Stillwater.
Stillwater has been named one of the best destinations for a Midwestern getaway vacation. Following are some of the best restaurants in Stillwater.
Minnesota Zephyr Limited
601 North Main Street
Stillwater, MN
651-430-3000
The Minnesota Zephyr is an elegant dining rain offering a chance to experience a 1940’s style dinner on a train. The Minnesota Zephyr has five restored dining cars, each decorated differently. The dining cars recreate the elegant dining experiences of a more formal era. The train travels through the beautiful St. Croix Valley, for a three and one-half hour journey. The train boards in Stillwater and travels along the river and past bluffs. The train departs from the Stillwater Depot. Waiting guests can relax with a drink at the Martini bar before the trip. There is a gift shop with souvenirs.
Guests are seated in one for the five romantic dining cars, which are all elegantly decorated. AS the train travels along it’s scenic route, guest are served an outstanding five-course meal to the sounds of the greatest musical hits of the 40’s and 50’s the tables are set with white linens, fine china and candles.
The meals are selected in advance of the trip. Menu selections include tenderloin of beef with mushroom sauce, prime rib, grilled North Atlantic salmon and moist rock game hen. There are three bars, stocked with top quality beverages, liquors, wines and liqueurs. The train trip is smoke free. Reservations recommended. $71 to $81 plus tax, tip and beverages. AAA Three Diamond.
Lowell Inn Dining Room
Lowell Inn
Stillwater, MN
The historic Lowell Inn, opened in 1927, sits on the same site as the original lumberjack hotel, The Sawyer House. The fine dining rooms were established in 1930, beginning with the George Washington Room. There are three dining rooms: The George Washington Room is refined and romantic. The Garden Room has vibrant stained glass and a spring fed fountain. The Matterhorn Room is trimmed with Swiss woodcarving.
Diners enjoy elegant entrees and Swiss fondue. The dinner menu features entrees such as herb crusted walleye, prosciutto wrapped chicken breast, filet mignon, maple glazed pork tenderloin, wild salmon Oscar, duch a la orange, shrimp carbonara , lobster newburg and wild mushroom ravioli. Save room for a dessert of tiramisu, chocolate torte, pecan pie, creme brulee, apple cinnamon bread pudding or Grand Marnier Chocolate Fondue for Two. AAA Three Diamond.
Dock Cafe
425 East nelson Street
Stillwater, MN
651-430-3770
Located on the edge of the St. Croix River in Old Town Stillwater. Dinner entrees include Atlantic salmon, black & blue tuna, herb seared scallops, walleye, prawns, prosciutto wrapped ocean fish, lamb, sirloin, beef tournedos, shiitake encrusted chicken breast and more. Enjoy fine wine with the meal.
Gasthouse Bavarian Hunter
8390 Lofton Avenue
Stillwater, MN
651-439-7128
Family owned and operated German restaurant surrounded by a Bavarian like pine forest. German specialties include Schweinsbraten, Schweinshane, Bayerische Rippert, Bavarian Smoked Ribs, Walleye Fillets, Rouladen, Sauerbraten, Rostbraten, Bratworst, Knackwurst and more. AAA Two Diamond.
Information subject to change. Contact the restaurants for further informtaion and to make reservations.
