Stillwater River Boats runs public and private cruises on the St. Croix River aboard paddlewheel riverboats, and the two-hour sailing is one of the most relaxing things to do in the valley. The boats pass beneath the historic lift bridge and glide along the Minnesota and Wisconsin shores, where bluffs, wooded banks and the Stillwater skyline slide by at an easy pace. Weekend cruises include Jazz Me sailings with a Dixieland band, and meal cruises add a brunch of French toast, breakfast meats, eggs and pastries, a lunch of build-your-own sandwiches or, on weekends, a dinner with choices such as pot roast, cod or stuffed chicken. Vegan and vegetarian meals are available on request when you book. The company runs from early May to mid-October, so it is a warm-season activity.
Planning
Reservations are required, and the cruise runs rain or shine, so dress for the conditions on deck. The company may cancel a sailing with 24 hours’ notice if fewer than 30 passengers book, so confirm your cruise a day ahead. The boats are wheelchair accessible by ramp, which makes them one of the easiest ways for visitors with limited mobility to enjoy the river.
Beverages cost extra. The boarding area is a short walk, about five minutes, from the Water Street Inn, and the boat company’s own parking lot is limited, so use downtown parking and walk.
What to expect
The sailing is unhurried, about two hours of river scenery with commentary and music depending on the cruise you choose. The lift bridge passing overhead is the highlight, and the views of Stillwater’s brick downtown rising from the water give you a perspective that you cannot get on foot.
Choose a Jazz Me sailing on a weekend if you want lively music, or a daytime brunch or lunch cruise if you prefer a quieter outing. Evening dinner sailings are a romantic option for couples. Check the schedule for the day you want, because not every cruise type runs every day.
Making the most of it
Schedule the cruise for the middle of your stay so you know the town by then and can appreciate the view. In autumn, a daytime sailing gives the best foliage views from the water, and the seats on the upper deck are the first to go, so book early for October weekends. The cruise combines naturally with the trolley tour and a walk through the historic downtown. Families with children who enjoy boats find it an easy, seated outing, and groups can arrange private charters for celebrations.
What to expect
The experience
A two-hour paddlewheel cruise on the St. Croix River with optional meals and weekend jazz.
Best time
Daytime in autumn for foliage, or a summer evening dinner sailing.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Reserve ahead, confirm the day before in case of low numbers, and park downtown because the boat lot is small.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, families and anyone who wants river views without effort.
- Families
- A comfortable seated outing with ramp access.
- Couples
- A dinner or Jazz Me sailing is a romantic highlight.
- Pair with
- The trolley tour and a stroll along Main Street.
- Time needed
- Two hours plus boarding.
Good questions
How long is the cruise?+
Public cruises last about two hours.
When do the boats operate?+
From early May through mid-October. Check the schedule for the days you want.
Are meals served?+
Yes. Brunch, lunch and weekend dinner cruises are offered, with vegan and vegetarian meals on request when you book.
Do I need to reserve?+
Yes. Reservations are required, and a sailing can be cancelled with 24 hours’ notice if fewer than 30 passengers book.
Is the boat accessible?+
The boats are wheelchair accessible by ramp.