The Lowell Inn is a landmark hotel in historic downtown Stillwater, at 102 North 2nd Street, within walking distance of boutique shops, restaurants and the St. Croix River. It opened in 1927, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and stands on the site of the old Sawyer House, which operated as a hotel for sixty-seven years before the Lowell Inn was built. It has 35 rooms: 23 restored rooms in the main building, which are romantic and equipped with modern amenities, and 12 contemporary rooms in a newer annex. Listed features include fireplaces, whirlpools, a bridal suite and air conditioning. The inn is known for its dining as much as its rooms, and many visitors come for dinner and stay the night.
Location and getting around
The inn is a short walk from Main Street, the riverfront and the lift bridge. The historic courthouse and the Warden’s House Museum are on the hill nearby. Because the inn is in the historic centre, you can leave the car parked once you arrive. Ask the inn about parking arrangements when you reserve.
Rooms
The main-building rooms have the historic character, with period styling and, in some, fireplaces and whirlpool tubs; the annex rooms are more contemporary. Choose the main building for atmosphere and the annex for modern simplicity. The bridal suite is popular for weddings and anniversaries. Because the building is historic, room sizes and layouts differ, so read the descriptions carefully. Check current arrangements for the inn’s restaurants and rooms before you travel, as historic hotels sometimes change their operations.
Dining
The George Washington Room is a Colonial-style dining room open year-round with a traditional American menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a full bar, with reservations recommended. The Matterhorn Dining Room is a fondue restaurant with a Swiss wood-carving theme, and reservations are required. These two rooms give the inn a character found nowhere else in the valley.
Who it suits
Couples, history lovers and anyone celebrating a special occasion. Good to know: weekends and October fill up first, and dinner reservations are essential.
Why stay here
- ✓35 rooms in two buildings
- ✓Historic 1927 main building
- ✓George Washington Room restaurant
- ✓Matterhorn fondue dining room
- ✓Fireplaces in selected rooms
- ✓Whirlpool tubs
- ✓Bridal suite
- ✓Full bar
Good questions
When did the Lowell Inn open?+
The Lowell Inn opened in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
How many rooms does it have?+
There are 35 rooms: 23 in the restored main building and 12 in a newer annex.
What restaurants are at the Lowell Inn?+
The George Washington Room and the Matterhorn Dining Room, a fondue restaurant. Reservations are advised or required.