Stillwater

Stillwater, a 19th-century lumber town on the St. Croix River often called the birthplace of Minnesota, pairs its well-preserved historic downtown with a bar scene of 36 venues led by sports bars, classic bars, and pubs. Lift Bridge Brewing anchors the craft-beer side (named for the city's own iconic lift bridge), while Brick and Bourbon and The Wild Hare give the antique-shop-lined downtown some after-hours options. It's a scene that leans into Stillwater's river-town charm as much as its drinks.