Where Downtown Stillwater is
Downtown Stillwater sits on the St. Croix River, along Main Street and the waterfront below the city's bluffs. The city's Downtown Commercial Historic District covers this area. It is both a local district and a National Register district, and the city says it is the only designated historic district in Stillwater.
The city's downtown tour brochure notes that the downtown commercial district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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Homes in Downtown Stillwater
Downtown is mainly a commercial district, so most of its buildings were built for business. The city's walking tour stops at the Freight House from 1883, the Lumberman's Exchange from 1890, and the Lowell Inn from 1927. The Brunswick House at 114 Chestnut Street East dates to about 1848, and it stayed in the Brunswick family until 1968.
Exterior projects in the historic district go through the Heritage Preservation Commission's design permit review. The city names the Downtown Design Review Overlay District as one of the areas it reviews. We check a property's district and records before you plan any changes.
Parks and places nearby
Lowell Park, at 201 Water Street, runs along the riverfront with an amphitheater, a gazebo, walking paths and restrooms. The city began improving this stretch of riverfront in 1909, and the park's pavilion was built in 1923.
The Lift Bridge was built in 1931 and once carried Highway 36 to Houlton, Wisconsin. Car traffic moved to the new St. Croix Crossing bridge in 2017, and the Lift Bridge was converted to a bicycle and pedestrian bridge in 2020.
Getting around and schools
The city's parking plan gives free 90-minute parking on Main Street and free 4-hour parking to the west. Paid spaces sit between Main Street and the river, and a paid ramp is one block west of Main. Metro Transit Route 294, an express bus, stops at Water Street and Myrtle Street on its way to and from downtown St. Paul.
Stillwater Area Public Schools (District 834) serves Stillwater. The district has seven elementary attendance areas, and all of its students attend Stillwater Area High School. Confirm the assigned schools for any address with the district.
How we help in Downtown Stillwater
We help buyers sort out how the historic district rules affect a given building, and we read permit and assessment records with you. Owners get a value report built from nearby sales and the details of their property.
For more on the city around Downtown Stillwater, see our Stillwater page. You can also read how buying a home works, ask for a home valuation, or contact us about Downtown Stillwater.
Where these Downtown Stillwater facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from City of Stillwater: Heritage Preservation Commission Districts, City of Stillwater: Design Review Districts, City of Stillwater: Historic Walking Tours, City of Stillwater: Downtown Walking Tour brochure, City of Stillwater: Lowell Park, MnDOT: Stillwater Lift Bridge (Bridge 4654), City of Stillwater: Parking Information, Metro Transit: Route 294, Stillwater Area Public Schools: District Map and Boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Downtown Stillwater?
Downtown Stillwater sits along Main Street and the St. Croix River waterfront. The city's Downtown Commercial Historic District covers it.
What kinds of buildings are in Downtown Stillwater?
It is mainly a commercial district with historic buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s. We check each property's use, district and records.
What park is in Downtown Stillwater?
Lowell Park, at 201 Water Street, runs along the river with an amphitheater, a gazebo and walking paths.
Which school district serves Downtown Stillwater?
Stillwater Area Public Schools (District 834) serves Stillwater. Confirm the assigned schools for the exact address with the district.
How do I check flood zone and property taxes for a downtown property?
Look up the address on FEMA's flood map and in Washington County's property records. We pull both for any home you are considering.
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