It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Stillwater Lift Bridge, Historic Site in Stillwater, MN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Stillwater, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Pioneer Park in Stillwater, MN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Domaćin Restaurant & Wine Bar or visit St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Stillwater, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Stillwater, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Stillwater, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
I suspect no Minnesota city has pulled off a better waterfront transformation than Stillwater, the historic river town east of St. Paul.Ostensibly the oldest city in the state, the last few years have seen vibrancy blossom in downtown Stillwater, transforming the St. Croix Riverfront into one of the best public spaces in the east metro. As streets and spaces along the river have become more walkable, Stillwater reveals how removing auto traffic can catalyze public life.Thanks to its role in early territorial politics, Stillwate...
I suspect no Minnesota city has pulled off a better waterfront transformation than Stillwater, the historic river town east of St. Paul.
Ostensibly the oldest city in the state, the last few years have seen vibrancy blossom in downtown Stillwater, transforming the St. Croix Riverfront into one of the best public spaces in the east metro. As streets and spaces along the river have become more walkable, Stillwater reveals how removing auto traffic can catalyze public life.
Thanks to its role in early territorial politics, Stillwater seems like an outlier because of its status as an historical touchstone. But there’s a long list of Minnesota cities, young and old, that continue to have trouble with their waterfronts, thanks in part to both natural forces and industrial history.
It’s a difficult line to walk, because the very nature of levees create low-density barriers, but the combination of infrastructure and the threat of flooding often leaves cities like Hastings, Winona and Red Wing stymied along the river. It remains a challenge to activate riverfronts in the way that Stillwater has done. But Stillwater might hold lessons for other Minnesota waterfront towns and cities, including large ones like St. Paul and Duluth, which could learn a thing of two about injecting vitality into their waterfront.
Stillwater justifiably claims its motto as the “Birthplace of Minnesota.” It began as a key riverboat port and connection to the Wisconsin Territory, and became home to the state’s early lumber milling industry. Every spring, thousands of pine logs floated down the St. Croix River to Stillwater, where they were hewed into pine boards. Stillwater’s economic boom centered on the riverfront, particularly as the railroads arrived throughout the second half of the 19th century.
For much of the 20th century, Stillwater remained an industrial town centered on its riverfront rail yards. In those years, it was home to munitions and furniture factories, and an ever-changing variety of railroad enterprises. They required a close workforce — sometimes including nearby prison labor — to put in three shifts among the smokestacks, and downtown was built around that relationship.
Today’s tourist enclave represents quite a shift from that era, but it didn’t happen overnight. The idea of transforming the waterfront space had deep roots. Like many cities in the early 20th century, Stillwater commissioned a “city beautiful”-style plan. The result, put together by the firm of Morell & Nichols, envisioned a park-like waterfront as part of a large-scale beautification effort.
The idea then was to clear the railroad and industrial uses from the waterfront and replace them with park space, alongside a parkway road that would parallel the St. Croix. This kind of vision was not that unusual at the time, though execution and implementation were far more rare. For example, business leaders in Minneapolis crafted an even more ambitious comprehensive city plan in 1917.
In Minneapolis’ case, the outbreak of World War I stopped any possible momentum around that plan, but for Stillwater, the lack of action stemmed more from a decline in industrial activity. For a variety of reasons, factories closed and the industrial waterfront gradually stagnated. It would take another half-century, though, for uses of the waterfront to shift.
In Stillwater, riverfront rail yards remained until at least the 1970s — I could not track down an exact date. Over the last 30 years, they have been gradually removed. The southern railroad went first, clearing the way for well-used surface parking lots. On the north side of downtown, the last train was finally trucked away 10 years ago when the operator of a tourist train called the Zephyr went out of business. Today those tracks are part of a popular bike trail and riverfront park.
The other big change for Stillwater has been the shifting use of its iconic “lift bridge” across the St. Croix, which was built in 1930. Where once the old lift bridge served as a traffic-choked bottleneck, today the St. Croix Crossing bridge offers an amazing river-top vista perfect for strolling with a dog or biking with a kid. It’s as big a transformation as you can find in Minnesota, and though pedestrian-only bridges are common elsewhere around the country, they’re still a rarity in the Twin Cities.
The Stillwater example has radically transformed the downtown and, unless you’re trying to drive to Houlton, Wis., it’s for the better. The bridge, now open to people on foot or bicycle, is such a social attraction that it hosted the first interstate Packers/Vikings tug-of-war before one of last season’s games. The Wisconsin fans won that time (though their team did not) but who’s to say which side of the border will take the crown next.
The bridge is a metaphor for change, and makes me wonder whether or not other waterfronts could see similar turnarounds. Could places currently dominated by highways shift to recreation in ways that trickle out to impact the downtowns as a whole? In Stillwater, the riverfront renaissance has catalyzed an “art alley,” where the previously marginal space has filled with creative murals mingling with café tables. Nearby, Chestnut Street was also closed to cars and opened up to people.
The transformation is striking: Today the entrance to the lift bridge is one of the most pleasant places to visit in the Twin Cities metro. Strolling over the bridge with a kid and back to the ice cream shops along Water Street is infinitely more pleasant, now that the threat and nuisance of car traffic has been removed. It’s almost a guarantee that you’ll find people socializing and having fun.
It would be wonderful if other waterfront towns around the state could learn from this lesson and remove cars from the dominant status they almost always occupy. Stillwater came to this realization almost accidentally, following tense debate over the future of the lift bridge and the expansion of Highway 36 into western Wisconsin.
While the new bridge might be triggering the sprawling development that people had warned of, downtown Stillwater’s riverfront has emerged a clear winner.
Minnesota’s small towns have a way of staying with you with their natural beauty, deep-rooted community, and year-round events that keep life vibrant even when the snow piles high. Whether it’s listening to live music echo through a riverside park, kayaking on glassy northern lakes, or browsing handmade crafts at a holiday market, these towns remind you that ‘Minnesota nice’ isn’t just a saying, it’s a lifestyle. For locals, these seven towns aren’t just destinations; they’re home to traditions...
Minnesota’s small towns have a way of staying with you with their natural beauty, deep-rooted community, and year-round events that keep life vibrant even when the snow piles high. Whether it’s listening to live music echo through a riverside park, kayaking on glassy northern lakes, or browsing handmade crafts at a holiday market, these towns remind you that ‘Minnesota nice’ isn’t just a saying, it’s a lifestyle. For locals, these seven towns aren’t just destinations; they’re home to traditions worth keeping, from New Ulm’s Oktoberfest to Stillwater’s historic Main Street charm and Ely’s connection to the Boundary Waters. Together, they reveal the best of the North Star State, where every season invites you to slow down and explore deeply.
Grand Marais is located along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior, and it captures the kind of natural beauty that never feels the same twice. One day, the lake is calm and glassy; the next, its waves crash dramatically against the rocky shore. That constant change seems to energize the town, a favorite getaway for Minnesotans who love art, food, and the outdoors in equal measure. You can start at the Grand Marais Art Colony, where artists have gathered since the 1940s to teach and exhibit their work. Just steps away, you’ll find the North House Folk School, offering workshops in traditional crafts like woodcarving, fiber arts, and boatbuilding, perfect for those who love learning by doing.
Walk down to Artist’s Point, a rocky peninsula that extends into Lake Superior, offering one of the most breathtaking sunset views in the Midwest. For a cozy lunch or dinner, Angry Trout Café serves locally caught fish and lakefront views that keep people coming back season after season.
Every late September to early October, the town comes alive during Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour, a scenic art tour along the north shore where local artists open their studios to visitors. Organized by Visit Cook County, it’s one of the most loved cultural events up north. Grand Marais isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to pause, recharge, and remember how vibrant small-town life can be when surrounded by nature.
Lanesboro, often called Minnesota’s ‘bed and breakfast capital’, thrives on its blend of scenic trails and tight-knit community. It’s one of those places where the pace of life matches the rhythm of the water that runs beside it. You can start your morning biking or walking along the Root River State Trail, a 42-mile paved route that winds through limestone bluffs, farms, and thick canopies of green. The trail passes right through downtown, making it easy to grab lunch at Pedal Pushers Café, known for its locally sourced comfort food, or wander through the shops that line Parkway Avenue.
Art plays a big role in community life here. The Commonweal Theatre Company stages professional performances year-round, drawing talent and audiences from across the state. In summer, you might catch live music at Sylvan Park or the Art in the Park festival, which brings together local artists, food vendors, and families under the shade of century-old trees. If you’re visiting in the fall, the hills surrounding Lanesboro turn brilliant gold and crimson, a favorite time for photographers and nature lovers. With its walkable streets, friendly pace, and community that truly shows up for its events, Lanesboro captures everything people love about small-town Minnesota living.
Bemidji, often called the ‘First City on the Mississippi’, is a place where northern Minnesota’s wild beauty meets a friendly, creative spirit. Its location between Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving makes it a natural hub for water activities, from summer kayaking and pontoon rides to peaceful morning walks along the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which stretches over 100 miles through forested countryside. You’ll find locals and visitors gathering year-round at Lake Bemidji State Park, where boardwalk trails weave through tamarack bogs, and cross-country skiing takes over in winter.
The iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, standing tall since 1937, are must-see landmarks that give a glimpse into the town’s playful history. The Watermark Art Center brings local art to the forefront, hosting regional exhibitions and workshops that appeal to lifelong learners. The Night We Light Festival, which happens in late November, kicks off the holiday season with a parade, fireworks, and lighting of the downtown area near Paul Bunyan Park. It’s a major community celebration marking the start of winter.
Whether you’re walking the lakeshore at sunset or enjoying coffee downtown at Raphael’s Bakery Cafe, Bemidji offers an inviting blend of outdoor adventure, art, and easy camaraderie.
Set in the heart of Minnesota’s lake country, Nisswa feels like summer distilled into a town. With its mix of small boutiques, lakeside resorts, and community spirit, it’s easy to see why locals love living and staying active here. The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs straight through town, making it a perfect spot for biking or walking between shimmering lakes and pine forests. A short walk from the trail leads you to Downtown Nisswa, where family-owned stores like Lake Latitude Boutique and Stone House Coffee & Roastery create that friendly, come back soon energy.
For those who love being on the water, nearby Gull Lake and Nisswa Lake are perfect for fishing or quiet afternoon cruises. Nature lovers can explore Crow Wing State Park, just a 25-minute drive away, to see where the Mississippi River meets the Crow Wing River, a serene spot for picnics and gentle hikes.
Nisswa is also home to one of Minnesota’s most beloved local events, the Nisswa City of Lights Celebration, which happens on the Friday after Thanksgiving. It’s a magical small town tradition featuring thousands of lights, horse-drawn wagon rides, bonfires, and fireworks, drawing families from across central Minnesota. Whether you’re paddling a lake, sipping wine at Roundhouse Brewery, or chatting with neighbors on Main Street, Nisswa captures everything people love about Minnesota’s north woods—lively, relaxed, and welcoming.
Ely is tucked along the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and offers the kind of small-town spirit and outdoor energy that Minnesotans truly treasure. It’s a place where early mornings start with mist over Shagawa Lake, and days unfold with hiking, canoeing, or exploring the nearby Superior National Forest. Active locals and visitors alike head to the Kawishiwi Falls Trail, a short and scenic 1.5-mile loop that rewards you with the rush of cascading water surrounded by birch and pine.
Downtown Ely, centered along Sheridan Street, feels both lively and close knit. One can find galleries, coffee shops, and the Ely ArtWalk, which transforms storefronts into an open-air art exhibit each winter. For those curious about the region’s wildlife and conservation efforts, the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center provide hands-on learning experiences year-round.
Ely’s community calendar is just as full as its forests. The Blueberry Art Festival in late July draws thousands for art, crafts, and classic fair food, while winter brings the Ely Winter Festival, featuring snow sculpting and torchlight parades that turn the town into a wonderland. Ely’s mix of nature, art, and neighborly energy makes it a place where staying active feels completely effortless.
Set along the St. Croix River, Stillwater is often called the ‘Birthplace of Minnesota’, but its vibrant present is just as appealing as its history. Locals love its blend of scenic beauty, a walkable downtown, and an active lifestyle. The restored Stillwater Lift Bridge, now open to pedestrians and cyclists, offers a direct connection to Wisconsin and stunning river views, perfect for a relaxed stroll or bike ride. The locals consider the site to be a great place for a walk on Sundays, with tons of restaurants nearby.
Stillwater’s Main Street is filled with historic architecture, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants like LoLo American Kitchen and P.D. Pappy’s, where you can enjoy a riverside meal in the summer. Active residents enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking with Brown’s Creek Trail providing a peaceful 5.9-mile path linking the city to the Gateway State Trail, ideal for both cycling and long walks.
Throughout the year, Stillwater’s community gatherings bring people together. The Harvest Fest in October is especially popular, featuring live music, a pumpkin regatta on the river, and autumn markets that showcase local farms and artisans. Whether you’re exploring antique stores or watching the sun dip below the bluffs, Stillwater’s charm lies in how effortlessly it mixes small-town warmth with active riverside living.
Known as ‘The Most German Town in America’ due to its founding by German immigrants, New Ulm combines old-world culture with a friendly, active spirit that keeps residents engaged year-round. With its tidy streets, breweries, and historic landmarks, this town along the Minnesota River offers plenty to explore. The Hermann Heights Monument, standing 102 feet tall, provides panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside for those who don’t mind a climb. You can walk up to the very top of the monument and stand at the feet of the statue and get some amazing views. The stairs aren't too tough to climb.
Downtown New Ulm bustles with locally owned shops and bakeries, and the August Schell Brewing Company, a historic brewery, offers guided tours through its historic facilities and scenic gardens. The Flandreau State Park, located just south of downtown, provides serene hiking trails, picnic areas, and a swimming beach, making it ideal for those who like to stay active outdoors.
New Ulm’s strong community spirit shines through its many festivals. In early October, the New Ulm Oktoberfest, which is the biggest Oktoberfest in Minnesota, celebrates the town’s German roots with parades, live polka music, dancing, and locally brewed beer. For active seniors and families alike, New Ulm offers an inviting mix of cultural experiences, green spaces, and year-round gatherings that make it feel both vibrant and deeply rooted.
What ties Minnesota’s small towns together isn’t just their scenery, it’s their sense of belonging. In Grand Marais, you might meet the same artist you saw at the Cook County Market painting at the harbor the next day. In New Ulm, the oompah bands of Oktoberfest bring neighbors together rain or shine. Up north in Ely, the glow of a winter bonfire at the Ely Winter Festival feels like community in its purest form. Each town offers something timeless: local pride, genuine friendliness, and the simple joy of gathering, whether for music, art, or a cup of coffee. If you’re ever curious what makes Minnesotans love where they live, just spend a weekend in one of these seven small towns, and you may find yourself planning your next trip back before you’ve even left.
Chick-fil-A is coming to Stillwater.Chick-fil-A officials plan next fall to open a 5,218-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru facility in the parking lot of the former Herberger’s department store building.The site, 2001 Washington Ave., is located near the intersection of Washington Avenue and the Minnesota 36 frontage road, south of Harbor Freight Tools and east of Caribou Coffee.The Stillwater City Council signed off on the plans last week.City officials approved a conditional-use permit to allow a re...
Chick-fil-A is coming to Stillwater.
Chick-fil-A officials plan next fall to open a 5,218-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru facility in the parking lot of the former Herberger’s department store building.
The site, 2001 Washington Ave., is located near the intersection of Washington Avenue and the Minnesota 36 frontage road, south of Harbor Freight Tools and east of Caribou Coffee.
The Stillwater City Council signed off on the plans last week.
City officials approved a conditional-use permit to allow a restaurant with a drive-thru, as well as a variance to accommodate drive-thru canopies that encroach into the required 20-foot setback, said Jason Zimmerman, the city’s community development director.
The proposed restaurant is located within the city’s business park commercial zoning district. In 2023, a plat associated with a proposed car wash was approved on the site, but the car wash never opened, Zimmerman said. That same year, the Caribou Coffee was constructed in the area, Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman said city officials are working to improve traffic flow in the area, especially at the intersection of the frontage road and Washington Avenue. “We’re looking at making some changes there, which will help,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest pinch point.”
Zimmerman, who has never eaten at a Chick-fil-A, said he is looking forward to trying it out.
“Their market study showed that this would be a good place to locate,” he said. “People really like Chick-fil-A. People, including my son, just love the food. I think there’s a lot of excitement about seeing it in Stillwater. I’m sure they’ll get a lot of customers.”
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