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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.

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Home Care In Stillwater, MN

Home Care Stillwater, MN

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.

 In-Home Care Stillwater, MN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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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“Words cannot express how grateful we are for your companies services. We know it can be difficult to schedule around changing situations. We appreciate your flexibility and the care and compassion shown for my mother. A special thanks to your team.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Stillwater, MN?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Stillwater, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Stillwater, MN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Stillwater, MN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Stillwater, MN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Stillwater, MN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

 In-Home Care Stillwater, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Stillwater, MN

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

 Elderly Care Stillwater, MN

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Stillwater, MN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Stillwater, MN

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Stillwater, MN

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:

  • The Lodge
  • Golden LivingCenter - Linden
  • The Estates at Greeley
  • Birchwood Landing
  • Stillwater Senior Living
  • Oak Ridge Place
Home Care Stillwater, MN

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.

 In-Home Care Stillwater, MN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

 Elderly Care Stillwater, MN

Latest News in Stillwater, MN

Exclusive: Behind the scenes at Nicolas Cage’s zombie shoot in Stillwater

The Oscar winner’s post-apocalyptic film “Parish” will shoot in Minnesota through the end of the month.Watching a farmer draw water from a Stillwater well would be a chore if the “farmer” wasn’t Nicolas Cage, one of the biggest stars to commit to a Minnesota-made movie in two decades.“Parish,” currently filming on deteriorating property near Axdahl’s Greenhouse, centers around a post-apocalyptic survivor taking on zombies. But the shoot Tuesday afternoon d...

The Oscar winner’s post-apocalyptic film “Parish” will shoot in Minnesota through the end of the month.

Watching a farmer draw water from a Stillwater well would be a chore if the “farmer” wasn’t Nicolas Cage, one of the biggest stars to commit to a Minnesota-made movie in two decades.

“Parish,” currently filming on deteriorating property near Axdahl’s Greenhouse, centers around a post-apocalyptic survivor taking on zombies. But the shoot Tuesday afternoon didn’t feature any battles or bloodshed, which may explain why an actor famous for his intensity both on and off screen seemed so relaxed.

It probably didn’t hurt that he also had a very special visitor.

“OK, Auggie?” he asked his 4-year-old daughter, nursing a box drink from a director’s chair after wrapping the scene. As the crew of about 80 broke for a late lunch, the Oscar winner (for “Leaving Las Vegas”) took his child’s hand and strolled to his trailer.

Moments like this used to be common in the ’90s, when marquee names like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Marisa Tomei, Natalie Portman and Jack Lemmon routinely worked in Minnesota. But when tax incentives slowed down, so did the parade of stars.

The last time Hollywood heavyweights left a major imprint in the state was 2005, when Charlize Theron and Frances McDormand were doing “North Country” across the Iron Range, and Meryl Streep and Lindsay Lohan set up shop in downtown St. Paul for “A Prairie Home Companion.”

But Minnesota natives are working hard to rekindle show biz’s love affair with the Upper Midwest.

Brianna Fischer, who grew up in Edina, used her pull as executive in charge of production to convince director Adam Sigal to shoot “Parish” here.

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“I showed them a whole bunch of options, but I kind of knew this is the one they’d like,” said Fischer, who used the same property for the 2024 film, “Marmalade” starring Joe Keery (“Stranger Things”).

Sigal, who had never been to Minnesota before, has been impressed.

“It’s terrific,” said Sigal, who has been based here long enough to have celebrated his birthday at the State Fair. “You can tell it’s a state that’s very artistically inclined.”

Sigal, who previously helmed “Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose,” logs 12-hour work days, not including his daily commute from Minneapolis, which makes it hard to soak in the sights. But he has become hooked on Caribou Coffee’s iced tea.

Producer Joel Shapiro loves the chili at Stillwater’s Cozzie’s Tavern & Grill, which may explain why the crew will be shooting a scene there later this month. Producer Amile Wilson raved about his night at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul. Production designer Scott Daniel and his family have become big fans of Smilin Moose Lodge Bar & Grill in Hudson.

Cage has been spotted with his wife and daughter at Paisley Park, the Renaissance Festival and Oro by Nixta.

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But the choice to be here has little to do with our rich culture. The main draw is the five-year-old Minnesota Film Production Tax Credit program, which allows productions that spend a minimum of $1 million in the state to get a tax credit of up to 25%.

“That plays such a massive part,” said Sigal, sporting a Stanley Kubrick baseball cap and a tattoo of a movie clapperboard on his neck. “The incentive now is good and will hopefully get better.”

Sigal then broke away to chat with his leading man. Behind them was the main character’s house with peeling wallpaper, cluttered with paperback novels, a stack of car batteries, a TV you might find at your grandparents’ garage sale and a chalkboard with marks that may be a record of how long Cage’s Parish has stayed alive.

To the right was a garden, as well as a stuffed dummy used to train the character’s attack dogs.

A metal wall, which took nearly three weeks to build, lines the property that’s about a six-minute drive from downtown Stillwater. It serves as both the character’s barricade from outsiders and a sound barrier from road traffic.

The farm is big enough to serve as both the main set and base camp, with plenty of parking for the trailers and more than 50 cars. One barn has been converted into a mess hall, which seemed to have as many bottles of pain relievers as it did snacks. The views include a patch of woods, the perfect shelter for creatures planning their next attack.

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“It’s iconic,” said Wilson, the producer. “I’ve got this great photo of mist rolling in that captures a little bit of a hillside and some crops. It truly looks like anywhere in America, which is what you want on a project like this.”

Wilson hopes to bring more productions to the state. So does Fischer. When “Parish” is done, she will shift to working on Mark Rylance’s “Nice Fish,” an adaptation of the play that premiered at the Guthrie Theater, around Mille Lacs Lake and Lake Waconia.

According to Nell Lawrenz-Wareham, deputy director of Explore Minnesota Film, there are 17 active films supported by the state film tax credit in various stages of production. A lot are independent projects, which Lawrenz-Wareham is more than happy to crow about. But she understands the added appeal when a name like Cage is involved.

“Films with big stars attached have a multi-pronged impact,” she said. “It supports the local economy, with the production and its staff spending at restaurants, hotels and small businesses in the host community, and it becomes a point of local pride.”

Shapiro was surprised and delighted when a local farmer stopped by the set during the first week to donate a bunch of strawberries.

Those kind of welcome gifts may become harder to come by if Hollywood-in-the-heartland becomes more routine.

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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Stillwater Lift Bridge Repairs Begin October 19 as Scheduled River Lifts End Tuesday Night

STILLWATER, MN (October 19, 2026). Maintenance on the Stillwater Lift Bridge is scheduled to begin Monday, bringing changes for pedestrians and bicyclists as the bridge also approaches the end of its regular seasonal lifting schedule for boats.The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to replace the bridge’s festoon electrical cable and drive motor. The cable supplies electricity to the motor that raises the movable span.The project also includes replacement of steel platforms, ladders a...

STILLWATER, MN (October 19, 2026). Maintenance on the Stillwater Lift Bridge is scheduled to begin Monday, bringing changes for pedestrians and bicyclists as the bridge also approaches the end of its regular seasonal lifting schedule for boats.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to replace the bridge’s festoon electrical cable and drive motor. The cable supplies electricity to the motor that raises the movable span.

The project also includes replacement of steel platforms, ladders and railings. MnDOT expects maintenance to be completed by mid-May 2027.

South Sidewalk Remains Available

Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MnDOT says the sidewalk on the south side of the bridge will remain open throughout the project. The former vehicle surface will be separated from the work area by fencing during the week, with that surface reopening on weekends.

People using the bridge should follow the designated route and posted construction signs. The work changes how people cross, but the announced plan maintains a pedestrian connection on the south side.

The bridge forms part of a nearly five-mile walking and bicycling loop linking Minnesota and Wisconsin across the St. Croix River.

For people planning a loop trip, the important distinction is between access to the remaining sidewalk and access to the bridge’s wider former roadway. Those spaces will not have the same availability during weekday construction.

Boat Lifts Shift to Advance Requests

Separately, the bridge’s 2026 regular lift schedule ends after the final scheduled lift at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, October 20.

Once seasonal staffing ends, the span will ordinarily remain down until spring. Boaters needing a lift must call MnDOT at 651-234-7110 at least 24 hours in advance.

That requirement affects river passage beneath the movable span. It is separate from the construction arrangements for people crossing on foot or by bicycle.

MnDOT says scheduled seasonal lifts will resume in spring 2027. The maintenance completion target extends into May, so the return of spring lift operations and the end of all repair work should not be assumed to occur simultaneously.

Residents and visitors can check the Stillwater Lift Bridge webpage for updates before planning a crossing or requesting a river lift.

Local stories matter. Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia and receive independent news, community reporting and important updates from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.

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Step Back in Time in Minnesota’s Best-Preserved Victorian Town

While you'll find plenty of Victorian architecture in the Land of 10,000 Lakes (4.5 miles of Summit Avenue in St. Paul contains one of the longest stretches of intact Victorian homes in the U.S.), the old section of Stillwater feels like it's still living in the 19th century. Among the historic towns in Minnesota, few remain as intact as Stillwater, including its historic Main Street commercial district along the St. Croix River and the Victorian homes that line the bluff above it....

While you'll find plenty of Victorian architecture in the Land of 10,000 Lakes (4.5 miles of Summit Avenue in St. Paul contains one of the longest stretches of intact Victorian homes in the U.S.), the old section of Stillwater feels like it's still living in the 19th century. Among the historic towns in Minnesota, few remain as intact as Stillwater, including its historic Main Street commercial district along the St. Croix River and the Victorian homes that line the bluff above it.

Why Stillwater Is One of the Best-Preserved Historic Towns in Minnesota

Stillwater, as one of the state's oldest cities, has clung tightly to its history since its founding in 1839. The Stillwater Commercial Historic District, which covers the main downtown area and includes nearly 60 contributing buildings, was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Another 11 buildings outside the district are also listed on the Register, and more than 100 additional houses and buildings are considered Heirloom Homes and landmark sites dating primarily from the late 19th century. When you visit, you'll see why Stillwater is one of those small towns in the U.S. that still feels frozen in time.

The Victorian Architecture You'll See in Stillwater

You can walk through history in Stillwater simply by strolling its streets, walking up the hill from Main Street to the old government buildings, to the residential manors perched above it all. The riverfront commercial district was built mainly in the 1880s and 1890s. Above it, you'll find the historic Washington County Courthouse, an 1870 Italianate structure that dominates the town's skyline. Beyond it, you'll find the Aurora Staples Inn, an 1892 Queen Anne home built with the wealth of the lumber barons who built Stillwater, along with dozens of other historic residences.

How Stillwater Stayed Frozen in Time

Stillwater was built on white pine. In the mid-to-late 1800s, it was one of the biggest lumber hubs in the young country, processing the timber sent down the St. Croix River. The local lumber barons built ornate commercial buildings and large Victorian homes overlooking the valley. By the early 1900s, the timber had dried up, and redevelopment bypassed the town, but in the mid-20th century, preservationists realized what a treasure the town was. Residents prioritized maintaining the historic nature of their homes, and groups worked to ensure the commercial district stayed intact. These days, Stillwater is beautiful any time of year, but it really stands out in the autumn, when the St. Croix River Valley explodes in color and makes Stillwater a historic town that shines in the fall.

Things To Do in Stillwater

You can easily fill a day visiting Stillwater's historic sites and admiring the handsome homes on the hillside. The Warden's House Museum offers a look at the town's early statehood and logging-era days dating back to 1853. The historic brick buildings along Main Street are now independent bookstores, antique shops, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and more. You can browse multi-level antique malls housed in the 1890s block buildings, then grab lunch on a patio overlooking the water. While there are many other historic towns in Minnesota, Stillwater has the largest concentration of 19th-century homes and architecture that you'll find in a community of its size.

Planning Your Visit to Stillwater, Minnesota

You'll find plenty of parking on the streets and in several public lots located along the river behind Main Street. During peak season, there's a fee to park in the lots, but street parking is free. The town sits on a hill, so keep that in mind if you decide to explore above Main Street. Grab a drink and a snack at The Velveteen Speakeasy, then end your day on the historic 1931 lift bridge, now a pedestrian walkway to Wisconsin, and watch the sun set over the hill. Make a weekend of your visit, and book a room at the Aurora Staples Inn or the Ann Bean Mansion, both Victorian bed and breakfasts.

FAQs About Stillwater

Stillwater is widely considered one of the best-preserved Victorian towns in Minnesota. Its Commercial Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and includes over 60 historic buildings, most built between 1860 and 1900.

Stillwater is known for its historic downtown, the St. Croix River lift bridge, and its status as the birthplace of Minnesota. The town grew during the 19th-century lumber boom and bypassed heavy 20th-century redevelopment, which is why so much of its 19th-century streetscape survives today.

Yes. The Warden's House Museum offers guided tours from May through October, and the Washington County Historic Courthouse is open year-round for self-guided visits. Admission to the Warden's House is $10 for adults 18 and older and $3 for kids ages 6 to 17; children 5 and younger are free. Check the Washington County Historical Society website before visiting.

Stillwater's historic downtown district covers about six blocks, so most sights are within a 10-minute walk of Main Street. The commercial area is flat, but the residential side streets are highly elevated. Public lots near the river make it easy to park once and explore on foot.

5 Unique Places Nicolas Cage Should Check Out While In Minnesota

Nicolas Cage has been spotted around Minnesota while he is filming a movie in the Stillwater area. Most recently, Cage was spotted at a downtown Stillwater malt shop, which got me thinking about what other Stillwater area opportunities await Nicolas as he is on break from set. Here are 5 opportunities for Cage to enjoy while not straying too far from set.The Stillwater area is gorgeous year-round. I'm lucky enough to spend plenty of weekends in that area throughout the year, and if you asked me what else Nicolas Cage should experience...

Nicolas Cage has been spotted around Minnesota while he is filming a movie in the Stillwater area. Most recently, Cage was spotted at a downtown Stillwater malt shop, which got me thinking about what other Stillwater area opportunities await Nicolas as he is on break from set. Here are 5 opportunities for Cage to enjoy while not straying too far from set.

The Stillwater area is gorgeous year-round. I'm lucky enough to spend plenty of weekends in that area throughout the year, and if you asked me what else Nicolas Cage should experience while he is here, I'd be happy to do that.

The first thing I'd recommend he do is hop on Highway 95, head north to Taylor's Falls, and to check out Interstate State Park.

Interstate State Park has plenty to offer if you want to spend time out in the crisp fall air. From ancient potholes to old lava flows, and plenty of breathtaking views of the St. Croix River.

It's one of my favorite state parks to visit just for the views.

Number 2 on my list is not far from Interstate State Park; it's actually inside of it.

The Walter F. Mondale River Trail. It's a 2-ish mile hike that runs along the West edge of the St. Croix River. The best part of the hike is seeing history. You'll get to look out over the historical site of Nevers Dam, a major landmark from the region's 19th- and early 20th-century logging era.

Bring a camera.

Third on the list is not far from Interstate State Park and the Walter F. Mondale River Trail. However, it's very Nicolas Cage-y.

This one feels especially fitting for him, as his film career has embraced plenty of unusual, surreal, and offbeat projects. Franconia features enormous outdoor sculptures scattered across a prairie landscape. Some of the artwork looks like it could have come straight out of one of his stranger movies.

With all that walking around, Cage will have done, it's time to sit down and grab a bite to eat.

Drop in to Scandia Pizza for a slice, and make sure to check out the specials. Scandia Pizza would give Cage a taste of small-town Minnesota, away from the crowds and bustle of downtown Stillwater. It’s exactly the sort of casual, low-key stop that fits the story of a Hollywood star exploring the area between filming days.

It's also my guilty pleasure when I am visiting my in-laws.

Finally, if Cage wants to get a classic Minnesota fall experience, Aamodt's Apple Orchard isn't too far from Stillwater. It's just 15 minutes from downtown Stillwater and offers something that's slower-paced, and who can say no to hot cider?

Any one of these places would be a great option for Nicolas while he is here.

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