Dog-Friendly Stillwater, Minnesota
River views, walkable downtown streets, patio dining, and scenic trails make Stillwater one of the easiest weekend escapes in the Twin Cities area with a dog.
Stillwater, MN
Best for Walks
A scenic 5.9-mile state trail linking downtown Stillwater to the Gateway State Trail, ideal for leashed walks and easy bike-and-stroll outings.
Riverfront green space by the St. Croix and lift bridge with room for a relaxed leashed walk right in downtown.
Best Dog-Friendly Patios
Stylish downtown patio at Lora Hotel that Discover Stillwater specifically highlights as dog-friendly.
Large river-view patio with a dog menu and plenty of outdoor seating.
Orchard taproom with a dog-friendly patio just outside downtown.
Best Stay Options
Boutique downtown hotel with upscale rooms and a pet policy that allows up to two dogs.
Reliable budget-friendly option near downtown with designated pet-friendly rooms.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in and around Stillwater
Lora
A stylish downtown boutique stay on Main Street, close to the riverfront, shops, and patio dining. Good fit if you want to walk to most of your weekend plans.
402 South Main Street, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteAmericInn by Wyndham Stillwater
A practical base in Oak Park Heights with easy parking and quick access to downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix riverfront.
13025 60th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteStillwater Inn & Suites
Simple, budget-conscious lodging near Highway 36 for travelers who want a lower nightly rate and a straightforward pet policy.
1750 Frontage Rd W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteQuality Inn & Suites
Value-oriented chain hotel in Stillwater with standard amenities and a pet-friendly designation on the official Choice Hotels listing.
2200 Frontage Rd W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteCoratel Inn and Suites by Jasper Stillwater
Another affordable option for travelers who mainly need a place to sleep after spending the day downtown or on the trails.
2190 Frontage Rd W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants and Patios
Feller
Refined American dining at Lora Hotel with one of downtown's best dog-friendly patios, making it a strong pick for a nicer dinner with your pup nearby.
402 South Main Street, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteFreight House
A longtime Stillwater favorite with a large patio overlooking the St. Croix River. Great for casual meals, drinks, and people-watching with your dog.
305 S Water St, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteLeo's Grill & Malt Shop
Classic summer stop for burgers, malts, and ice cream. The patio is seasonal, and the order window setup makes it easy when you're with a dog.
131 Main St S, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteThe Oasis Cafe
A local standby for breakfast, burgers, and pie with a small dog-friendly outdoor seating area. Good casual stop on the south end of town.
806 Main St S, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteThe Tilted Tiki
Fun downtown patio with tropical drinks and small plates, ideal for a relaxed afternoon break while exploring Main Street.
324 Main St S, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteThor's Hard Cider
Set at Aamodt's Apple Farm, this orchard taproom is a standout if you want a more spacious dog-friendly patio experience outside the downtown core.
6428 Manning Avenue North, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks and Activities
Stillwater Dog Park
The city's dedicated fenced off-leash area and the easiest place in town to let your dog burn energy before heading downtown.
216 North Fourth Street, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteBrown's Creek State Trail
A paved 5.9-mile trail with wooded stretches and river views. Great for leashed walks, jogs, or pairing with a bike outing.
Laurel Street East trail access, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteLowell Park - North
A scenic downtown green space along the St. Croix River near the lift bridge, ideal for a leashed stroll and photo stop.
Sam Bloomer Way, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteLowell Park - South
Another downtown riverfront section with open space and easy access to Stillwater's shops, trails, and seasonal events.
Sam Bloomer S./Nelson St. E., Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteAamodt's Apple Farm / Thor's Hard Cider
A relaxed outing spot where you can enjoy the orchard setting and then settle onto Thor's dog-friendly patio for cider and snacks.
6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteDowntown Stillwater
Stillwater's historic downtown is one of the city's biggest dog-friendly draws, with river views, shops, patios, and frequent pet-friendly events.
100 Main Street, Stillwater, MN 55082
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Stillwater
This itinerary keeps driving to a minimum and mixes riverfront walks, patio time, and one easy excursion outside downtown.
Day 1: Arrival and Riverfront Evening
Arrive and check into a pet-friendly hotel like Lora or AmericInn by Wyndham Stillwater. Give your dog a quick stretch before heading downtown.
Walk the riverfront through Lowell Park and browse downtown Stillwater's sidewalks, shops, and scenic overlooks at an easy pace.
Have dinner on a dog-friendly patio at Freight House or Feller, then finish with a sunset stroll near the lift bridge.
Day 2: Trail Time and Patio Hopping
Start with exercise at Stillwater Dog Park or a leashed walk on Brown's Creek State Trail.
Grab lunch at Leo's Grill & Malt Shop or The Oasis Cafe, then spend time exploring more of downtown's pet-friendly streets and public spaces.
Head to The Tilted Tiki for a casual patio stop or drive out to Thor's Hard Cider for a more spacious orchard setting.
Day 3: Slow Morning Before Departure
Take one last easy riverfront walk through Lowell Park or revisit Brown's Creek State Trail for a calmer start to the day.
Pick up brunch or lunch at The Oasis Cafe and let your dog rest before checkout.
Depart Stillwater after one final downtown loop for photos and a quick water break.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Hudson, WI
15-20 minutesA quick cross-river getaway with walkable downtown blocks and St. Croix views.
White Bear Lake, MN
25-30 minutesA lakeside option with patios, parks, and easy day-trip appeal.
St. Paul, MN
30-35 minutesA bigger-city add-on with more hotels, breweries, and urban walking routes.
Minneapolis, MN
40-45 minutesBest if you want to pair Stillwater's small-town charm with a larger metro dog-friendly scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stillwater, Minnesota good for a trip with a dog?
Yes. Stillwater is one of the better dog-friendly weekend destinations near the Twin Cities thanks to its walkable downtown, riverfront parks, Brown's Creek State Trail, a dedicated dog park, and several patios that welcome dogs.
Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Stillwater?
Often, yes, but only at participating patios. Minnesota law allows cities to permit dogs in designated outdoor dining areas, and individual restaurants still choose whether to participate. In Stillwater, places like Feller, Freight House, Leo's Grill & Malt Shop, The Oasis Cafe, The Tilted Tiki, and Thor's Hard Cider are commonly noted as dog-friendly outdoors.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Stillwater?
Yes. Stillwater Dog Park is the city's fenced off-leash dog park. For most other parks, trails, and downtown public areas, dogs should remain leashed.
Do Stillwater hotels charge pet fees?
Usually yes. In current listings, pet fees range from about $15 per night at budget properties to $75 per stay at upscale hotels like Lora, with some hotels also limiting room types, dog size, or number of pets.
What is the best area to stay in Stillwater with a dog?
Downtown is the most convenient if you want to walk to patios, the riverfront, and shops. If you prefer easier parking or a lower nightly rate, Oak Park Heights and the Frontage Road hotel cluster are practical alternatives a short drive away.
Ready to plan your next dog-friendly getaway?
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