St. Croix River Cruises Stillwater
Scenic cruises on the St. Croix River offering dinner, music, and breathtaking views from Stillwater, MN.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunset views and dinner
St. Croix River Cruises Stillwater
Best Time
Sunset views and dinner
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic cruises on the St. Croix River offering dinner, music, and breathtaking views from Stillwater, MN.
"It's definitely a pretty ride rain or shine. The staff was also lovely from start to finish."
🎯 Arrive Early for Seating
Boarding early secures your preferred spot, especially tables on the deck.
📱 Digital Tickets Recommended
Save your QR code on your phone for easy boarding.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic River Views
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the St. Croix River and surrounding landscapes from the water. A truly picturesque experience.
Dinner Buffet Experience
Savor a delicious buffet dinner with options like BBQ pork and roasted chicken, complemented by a cash bar.
Live Music & Ambiance
Relax to the sounds of live music during your cruise, creating a pleasant and memorable atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Spots
Embrace All Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips for Stillwater Resevoir
🎯 Arrive Early for Seating
Boarding early secures your preferred spot, especially tables on the deck.
📱 Digital Tickets Recommended
Save your QR code on your phone for easy boarding.
Boyfriend dinner cruise
Lake Cruise near twin cities.
☔ Rain or Shine Fun
Enjoy the views from indoor seating if weather changes.
💰 Reasonable Bar Prices
Cash bar offers a good selection of drinks at fair prices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seating
Boarding early secures your preferred spot, especially tables on the deck.
📱 Digital Tickets Recommended
Save your QR code on your phone for easy boarding.
☔ Rain or Shine Fun
Enjoy the views from indoor seating if weather changes.
💰 Reasonable Bar Prices
Cash bar offers a good selection of drinks at fair prices.
♿ Accessible for All
The boats are accessible for wheelchair users.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St. Croix River Cruises for its scenic beauty, enjoyable dining options, and attentive staff, making it a worthwhile experience for various occasions. While seating is first-come, first-served and drinks are an extra cost, the overall value and memorable atmosphere are consistently highlighted. +2
"Cool thing to do if you wanted to do something different and scenic. The evening cruise has a dinner buffet. It's nothing fancy but it had BBQ pork, roasted chicken, potatoes that we all liked a lot, fruit, Cole slaw, cookies. There is a cash bar for soft drinks and alcohol that I thought was reasonable. There is music and no narration during the cruise. You can sit on the bottom floor, which is air conditioned. The middle floor had the windows open. The top of the boat is open air. Great views. Worth doing."
Tracy Olalde
"My daughters and I had a wonderful experience aboard the Stillwater River Boats. We were able to get last minute seats on a dinner time cruise, and were so happy we did! The price was reasonable for the amount of food offered, and the drinks at the bar also felt fairly priced with a lot of options. My daughters had Shirley Temples and I had a glass of wine. The weather was perfect for the beginning of our cruise, the sun was beginning to set and the river was beautiful so we walked around on the upper deck before dinner was served. A storm arrived with about 45 minutes left and it was pretty magical to watch the rain from inside the middle deck. The windows are huge so you can still see everything. It’s definitely a pretty ride rain or shine. The staff was also lovely from start to finish. We recommend this experience to anyone in the beautiful Stillwater area!"
Emily Young
"What a hidden gem of a wedding venue! My wife and I just got married on the Majestic Star and the whole experience start to finish was incredible. We knew we wanted a venue that didn’t come with a blank slate. Stillwater River Boats provides chairs, linen, tables, silverware, a variety of different food options, full bar and an amazing crew for your wedding day (I am probably missing things)! They were transparent from the start, no hidden additional fees or things we didn’t expect. If you want to provide your guests an amazing experience for your wedding, you will NOT regret using Stillwater River Boats for your big day. They are beyond organized and you can tell they have been doing this for a very long time! This gave me a huge sense of peace during the chaos that wedding planning can bring. The only thing to be prepared for is the time you get to set up the boat for your wedding, per Coast Guard regulations the captain must be aboard the boat prior to anyone else and they arrive two hour prior to leaving the dock. They tell this well in advance and as long as you’re prepared and organized, you will be just fine. Our captain JJ was amazing and even arrived earlier than expected! We had all of our stuff loaded on to carts they provided us so the moment he got on the boat we could start setting up. Amy was so helpful with the planning process and responded quickly to all of our questions. Bobby gave us our tour and final walk through of the boat and answered probably over 100 questions I had about the boat and the day of logistics. The entire crew for our wedding was incredible and provided the best service for our guests start to finish. Truly want to relive this day over and over!"
Maren Blomberg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Croix River Cruises is located in Stillwater, MN. Parking is available near the dock. Many visitors find it convenient to drive directly to the departure point.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the cruise departure location in Stillwater. It's advisable to check the specific cruise operator's website for the most up-to-date parking information.
Public transport options to Stillwater can be limited. Driving is generally the most straightforward way to reach the St. Croix River Cruises.
For most visitors, driving is the most convenient method to reach Stillwater for a river cruise. Consider ride-sharing services if you prefer not to drive.
Stillwater offers several charming hotels and inns, making it easy to stay overnight if you're traveling for a St. Croix River cruise.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for St. Croix River Cruises typically range from $40-$45 per person for lunch or dinner cruises. Prices can vary based on the specific cruise and package.
Tickets for Stillwater boat cruises, including St. Croix River Cruises, can be purchased online through their official website. It's recommended to book in advance.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your St. Croix boat cruises in advance, especially for dinner cruises or during peak season, to secure your spot.
Tickets generally include the cruise itself, with options for lunch or dinner buffets. Drinks are typically available for purchase at a cash bar. +1
Cancellation policies can vary. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions when booking your Stillwater riverboat cruise or contact the cruise operator directly.
🎫 compass Onsite Experience
Seating on St. Croix River Boats is first-come, first-served. Arriving early allows you to choose your preferred spot, such as tables on the deck or in the air-conditioned lower level.
The dinner buffet on Stillwater boat cruises often features BBQ pork, roasted chicken, potatoes, fruit, coleslaw, and cookies. The menu can vary.
Drinks are not typically included with the St. Croix dinner cruise ticket. There is a cash bar available for purchasing soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and wine.
The atmosphere is generally relaxed and scenic, with live music often playing. It's a great way to enjoy the river views and company.
Yes, St. Croix paddle boat rides are suitable for families. The scenic views and enjoyable experience make it a good option for all ages.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities include the scenic river landscapes, the historic Stillwater skyline, and the charming riverboats themselves. Sunset cruises offer particularly beautiful lighting.
Yes, you can take photos from various vantage points on the boat, including the open-air top deck, the middle deck with large windows, and the air-conditioned lower level.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography on a St. Croix River cruise.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography during the cruise. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other passengers' privacy.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide scenic shots and details. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most travelers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Arriving early is key to securing comfortable seating for the whole family. The open decks offer space to move around, and the indoor seating provides a cozy spot to watch the scenery, even if the weather turns. It's a memorable way to spend quality time together.
💍 Couples & Special Occasions
Beyond romantic dinners, the boats are also a sought-after wedding venue. The all-inclusive nature of wedding packages, from catering to decor, and the stunning river backdrop make it an unforgettable setting for tying the knot.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Star and Empress Experience
Travelers often highlight the transparency in pricing and the organized nature of the staff, which is crucial for wedding planning. The crew's professionalism and attentiveness are frequently praised, ensuring guests have a memorable time. While the captain must be aboard prior to passenger boarding due to Coast Guard regulations, the staff is well-prepared to facilitate a smooth setup process.
Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner cruise, a family outing, or a unique wedding venue, St. Croix River Cruises offers a memorable experience on the water. The combination of scenic beauty, good food, and attentive service makes it a standout attraction in Stillwater.
Dining and Drinks on Board
Complementing the food is a cash bar offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Prices for drinks, including soft drinks and wine, are considered reasonable by many guests. This allows individuals to customize their experience and enjoy a beverage while taking in the river views.
For those seeking a specific dining experience, the Stillwater boat cruise dinner options provide a convenient way to combine sightseeing with a meal. It's a popular choice for birthdays and special occasions, offering a different perspective on the local area.
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