Washington County Historic Courthouse
Step back in time at the 1870s Washington County Historic Courthouse, featuring interactive exhibits and a memorable jail cell tour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spontaneous tours await!
Washington County Historic Courthouse
Best Time
Spontaneous tours await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the 1870s Washington County Historic Courthouse, featuring interactive exhibits and a memorable jail cell tour.
"My wife and I knew everything there is to know about Stillwater! The prison cell graffiti was a highlight."
🤝 Chat with the Staff
Engage with guides like Jack for impromptu, in-depth tours and fascinating historical tidbits. :speech_balloon:
📸 Don't Miss the Jail
The prison cell graffiti is a highlight! It's a unique glimpse into the past. :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 215 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Jail Cell
Lower level
Step into the past and explore the fascinating, graffiti-covered jail cells. A truly unique and memorable experience.
Interactive Historic Exhibits
Discover the stories of Washington County through engaging displays and memorabilia that bring history to life.
Knowledgeable Guided Tours
Experience an impromptu, in-depth tour led by passionate guides eager to share the courthouse's rich history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Impromptu Tours & Insider Knowledge
Beyond the Courthouse Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Venue for wedding that allows us to bring our own alcohol?
I'm looking to get married in the Cities and it is definitely cheaper to bring our own alcohol and hire a bartender than to host the bar. Are there places that allow that in the Cities, or will I be foiled by the law? Will I have to go to Wisconsin?!
🤝 Chat with the Staff
Engage with guides like Jack for impromptu, in-depth tours and fascinating historical tidbits. :speech_balloon:
📸 Don't Miss the Jail
The prison cell graffiti is a highlight! It's a unique glimpse into the past. :camerawithflash:
Where did you get married?
We're recently engaged and have started looking for a venue for spring next year. We've got a few good options already (mainly park buildings), but I'm interested to see if Reddit has any hidden gems to suggest. Especially if you have this information: 1) How much did the venue…
🚶 Explore Nearby Stillwater
Combine your visit with a walk downtown or a trip across the bridge to Wisconsin. 🚶
💍 Event Venue Potential
Consider this historic gem for events like receptions, as it can accommodate outside alcohol. 💒
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Chat with the Staff
Engage with guides like Jack for impromptu, in-depth tours and fascinating historical tidbits. :speech_balloon:
📸 Don't Miss the Jail
The prison cell graffiti is a highlight! It's a unique glimpse into the past. :camerawithflash:
🚶 Explore Nearby Stillwater
Combine your visit with a walk downtown or a trip across the bridge to Wisconsin. 🚶
💍 Event Venue Potential
Consider this historic gem for events like receptions, as it can accommodate outside alcohol. 💒
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Washington County Historic Courthouse for its engaging and often impromptu tours led by knowledgeable guides. The highlight for many is the fascinating historic jail cell with its unique graffiti. While primarily a historical attraction, its potential as an event venue, particularly for its BYOB policy, is also noted.
"Was standing outside reading a sign, and got invited in by Jack to take an impromptu tour. 25 minutes later, my wife and I knew everything there is to know about Stillwater! The prison cell graffiti was a highlight.
Then we walked downtown to get a scoop of ice cream and across the bridge to Wisconsin.
My cousin didn't know we took the tour, drove away and left me wasting away in Wisconsin, but I can't recommend this courthouse enough!
Cousin Andy, 2 ⭐️⭐️
Courthouse ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
Matt Hogan
"Great tour! The guide very knowledgeable and very excited about giving the tour."
Lea H
"Washington County, MN Historic Courthouse (#2 visited ch):
Another great historic courthouse! Its in a pretty prominent spot on the hill, so it looks nice from a distance as well."
Jake Boehm
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The courthouse is located in Stillwater, MN. It's easily accessible by car, with parking typically available nearby. Many visitors combine their trip with exploring the charming downtown area.
While specific accessibility details may vary, historic buildings can sometimes present challenges. It's recommended to contact the courthouse directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is generally free, and many visitors report being invited for impromptu tours. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for any specific admission policies or tour schedules.
Operating hours can vary, especially for historic sites. It's best to check the official Washington County Historic Courthouse website or contact them directly for the most current hours of operation.
Yes, the courthouse has been used as a venue for events like wedding receptions, and it's known to allow outside alcohol, which can be a cost-saving option. Inquire directly with the venue for booking details and policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The highlight for many visitors is the historic jail cell, complete with fascinating graffiti. The interactive exhibits and memorabilia showcasing local history are also highly recommended.
Absolutely! Many visitors have been pleasantly surprised by impromptu, in-depth tours led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides who are eager to share the courthouse's stories.
You can expect to find engaging exhibits featuring old pictures, memorabilia, and artifacts that tell the story of Washington County's past. These displays offer a great way to learn about the area's history.
The interactive exhibits and the unique experience of seeing the jail cells can be engaging for families. It offers a different kind of historical learning that might appeal to children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The courthouse itself is primarily a historical attraction and doesn't typically have on-site dining facilities. However, the surrounding downtown Stillwater area offers numerous restaurants and cafes.
While outside food and drinks might not be permitted inside the exhibit areas, the courthouse is known to be a venue that allows outside alcohol for events, suggesting a flexible approach. It's best to confirm specific policies.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, especially to capture the unique exhibits and the historic jail cells. However, it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions, particularly if using flash or professional equipment.
The historic jail cells, with their intriguing graffiti, are a popular and unique photo opportunity. The exterior of the courthouse, situated prominently on a hill, also offers scenic views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit