Washington County Mn Map
If you’re planning a trip to Washington County, Minnesota, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful county, located in the eastern part of the state, has something to offer every type of traveler: from families with young children to history buffs, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover all the top attractions, hidden gems, and budget-friendly tips that will help you make the most of your visit to Washington County.
Top Attractions
Washington County is home to several top-rated attractions that are a must-visit for any traveler. Some of the top attractions include:
- Stillwater Historic District
- Marine on St. Croix
- Afton State Park
- St. Croix Boom Site
- Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Stillwater Historic District
Stillwater is a charming town that’s known for its historic district. Take a stroll along Main Street and admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings, many of which date back to the 1800s. You’ll also find plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to keep you entertained.
Marine on St. Croix
Marine on St. Croix is a small town that’s located on the banks of the St. Croix River. It’s a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride, and there are plenty of opportunities for fishing and kayaking as well.
Afton State Park
Afton State Park is a beautiful park that’s located on the banks of the St. Croix River. It’s a great place to go for a hike, have a picnic, or go camping. There are also several trails for cross-country skiing in the winter.
St. Croix Boom Site
The St. Croix Boom Site is a historic site that played an important role in the logging industry in the 1800s. You can take a tour of the site and learn about the history of the area.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a beautiful park that’s located on the shores of Lake Elmo. It’s a great place to go for a swim, have a picnic, or go hiking. There are also several trails for horseback riding.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, Washington County has plenty of hidden gems to discover. Some of our favorites include:
- William O’Brien State Park
- St. Croix Vineyards
- Washington County Historic Courthouse
- Washington County Fair
- St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour
William O’Brien State Park
William O’Brien State Park is a beautiful park that’s located on the banks of the St. Croix River. It’s a great place to go for a hike, have a picnic, or go camping. There are also several trails for cross-country skiing in the winter.
St. Croix Vineyards
St. Croix Vineyards is a local winery that’s located in Stillwater. They offer tours and tastings, and the grounds are beautiful to explore.
Washington County Historic Courthouse
The Washington County Historic Courthouse is a beautiful building that’s located in Stillwater. It’s a great place to take a tour and learn about the history of the area.
Washington County Fair
The Washington County Fair is held every year in August and is a great place to experience local culture and traditions. There are plenty of food vendors, carnival rides, and live entertainment.
St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour
The St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour is held every year in May and is a great opportunity to see the work of local potters. You can visit several studios throughout the area and see demonstrations of pottery-making techniques.
Food Scene
Washington County has a thriving food scene, with plenty of options for every taste and budget. Some of our favorite restaurants include:
- The Dock Cafe
- Phil’s Tara Hideaway
- Brine’s
- Domacin Restaurant and Wine Bar
- Chilkoot Cafe and Cyclery
The Dock Cafe
The Dock Cafe is located in Stillwater and offers beautiful views of the St. Croix River. They specialize in seafood, but also offer a variety of other dishes.
Phil’s Tara Hideaway
Phil’s Tara Hideaway is a cozy restaurant that’s located in Stillwater. They specialize in steak and seafood and have a great wine list.
Brine’s
Brine’s is a casual restaurant that’s located in downtown Stillwater. They offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and burgers.
Domacin Restaurant and Wine Bar
Domacin Restaurant and Wine Bar is located in Stillwater and offers a great selection of wine and small plates.
Chilkoot Cafe and Cyclery
Chilkoot Cafe and Cyclery is located in Stillwater and is a great place to grab a coffee and a pastry. They also offer a variety of sandwiches and salads.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling can be expensive, but there are plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Washington County. Here are some tips for saving money:
- Visit the parks
- Take a self-guided walking tour
- Attend a free event
- Visit local markets and shops
- Bring your own food and drinks
Visit the parks
Washington County has several beautiful parks that are free to visit. You can go for a hike, have a picnic, or go swimming without spending any money.
Take a self-guided walking tour
You can explore many of the historic sites in Stillwater on your own by taking a self-guided walking tour. This is a great way to see the sites without paying for a tour guide.
Attend a free event
There are several free events held throughout the year in Washington County, including concerts, festivals, and farmers markets.
Visit local markets and shops
You can find some great deals on local products at farmers markets and shops throughout the county. This is a great way to support local businesses while saving money.
Bring your own food and drinks
You can save money on food and drinks by bringing your own snacks and water bottles. This is especially useful if you’re spending the day at a park or on a hike.
Outdoor Adventures
Washington County is a great place to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Here are some of our favorite outdoor activities:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Kayaking and canoeing
Hiking
There are several great hiking trails throughout Washington County, including those in Afton State Park and William O’Brien State Park.
Biking
Washington County is home to several great biking trails, including the Gateway State Trail and the St. Croix River Trail.
Camping
You can camp at several of the parks in Washington County, including Afton State Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Fishing
The St. Croix River is a great place to go fishing, and there are several lakes throughout the county that are also great for fishing.
Kayaking and canoeing
The St. Croix River is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing, and there are several rental companies throughout the area.
Historical Landmarks
Washington County has a rich history, and there are several historical landmarks throughout the area. Here are some of our favorites:
- Washington County Historic Courthouse
- St. Croix Boom Site
- Marine Mill
- Hay Lake School Museum
- Warden’s House Museum
Washington County Historic Courthouse
The Washington County Historic Courthouse is a beautiful building that’s located in Stillwater. It’s a great place to take a tour and learn about the history of the area.
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