While Minnesota officially became a state in 1858, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has a history that extends well beyond that. There is evidence of very old settlements throughout the state, though much of the remains now lie in ruin – or are barely visible. Though they don’t reach as far back as Minnesota’s earliest history, there are many towns throughout the state that were actually founded before Minnesota gained statehood. One of our favorite, Stillwater, is about as ancient as a town can get in Minnesota – and it’s loaded with a fascinating history. Take a look:

Stillwater, Minnesota, is a beautiful town known for its beautiful surroundings and endless activities. It's also sometimes called the Birthplace of Minnesota.
Dave Gingrich/Flickr
The area was quickly settled when it became open for settlement in 1834, and it's easy to see why. The location on the St. Croix River was both beautiful and convenient.
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Stillwater officially became a city on March 4, 1854, four years before Minnesota's statehood. It quickly grew into a bustling town.
E.F. Everitt/Wikimedia Commons
Stillwater's streets are still bustling to this day. The downtown streets are still lined by many historic buildings.
Discover Stillwater/Facebook
As Stillwater grew, so did its use of the St. Croix River. Extensive logging took place throughout Minnesota, and an important logging boom was set up right outside of Stillwater.
Wikimedia Commons

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The St. Croix Boom Site preserves the old logging boom, though today it is a lot less busy.
Anita Gould/Flickr
Stillwater has many other relics of the past. For example, the Stillwater Lift Bridge - dating back to 1931 - still brings bike and pedestrian traffic across the river into Wisconsin to this day.
jpellgen/Flickr
Many people don't know that streetcars once dominated the streets of Stillwater. Thanks to the Stillwater Trolley Co., you can still ride one through historic Stillwater for fun.
Stillwater Trolley Co./Facebook
Your tour will take you all through Stillwater, helping you learn about this beautiful town's "ancient" history.
Stillwater Trolley Co./Facebook
If you'd like to get a taste of historic Minnesota - and visit the birthplace of it all - visit historic Stillwater. You will love your stay!
Discover Stillwater/Facebook

Stillwater is one of the most historic – and the most charming – towns in Minnesota. Have you been there? What’s your favorite thing to do there?

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