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Planning a visit to Thor’s Taproom / Stillwater?
A trip to Minnesota’s 1st city might end at Thor’s Cider Taproom and Aamodt’s Apple Farm, but there is also great places to eat, shop; plus a bike trip featuring local history and great views…
We sat down with long-time local and Thor’s Cider founder Chris Aamodt to learn more about what makes them so special.
A map to Christophers’ Top Picks for Stillwater
Select the Menu on left and choose “Chris Aamodt, Thor’s Cider” for his top recommendations when visiting Stillwater, MN.
RECOMMENDATIONS BY CHRISTOPHER AAMODT OF THOR CIDER, REVIEW AND PHOTOS BY SAM STEWART
Based on Christopher’s recommendations, we explored just a little of what downtown stillwater had to offer! Keep these in mind if you’re taking a trip out to Thor’s Hard Cider!

Top Food Recommendations in Stillwater
The Wild Hare
📍 218 Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
📞 (651) 342-0109
🌐 wildharebar.com
Main Street in Stillwater has a ton of great options for dining! Christopher recommended Stillwater Proper, Lolito’s and The Wild Hare (all loally-owned, chef-driven places with great cocktail and food menus).
We landed on the Wild Hare as it just opened last year and we hadn’t had a chance to try it yet. WOW. The menu features a wide variety of options for everyone from juices and smoothies to cocktails and great food options as well. We had a couple of drinks and an app. We will for sure go back!

Shop Local with Smith + Trade Mercantile
📍 229 Main St S, Stillwater, MN 55082
📞 (651) 342-2976
🌐 https://smithandtrade.com/
After getting some food in our stomachs it was time to shop! Smith + Trade Mercantile has a huge collection of local makers and artisans for you to shop from. I love that each display has a feature of the artist so you can see who made the product. There are many shops in Stillwater to fit every person’s taste. You’ll find something for everyone here!
Explore MN History & Bike Trail
🚲 Trails site (pdf map at bottom of page)
Stillwater is nestled right along the St. Croix river meaning there is plenty to explore! If the orchard at Aamodt’s isn’t enough for you, then check out the newly renovated Stillwater Lift Bridge (and multi-state bike ride where you ride over both the new and old bridge; going by way of the new bridge first is recommended). It’s got beautiful views of the river and bluffs. There are also many great parks in the area as well for enjoying and hiking alike!