Marinas in Stillwater, MN

Late June through early September is generally the best time to boat the St. Croix River at Stillwater. The practical open-water season begins after ice-out, while late July and early August can bring water temperatures around 80°F. Summer weekends are the busiest period around the Stillwater Islands, which are popular with houseboats, cabin cruisers, pontoons and fishing boats.

Rainfall is the main local variable because it controls river levels. In summer, shallow water can create sandbars that demand careful navigation. Check river conditions before launching; for lighter traffic, choose a weekday rather than a popular summer weekend.

Source: Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (nps.gov)

From Stillwater, you can cruise both directions on the St. Croix River. Upstream, the Stillwater Islands form a lake-like, powerboat-heavy reach between town and the Soo Line High Bridge; the islands are popular with pontoons, cruisers and fishing boats. Boats cannot continue upstream past the bridge.

Downstream, the river widens and deepens into Lake St. Croix, creating a more open run. Continue along the lower St. Croix to its Mississippi River confluence near Hastings, where motorized traffic is frequent. Boom Site is a popular public starting point for the islands and lower river, with a concrete launch, dock and parking.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (nps.gov)

Boaters leaving Stillwater on the lower St. Croix River can make day trips to Hudson’s Lakefront Park, the Kinnickinnic River delta and Prescott’s downtown waterfront. Hudson’s park has a wharf for docking, picnic areas and a swimming beach. Kinnickinnic State Park offers a large sandy delta where the Kinnickinnic and St. Croix rivers meet, a popular setting for water recreation. Prescott’s public courtesy dock allows passing boaters to tie up and visit downtown during the day.

Source: City of Hudson (hudsonwi.gov)

Yes. As of July 1, 2026, Minnesota requires operators age 12 or older who were born after June 30, 2000, to possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit when driving a motorboat or personal watercraft, unless supervised or exempt. Children under 12 cannot operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower; they may operate a non-PWC under 75 horsepower with a qualified accompanying operator. Boats with 25 horsepower or less are exempt.

Renters must be at least 18. Adult rental customers can complete a rental course for a 180-day certificate, but resort rentals follow regular permit rules. Qualifying short-term nonresidents and certain licensed maritime operators are exempt. The Minnesota DNR administers the program.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (dnr.state.mn.us)

The Minnesota rules most recreational boaters need concern life jackets, licensing, sober operation, personal watercraft and invasive species. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requires an accessible, properly sized, Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person; children under 10 must wear one while underway. All motorized watercraft and nonmotorized craft over 10 feet must be licensed, subject to listed exceptions. Operating a motorboat while impaired is illegal, with a .08 alcohol concentration threshold. Personal watercraft may operate only from 9:30 a.m. until one hour before sunset, and operators under 12 are prohibited. Remove aquatic plants, drain water and keep drain plugs out during transport. Obey marked local no wake restrictions.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (files.dnr.state.mn.us)

Minnesota sets the rental age in statute: under section 86B.306, a person who rents or leases a motorboat or personal watercraft must be 18 or older. Someone younger may still operate it if they are named as an authorized operator on the rental agreement and hold a valid watercraft operator's permit.

Operating rules are separate. A person of any age may run a motorboat rated 25 horsepower or less that is not a personal watercraft, without a permit. No one under 12 may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower. An accompanying operator must be 21 or older, aboard, within immediate reach of the controls, and permitted or exempt.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (revisor.mn.gov)

Alongside the marinas on this page, Stillwater has 3 boat rentals, 3 boat clubs and 1 boat dealer.