Let me start off by saying that I totally understand that a staycation in the Bold North is not the same as a trip to Europe. I get that. However, there are times when a trip to Germany or Italy or France may not be in the cards, but you still may want to capture a little of the essence of such a vacation – to forget the mundane for a little while – without all the planning and logistics. Fortunately, it is possible to capture the feel of a European getaway in Minnesota. Although there are many other options, I recommend starting in Stillwater for this little getaway.

Start your European adventure by checking into the historic Lowell Inn.
Laurie Mattson/Google Reviews
The iconic Lowell Inn is a Stillwater institution.
Just walking into the lobby, you can see that it smacks of Old World charm.
Lowell Inn/Google Reviews
It's beautiful patio feels like something you might discover in Prague or Munich.
Lowell Inn/Google Reviews
Make sure to reserve a table for the Lowell Inn's famous fondue.
Benjamin Smith/Google Reviews
It's served in the Matterhorn Dining Room, which is the inn's homage to the "lost art of Swiss wood carving." A local food critic once compared the Matterhorn Room to the "inside of a cuckoo clock." It's not quite that over the top, but it's definitely an experience that leans more European than your typical Minnesota night out - and you definitely should not pass it up.

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Even the guest rooms at the Lowell Inn will put you in the mind of a European boutique hotel.
Lowell Inn - Hotel & Restaurant, 102 2nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
Steve Christiansen/Google Reviews
For your next meal, head out to the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter - another nod to central Europe in Stillwater.
Char Kiekenapp/Google Reviews
The Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter has been a local favorite for more than half a century.
You'll definitely feel like you've stumbled across a Bavarian hunting lodge.
Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
Aussy/Google Reviews
And after you've eaten, you'll be glad you did!
While in Stillwater, carve out some time for a more Venetian-style experience.
Jesse Thorstad/Flickr
Gondola Romantica offers gondola rides on the St. Croix River.
There are several different cruise options, including romantic late-night cruises.
Gondola Romantica, 425 Nelson St E, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
Jesse Thorstad/Flickr
Be sure to book ahead, as reservations do tend to fill up - especially on summer weekends.

I know it’s not Europe, but I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy pretending that it is – there’s a lot to love about this little city on the St. Croix River! If you’re not up for Stillwater, check out New Ulm, with its deep German roots, or New Prague, which revels in its Czech heritage, as alternatives.

So, what do you think? Would you try this European getaway in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!

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Stillwater, MN 55082, USA