SOLD OUT! Puzzle Competition!
2024-12-14 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
We are thrilled to announce that the Puzzle Competition is SOLD OUT!
Please join us for Casual Puzzling from 12pm-4pm, or buy any of our puzzles here!

Blizzards to the Panama Canal: America's Golden Engineer
2025-01-30 19:00 - 20:00 | MN
Marias Pass by Mike Danneman via flickr

John Frank Stevens was one of the most prominent surveyors and civil engineers of the last 150 years. Learn about his illustrious career and the challenges he faced along the way, including discovering and surveying Marias Pass in a 40 below blizzard and surviving an avalanche. Stevens was hired by President Theodore Roosevelt for the construction of the Panama Canal. Through his discoveries and surveys of Marias Pass and Stevens Pass, the Great Northern Railway was able to stretch across North America.
The talk will include:
THE WILLIAM CROOKS ENGINE
LOCAL MAINLINES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
SURVEYING WITH JOHN FRANK STEVENS-
THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS,
THE CASCADE RANGE,
THE PANAMA CANAL
…AND A 1910 AVALANCHE
This program will be presented by Herb Reckinger Jr. of the South Washington Heritage Society
In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

Film Screening: “An Ode to Stillwater: The John Runk Films”
2025-02-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
It isn’t often that a community has a person who steps up and records its history. Stillwater and the surrounding area were fortunate to have a photographer named John Runk who not only took photographs of the area but also collected photographs from the community spanning over 100 years. Runk also enjoyed the newest technology and with his 8mm camera captured a slice of the St. Croix Valley that live forever.

Runk was born in 1878 in Menominee, Wisconsin and soon arrived with his family to Stillwater. Using his life experiences as a lumberjack and inventor, he captured the life of a community with his camera, oftentimes building his own equipment. He passed away in 1964 and left behind a carefully curated collection created with archival purposes in mind.

The first part of the film screening will be the 30-minute documentary about John Runk’s life, and the second part will be the DVD extras featuring footage shot by John Runk himself. The extras include Ice Harvest, 1951 State Fair, Minnesota State Prison, 1952 Floods, Last Day of the Streetcars, Marine Ferry, Taylors Falls, Views of Stillwater, and Loggers Baseball.

This event is free to the public and no reservations are required. DVDs of the documentary will be available for purchase at the program.

Black & White Movie Night: Chaplin!
2025-02-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Tonight’s feature is two short silent comedies from Charlie Chaplin’s most creative period!
Retired film professor Steve Schroer will present a brief educational introduction the film. Popcorn will be served!
In One A.M., Chaplin plays a man who has trouble getting to bed because he’s had too much to drink.

In The Rink, he showcases his roller-skating skills.

Winter Tours at the Warden's House Museum!
2025-02-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Experience the Warden’s House Museum in a different season! Take a tour with experienced guides to hear stories about the prison’s early days when Minnesota was still a territory and what life was like for prisoners on the inside.
The most infamous residents of the prison were the Younger Brothers, who served time for their crimes as part of the James-Younger Gang.

National Toast Day Party!
2025-02-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
The Washington County Historical Society invites you to celebrate National Toast Day in Stillwater, Minnesota: the birthplace of the automatic pop-up toaster. Just over a century ago, Charles Strite was employed at a local manufacturing plant. Fed up with burned toast in the cafeteria, a great idea “popped” into his head, and the Toastmaster automatic electric toaster was born!
Please join us at the Washington County Heritage Center (1862 Greeley St. South) in Stillwater, MN on National Toast Day, Thursday, February 27 from 6-8pm. Enjoy a program about the history of toast and view our antique toaster collection. Sample toast and toppings from local bakeries and markets, and vote for your favorite to be named toast of the town. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information please contact heidi.heinze@wchsmn.org.

Last day to view the John Runk exhibit
2025-03-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
It’s a bittersweet announcement, but we will be removing the “John Runk: A Curious Mind” exhibit after Saturday, March 1 to make way for a brand new exhibit! Come to the Heritage Center anytime on or before March 1 to see the exhibit one last time and celebrate John Runk’s legendary career documenting the St. Croix Valley.
Admission to the Heritage Center is $8/adults, $3/children ages 6-17, and free for WCHS members.
We are excited to say a big “Cheers!” to the new exhibit taking over this space, opening in April (date TBD). Titled “Suds on the St. Croix,” the new exhibit will be an interactive, immersive experience for all ages about brewing history in Washington County! Stay tuned for more details.

SOLD OUT 2025 Annual Meeting and Dinner
2025-03-20 17:30 - 20:30 | Stillwater Event Center, 1910 Greeley Street South, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
This event is sold out.

Where: Stillwater Event Center, 1910 S. Greeley Street, Next to Washington County Heritage Center

When: Thursday March 20, 2025

Cost: $25 for WCHS members / $30 for nonmembers

Itinerary: 5:30pm Social Hour [Cash Bar]
6:30pm Dinner Catered by Scheel’s Catering
7:30pm Annual meeting
Program to follow meeting

Presentation: Minnesotans in World War Two
Col. Don Patton from the World War II Round Table and the presentation will highlight the Minnesotans who played major roles during WWII and contributions from companies on the homefront. Col. Patton was the Commander of the 882nd Personnel Service Company, Commander of the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion and Commander, 13th Psyops Battalion. He retired after 30 years of Service as Colonel.

Reservations:

Reservations required in advance
Seating is Limited/Large Attendance Expected
Event open to the Public

"Gallery Days, Memories of the Artists’ Quarter in Historic Downtown Minneapolis" with Judy Stern
2025-03-27 19:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Judy Stern, a Washington County history buff and resident of Marine on St. Croix will present a talk and read from her seventh book, Gallery Days, Memories of the Artists’ Quarter in Historic Downtown Minneapolis. Judy was there beginning in the late 1970s and ending in the mid 1980s operating the Judith Stern Gallery.
Her book tells many short, true stories about the people and artists she met in those years. Some of these tales relate humorous or intriguing encounters with well known celebrities such as Garrison Keillor, Jackson Browne, the Bob Dylan family, Butch Thompson and many more.
Several of the artists, like Judy in 1989, re-located to Marine on St. Croix. The story of the rise and the fall of the Artists Quarter is told.

The book was nominated in 2024 for a Minnesota Book Award in the category of Minnesota Nonfiction. Karin Winegar, former staff writer at the Minneapolis Star Tribune said: “Congratulations! Your book absolutely deserves the Minnesota Book Award for its range and understanding, its insider perspective –You Were There– and how it preserves that semi-enchanted time and place.” Mary Ann Grossmann in the Dec. 29th, 2024 St. Paul Pioneer Press, wrote an article. She said “Gallery Days is packed with lively anecdotes and artwork ranging from paintings to newspaper stories. It’s an important contribution to the history of the Twin Cities literary community.” Karin Winegar added, “If you were around in the 70s (and even if you weren’t but are curious to know what the heck was going on in the Twin Cities art, literature, music and food communities), this sums it up. And it’s a rich scrapbook of visuals–clippings, posters, photos, mementoes–that embody the spirit of the time (our flaming youth) and the place (the warehouse district).”
Judy’s history in Washington County extends back to her Great Grandfather, Theodore Schaefer and his brothers who built many local barns, including the one currently used at Aamodt’s Apple Farm. Artie Schaefer, the Polka King in the valley was her second cousin.

In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

SOLD OUT 6PM Haunted History at the Warden’s House: Afterlife Sentences
2025-04-26 18:00 - 19:15 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
This event is Sold Out.

The Warden’s House Museum is excited to host the Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS) for a presentation sharing their spookiest evidence from past ghost investigations including an investigation at the Warden’s House Museum in November 2024.
Tickets: $25/person. Limited Seating!
Buy tickets here
Doors will open at 5:00 for guests to tour the museum.
What showed up on their cameras and audio equipment? Is the Warden’s House Museum actually haunted?
About The Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS)
The Twin Cities Paranormal Society is a not-for-profit organization serving the greater Twin Cities Metro area. We are dedicated to the research, investigation, documentation, and education of the public regarding paranormal phenomenon. Our objective is to investigate and research claims of alleged haunted activity. All investigations are approached with an open mind and are conducted in a professional manner.
Learn more about TCPS on their website.

SOLD OUT 8PM Haunted History at the Warden’s House: Afterlife Sentences
2025-04-26 20:00 - 21:30 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
This event is Sold Out.

The Warden’s House Museum is excited to host the Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS) for a presentation sharing their spookiest evidence from past ghost investigations including an investigation at the Warden’s House Museum in November 2024.
Tickets: $25/person. Limited Seating!
Buy tickets here
What showed up on their cameras and audio equipment? Is the Warden’s House Museum actually haunted?
About The Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS)
The Twin Cities Paranormal Society is a not-for-profit organization serving the greater Twin Cities Metro area. We are dedicated to the research, investigation, documentation, and education of the public regarding paranormal phenomenon. Our objective is to investigate and research claims of alleged haunted activity. All investigations are approached with an open mind and are conducted in a professional manner.
Learn more about TCPS on their website.

2025 Warden's House Museum Open House
2025-04-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Help us kick off a new season at the Warden’s House Museum!

The Warden’s House Museum is open from noon to 4pm and admission is FREE!
Come chat with knowledgeable volunteers and hear harrowing stories about the territorial/state prison and tales about the wardens and their families.
Parking
Limited parking is located behind the Warden’s House. Drive up the hill and past the house. The tour entrance is on the front porch. Street parking is available in front of the building and across the street in the parking lot next to the walking trail and the Manitou Fund Education + Arts Center.
**The handicapped accessible entrance is located behind the house. Guests are welcome to drop off behind the building and park elsewhere as needed.
Contact
For more information, contact Heidi Heinze at heidi.heinze@wchsmn.org
About the Warden’s House Museum:
The Warden’s House opened as a part of the new Minnesota Territorial Prison in 1853. Over time, 13 Warden’s lived in the house until 1914. After that, A superintendent of the Prison, Thomas Ross, and his family lived there until 1941 when the Washington County Historical Society purchase the home from the state and opened it as the second house museum in Minnesota that year.

ALL-STAR WRESTLING with George Schire
2025-04-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Baron Von Raschke about to put the “Claw Hold” on George Schire, and Verne Gagne applying his “Sleeper Hold”

RUN, DON’T WALK…to the Washington County Heritage Center for Historian and Author George Schire’s latest ALL-STAR WRESTLING Talk and Presentation!

As he always does, Schire will take you through the ropes and down memory lane with stories of professional wrestling’s wild and wacky characters.

Whether it be the heels or the babyfaces, you’ll be entertained hearing of their character incarnations and the gimmicks that made us love them and hate them!

And, there will be another chance to win an incredible wrestling collectible! It’s a Main Event Night you won’t want to miss. See you there!

In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

"Suds on the St. Croix" Exhibit Grand Opening
2025-05-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

Black & White Movie Night: "Detour" (1945)
2025-05-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Black & White Movie Night is back! Join us for popcorn, snacks, and a 1945 movie called “Detour.”
About the movie:
While hitching cross-country, a down-on-his-luck pianist becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder. A classic film noir directed by Edgar G. Ulmer.
As always, an educational introduction and discussion about the film will be provided by Steve Schroer.
No reservations required. In-person attendance only.

History of William O'Brien State Park with Elizabeth Nelson
2025-05-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047
Photo credit: Sharon Brodin
*Hosted at Hay Lake School
14020 195th St N., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
Elizabeth Nelson, a naturalist from William O’Brien State Park, will present about the history of the park. Her program will include the history of the O’Brien Family, the history of the Copas area, and the changes to the boundaries of the park as they added new parcels of land.
Free! In person only. No registration required.
About William O’Brien State Park:
The park’s namesake comes from a lumber baron, William O’Brien, who owned the land prior to passing it on to his daughter, Alice. She donated the first 180 acres that formed the nucleus of the park. The park was established as the first metro area state park in 1947. (via parksandtrails.org)

2025 Stillwater Historic House Tour
2025-05-18 12:00 - 17:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
⭐️ Tour Date: May 18, 2025, 12-5pm⭐️

Step Back in Time and Step Inside Some of Stillwater’s Most Iconic Houses!
Explore the charm and history of Stillwater like never before at the 2025 Stillwater Historic House Tour, proudly presented by the Washington County Historical Society.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a delightful day out, this tour is not to be missed!
Tickets

Tickets available now! Order here: https://bit.ly/3GvqN52
Tickets will be available for pickup on the day of the tour, Sunday, May 18 starting at 10am at the Washington County Heritage Center. *Tickets cannot be picked up early in order to limit potential copies being made. Thanks for understanding!
When you pick up your tickets on the day of the tour, we’ll provide you with:

your tickets
a map with all the house locations
a packet of historical information about each house!

Tour Details

Houses may be visited in any order! Note that the Historic Courthouse is open from 1pm-4pm only.
Parking is primarily on the street for each house. The Historic Courthouse has parking lots on both the north and southwest sides of the building. The Warden’s House Museum’s accessible parking and entrance are located at the back of the house.
Transportation is not provided. Please plan according to your needs, and feel free to drop off anyone with mobility challenges closer to the front door as needed.
Please remove your shoes before entering or use the booties provided at the entrance.
Photography is welcome outside of the houses. Please no interior photos unless house owners indicate otherwise. Thanks!

Preview of the tour route:

WCHS would like to sincerely thank our generous sponsors:
Cates Fine Homes
Darn Knit Anyway
Daughters of the American Revolution, Saint Croix Valley Chapter
Johnny’s TV
June Weddings
June Eagleton
MADE Coffee
Rose Floral & Greenhouse
Tilted Tiki
Valley Bookseller

Expanding Black History in St. Paul Beyond Rondo with Frank White and Michael Corey
2025-05-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

"Sound of Silence" with author and retired law enforcement officer L.C. Simon
2025-06-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
L.C. Simon releases his new book “Sound of Silence,” a fictional piece based on true events from his decades in law enforcement working on behalf of children.

No registration required. Copies of the book will be for sale at the event.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Taking on a case that has been deemed un-chargeable, Special Victims Unit Detective Jack Janssen, pledges to find justice for a young female victim, never imagining what he would uncover in the path of his investigation. In his second book for the Jack Janssen series, Simon is inspired by the hundreds of investigations from his Washington County Sheriff’s Office career.

Simon weaves a compelling novel that will pull you into the storyline of Detective Jack Janssen and his seasoned partner, Washington County Child Protection Worker, Rita Bullock.

It is a gripping investigation with complexities that develop into an unimaginable and unpredictable conclusion. It will keep you turning the pages. Buckle up and enjoy the ride along.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

My career in law enforcement span twenty seven years, with seventeen of those years focused exclusively on child abuse investigation. I was also a contract employee for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for ten years, teaching other law enforcement across the state the unique techniques used in this specialized field.
After retirement, my wife and I traveled the country in a motorhome, and for twelve years spent our summers living and working in Voyageurs National Park.
I have never lost my dedication to the cause of children, and recently decided to spend some time writing novels that draw from my experience in law enforcement while highlighting the problem of child abuse in our country. I think I hit the mark; making a fun interesting read and informing at the same time

Click here to watch the program on WCHS’s YouTube page

18th Annual Beer Tasting and Silent Auction
2025-06-21 16:00 - 19:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047
Buy tickets here!
WCHS is excited to present the 18th Annual Hay Lake Beer Tasting! Breweries from all over Minnesota and Wisconsin will be slinging their best beers for you to sample and compare!
In addition to the tasting, there will be a silent auction of many sought-after items and food served.

Here are the participating breweries:
Sierra Nevada
Joseph Wolf Brewing
Castle Danger
Oliphant Brewing
Summit
Lift Bridge Brewing
Rustic Roots Winery
$20/person. Ages 21+ only.
Tickets are available for purchase on our website OR in-person on the day at the event.
WCHS encourages pre-ordering tickets – this helps the breweries plan ahead on how much beer to bring!
Proceeds support the Washington County Historical Society’s mission to collect, preserve, and disseminate the history of Washington County and Minnesota.
Please contact Susan Stepka at susan.stepka@wchsmn.org or 651-433-4014 with any questions regarding this event or to schedule a tour of the museum.
The Hay Lake School was constructed of brick in 1896 and held classes until 1963. After that, the Washington County Historical Society purchased the school in 1978 and has been a public museum ever since. The school is on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Art + Ecology + Serendipity" with Beth Diem
2025-06-26 18:30 - 19:15 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
About the Program:
“A Story of the St. Croix” is an exhibit created in 2007/2008 by a team of artists, scientists, writers, and musicians that brilliantly combines the worlds of art, history, and ecology found on the St. Croix River. Architect Beth Diem was the project manager and photomontage artist of that team. In this program, Diem will speak about the art exhibit’s themes, inspirations, and process. “A Story of the St. Croix” is on display at the Washington County Heritage Center until the end of 2025.
The exhibit was inspired by the works of Australian artist/author Jeannie Baker, specifically her children’s book “Where The Forest Meets the Sea”. The book touches on the wonder of nature through children’s eyes, with the urgency of saving our planet. The program will include a short film based on the book.
In 2024, ‘Serendipity’ happened; bringing this exhibit to the Heritage Center via a 2024 University of MN Art + Ecology course and ArtReach St. Croix, Stillwater.
Event hosted in partnership with Stillwater Area Public Schools.

Black & White Movie Night: Buster Keaton in "Sherlock Jr."
2025-08-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
Coming to the Heritage Center’s silver screen is Buster Keaton in Sherlock Jr. (1924)!
Directed by & starring Buster Keaton. A lovesick movie projectionist steps through the silver screen into a dream world where he can solve all his problems. It is regarded as Keaton’s first great full-length silent comedy.
Popcorn and a movie ticket giveaway are also in store!

Hay Lake School Speaker Series: Christine Maefsky, former mayor of Scandia
2025-08-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047

History Cruise
2025-08-19 17:30 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Buy tickets here!
Take a trip back in time and spend a summer evening cruising the St. Croix River!
Entertaining stories about the area’s history presented by Angie Hong, hearty hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar await you on this exquisite sojourn supporting the Washington County Historical Society.
Boarding begins at 5:30PM at the Stillwater River Boats dock located at 525 South Main St., Stillwater
Boat leaves the dock at 6:00PM and returns at 8:00PM
Tickets: $60/person
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Washington County Historical Society

All-Star Wrestling with George Schire
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
HEY WRESTLING FRIENDS, it’s George Schire reminding you that it’s time to mark your calendar for my NEXT “ALL-STAR WRESTLING” presentation on THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Washington County Heritage Center!

This is going to be an exciting and nostalgic trip back to the glory days of the 1970’s when all of your favorites (and not so favorites) were entertaining us on TV and at our local auditoriums.

We’re going to watch the 1974 movie “THE WRESTLER” which highlights the story of Verne Gagne and his promotion, the AWA. In this outstanding MAIN EVENT, Verne plays the aging champion “Mike Bullard” who the promoter Frank Bass (played by Ed Asner of The Mary Tyler Moore Show fame) is being bullied by the Mob to find a challenger to beat the champ.

That challenger is Billy Taylor, who is played by Billy Robinson. Not only will see these stars, but also a bevy of classic old-school wrestlers who deliver their incomparable interviews on TV and deliver their skullduggery in the ring.

You’ll recognize favorites like The Crusher, Dick the Bruiser, Nick Bockwinkel, “Pretty Boy” Larry Hennig, Ray “the Crippler” Stevens, Dusty Rhodes, Dick Murdoch, “Superstar” Billy Graham, Wahoo McDaniel, Hard Boiled Haggerty, and literally dozens more!

As the late great announcer Marty O’Neill used to say, “FANS RUN, DON’T WALK” to get YOUR ringside seat to this classic movie and also the interesting trivia shared by wrestling historian and author, George Schire.

**IT’S FREE TO ATTEND** AND YES, there will be Popcorn and refreshments!

DATE and TIME:
Thursday September 18th @ 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Click here to watch the program on WCHS’s YouTube page

Fall Membership Dinner 2025
2025-09-25 17:30 - 21:00 | Stillwater Event Center, 1910 Greeley Street South, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
The Washington County Historical Society is excited to announce the Fall Membership Dinner featuring a program about Walt Disney by Heritage Center Site Manager Emily Krawczewski.
LOCATION:
Stillwater Event Center
1910 South Greeley Street (located next to the Washington County Heritage Center)
Stillwater, MN 55082
TIMING:
5:30pm Social Hour
6:30pm Dinner catered by Scheel’s Catering
7:30pm Brief meeting shortly followed by the program
COST:
Cost is $25 for WCHS members and $30 for nonmembers.
Reservations are required. Reserve your spot and pay ahead at this link or call 651-439-2298.
PROGRAM INFO:
While most people are familiar with seeing the word “Disney” onscreen, this program will take you backstage to the man behind the magic. Krawczewski’s presentation will travel through Walt Disney’s life story, starting with his idyllic childhood in Marceline, Missouri and culminating in his greatest triumph, Disneyland. Krawczewski will also explore common myths about Disney himself, why the movies have relevance to both children and adults, and hidden design features of the parks. Walt Disney’s life is a story of tenacity, escapism, and lessons that transcend generations. Emily Krawczewski is the Site Manager of the Washington County Heritage Center and has been studying Walt Disney for over a decade.

Free Admission Day at the Heritage Center
2025-10-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
The Washington County Heritage Center is turning 4!

We opened our doors four years ago on October 16, 2021. Come celebrate the anniversary with a FREE ADMISSION day on October 16, 2025 from 10am-4pm.

The Heritage Center is one of three museums owned and operated by the Washington County Historical Society. Learn more about WCHS: https://www.wchsmn.org/

About the museum:Explore rugged lumberjack life complete with a camp bunkhouse, see hoop skirts to miniskirts in the 1860s-1960s fashion exhibit, get behind the bar in the historic breweries exhibit, walk into floor-to-ceiling vintage photographs, spark nostalgic memories with the grocery store exhibit, and much more!

Flashlight Tours at the Warden's House Museum
2025-10-17 18:00 - 20:30 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Come and see the house and grounds after dark, while you hear true tales of terror and tragedy from the Minnesota State Prison. Local legend says that the place is haunted…come and find out for yourself if you dare!
Times and Dates:
Friday, October 17 @ 6:00PM, 6:45PM, and 7:30PM
Saturday, October 18 @ 6:00PM, 6:45PM, and 7:30PM
Tours will last approximately one hour.
Tickets:
Tickets are $35 per person. Click here to buy tickets!
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before the tour start time. After purchasing your ticket, we will add your name to the guest list! Bring your ID to the event to claim your tickets.
Questions?
Call the Warden’s House at 651-439-5956 or email heidi.heinze@wchsmn.org

Shadows of Stillwater: A Halloween Experience
2025-10-23 18:30 - 2025-11-01 21:30 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

Haunted History: The Afterlife Sentences
2025-10-25 18:00 - 21:30 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
The Warden’s House Museum is excited to host the Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS) for a presentation sharing their spookiest evidence from past ghost investigations including an investigation at the Warden’s House Museum.

What showed up on their cameras and audio equipment? Is the Warden’s House Museum actually haunted?

Saturday, October 25, 2025
6:00pm presentation (Doors open at 5:30pm) – buy tickets here
8:30pm presentation (Doors open at 8:00pm) – buy tickets here

About The Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS)
The Twin Cities Paranormal Society is a not-for-profit organization serving the greater Twin Cities Metro area. We are dedicated to the research, investigation, documentation, and education of the public regarding paranormal phenomenon. Our objective is to investigate and research claims of alleged haunted activity. All investigations are approached with an open mind and are conducted in a professional manner.
