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The Washington County Historical Society and Cates Fine Homes are excited to announce the 2025 Stillwater Historic House Tour featuring eight homes from a variety of historical eras. The tour is on Sunday, May 18th from 12pm-5pm. Tickets are $30/person and may be purchased at wchsmn.org. Proceeds from the tour benefit the Washington County Historical Society’s mission to collect, preserve, and share local history for generations to come. The Washington County Historical Society is deeply grateful to the homeowners for their participation in this year's tour.
The tour route includes eight houses with fascinating histories and attributes. One of the houses was once owned by David Tozer, a lumber baron who amassed a large fortune in the white pine industry. The stately home includes many classic Italianate features and a beautifully welcoming front lawn. Another house located in Dutchtown (north of Stillwater) began its history as a small cottage for employees at the Schulenburg Boeckler Mill. The house includes several thoughtfully renovated outbuildings, a perfectly landscaped water feature, and an extensive textile collection curated by the owner.
Pine Street has the most houses on tour this year. One house was built in 1886 by the Orff Brothers (Fremont and George) of Minneapolis, notable architects of the period. Per the Stillwater Historic Preservation Commission’s Heirloom Homes website, “The steeply pitched cross gable roofs, the decorative truss at the apex of the front gable, the horizontal and vertical bands raised from the wall for emphasis, and an open front porch with spindle work are all characteristics of the Stick Style.” The house next door on Pine Street is also on the tour route, making it easy for attendees to travel between them. In 2017, this home underwent a two-year plus restoration that has lovingly restored some of the turn of the century charm to the well-maintained home. Just down the road, the Stillwater Historic Courthouse’s sheriff’s living quarters will also be available to tour with riveting stories of those who wore the badge.
Two homes on the tour this year are available as Airbnb/VRBO rentals. An 1892 house on Churchill Street features thoughtful restorations that have ensured that the home retained its Victorian character while incorporating modern comforts. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, from custom-made trim work that seamlessly matches the original design to reclaimed materials thoughtfully integrated into the home’s finishes. The Donovan House on Myrtle Street, another rental option, boasts a fascinating backstory of a Civil War veteran who participated in several key moments including the Battle of Vicksburg and Sherman’s March to the Sea. Its current owner, Heidi Rosebud of Just For Me Spa, has renovated several other homes in the area.
Tickets are $30 per person and are available for purchase online at wchsmn.org, or in-person at the Washington County Heritage Center. To prevent potential ticket copies being made, tickets will only be available for pick up on the day of the tour at the Heritage Center starting at 10am. Tickets may be purchased in advance or on the day of the tour.
The Washington County Historical Society expresses its sincere gratitude to our 2025 sponsors. The tour sponsor is Cates Fine Homes. House Sponsors include Darn Knit Anyway, Daughters of the American Revolution St. Croix River Valley Chapter, Johnny’s TV, June Weddings, JG Eagleton Trust, Rose Floral & Greenhouse, The Tilted Tiki, and Valley Bookseller.
For questions, contact the Washington County Historical Society at information@wchsmn.org or call 651-439-2298.
