ArtReach Events Calendar

Teams from around the world will travel to Stillwater, Minnesota to create amazing snow sculptures while competing for the title of the World Champion. This exciting winter event will include social events, activities, ceremonies and tons of fun for the whole family.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Wednesday, January 15
Official Kick-Off – 8:45 am – Location: Lowell Park
Post Kick Off Bloody Mary Bar – 9:00 am – Location: Water Street Inn
Opening Ceremony – 5:00 pm – (SOLD OUT)
– Location: JX Venue-

Thursday, January 16
Teams will be sculpting their creations all day and into the evening –
come watch their progress! – Location: Lowell Park

Friday, January 17
Teams will be sculpting their creations all day and into the evening –
come watch their progress! – Location: Lowell Park
Candlelight Winter Walk – 5 – 8 pm – Location: North end of Lowell Park
Lakeview Lodge Indoor Market – 3 – 9 pm – Location: Water Street Inn
Heated Concession Tent – 10 am – 10 pm – Location: Lowell Park
Snow Slide – 4 – 9 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Saturday, January 18
Closing Ceremony and Awards – 6 pm – Location: Lowell Park
World’s Coolest Block Party – 6:30 – 9 pm – Location: Lowell Park
Lakeview Lodge Indoor Market – 10 am – 5 pm – Location: Water Street Inn
Heated Concession Tent – 10 am – 10 pm – Location: Lowell Park
Snow Slide – 10 am – 9 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Sunday. January 19
Sunday Funday – 9 am – 5 pm – Location: Lowell Park
Lakeview Lodge Indoor Market – 10 am – 5 pm – Location: Water Street Inn
Heated Concession Tent – 10 am – 6 pm – Location: Lowell Park
Snow Slide – 10 am – 6 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Monday. January 20
Figure Skating Performance – 12 – 3:30 pm – Location: Water Street Inn Ice Rink

Tuesday. January 21
Accessibility Day – 10 am – 6 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Thursday. January 23
Figure Skating Performance – 5:30 – 6:30 pm – Location: Water Street Inn Ice Rink

Friday. January 24
Figure Skating Performance – 7 – 8 pm – Location: Water Street Inn Ice Rink

Saturday. January 25
Frozen Flannel Mini Curling Competition  – 9 am – Location: Lowell Park

Sunday. January 26 
Fat Tire Bike Rally – 10 am – 2 pm – Location: River Siren Brewing
Open Skate with Saint Croix Valley Figure Skating Club – 10 am – 12 pm
– Location: WSI Ice Rink

Additional Activities:
Taste of the Nations: At participating Restaurants, January 1 – 31
Find Stilly the Snowman: At participating stores, January 1 – 26
Button Discounts: At participating stores, January 13 – 26

The River Road Rambler, Russ Hanson, will present a slideshow taking us on a 100-year-ago trip up the River Road from St. Croix Falls to Burnett County.

Hanson grew up in the area, descendant of early homesteaders along the River and has collected a great deal of information on the St. Croix River Valley. Russ\' grandmother\'s family, the Carnes, ran the Sunrise Ferry from 1909 to the 1940s, and his Hanson side trapped on the river, farmed in the area, ran a sawmill cutting second growth along the river and continue to live in the area. He personally visited Nevers Dam the day before it washed out in 1954 and the day after it washed out overnight and his uncle helped dismantle it.

Highlights include the woman who believed the spirits were telling her to dig for treasure along the River, the Indian burial ground, the Spanglers, Nevers sites and families, the Chippewa spirit stone and Wolf Creek early history.

When you look at a portrait, do you see stories and emotions that connect you to the subject and artist? In Portraits, stories of the human condition, Jane Grant-Abban, Claire McKevitt, Dan Petrov and Raghda Skeik tell stories through their portraiture. They are stories of healing and survivorship, major life events and small moments of spontaneity. All are examinations of the human condition.

On view January 9-February 15Wed-Fri 10am-4pm; Sat 12-4pmFREE and open to EVERYONE!

Knit your first Scandinavian-style mittens! Traditional Scandinavian mittens require a boatload of techniques including stranded colorwork, corrugated rib, Latvian braid, picked-up thumbs, and symmetrical decreases. You’ll learn it all in this class, though it’s highly recommended that you have experience with stranded colorwork. This pattern makes use of such a simple colorwork pattern, that while stranding is used throughout, it will not get in the way of the additional techniques being learned.  Once you complete these mittens, you’ll be ready to tackle any Scandinavian mitten pattern.

Class size will be small and the atmosphere will be relaxed and friendly. Learning new knitting techniques requires learning new motor skills, so be prepared to be gentle and patient with yourself as you learn, and be ready to ask for help when you need it. Your questions are expected and welcomed!

*** Please note this is a 2 session class— Saturdays, January 18th & 25th, from 9:30am – 12:30pm

Students should bring to class: One set of US Size 4 [3.5 mm] double pointed needles (or circular needle for magic loop), several stitch markers, downloaded and printed mitten pattern.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School

550 Pine St.

Marine on St. Croix, MN. 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $75
Material Kit Fee: $27

Total Cost: $102

Instructor will provide a materials kit that includes a sufficient amount of beautiful merino wool. After students register for class, the instructor will contact them via email about downloading the pattern.

Our Northern winters certainly call for something warm to sip on and a delicious soothing cup of chaga chai may just be the answer for winter wellness!  Chaga grows on birch trees in northern forests and has been used in for medicine for its many health benefits.  Today it is in the spotlight for the research being done in cancer treatment and prevention.  As one of the best tasting medicinal mushrooms, chaga is an ideal ingredient to use as a caffeine free tea substitute in a warming spicy chai.

In this class you will learn:

the medicinal benefits of chaga and the warming spices used in this chai recipe
the basics of making herbal decoctions for medicinal tea
the process for brewing tea to preserve medicinal properties
enjoy a warm cup of chaga chai together
create a spicy chaga chai herbal tea blend to take home

All herbs to make chaga chai will be provided to students.

Everyone will be given a handout with the chaga chai recipe from class and a jar to take their tea blend home.

Students do not need to bring any materials to class.

Kara Lundin is a Community Wellness Practitioner who focuses on both traditional folk and clinical approaches to herbalism.  She holds a Certificate of Integrative Health from Red Rocks Community College in Denver, CO.  Kara grows and forages most of the plant medicine she uses for herself, her family and the community.

Skill Level
No experience needed.

Age Requirement
Students ages 18 and older are welcome to attend this class.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $45
Materials Fee: $35
Total Cost: $80

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

If interested, you can find our cancellation policy here.

Learn the art of stained glass design and building with John Hanson, owner of Longfellow Soap Company, who has been designing, making, repairing, and restoring antique stained glass windows for 23 years. All tools and materials will be provided and each student will take home a small window.

You will learn how to make, cut, and use patterns, cut and grind glass, tape your glass with copper foil, solder your glass, add patina to color the solder, finish the edges with a zinc border, and clean and polish the finished window. He will also discuss how to frame your window with wood.

Please wear hard toe shoes and long sleeved top. No fleece or sweaters that can catch glass chips as you cut.

Your instructor will provide the following:

John is partnering with Potekglass in NE Minneapolis to provide a beginners tool kit and has a great selection of glass, zinc, copper foil, solder, and grinders for your future projects. Tool kit is sold at Potekglass store only.

Students are asked to bring the following materials:

Safety glasses
As your class is scheduled over a lunch hour, we highly recommend you bring a lunch or click here to learn about local eating opportunities in the area.

Age Requirement
Students ages 12 and older are welcome to attend this class. Ages 12-15 must register with another registered adult. Ages 16-17 can register with parent permission (by an email to [email protected]).

Skill Level 
No experience needed.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $120
Material Fee: $30
Total Cost: $150

NOTE:  Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance a teacher’s need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

Soma yoga is a very gentle and slow-paced practice to decrease tension in chronically tight areas, focusing on alignment and stability when finding our classic asanas (yoga poses). This is a great practice to “reset” our bodies for improved mobility, stability and function.

Learn a series of gentle somatic movements to relieve tension in chronically tight areas and find your best classic asana variation for a practice that is generous and kind to your body.

Please note this class will meet the following Saturdays:
Jan/Feb Series:  Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 2025

Drop ins welcome.  Cost will be $12 per session payable before class.

Students are asked to bring:

mat
strap
pillow or bath towel
Water bottle encouraged!

Skill Level
Beginner, or those wanting to include a gentle reset practice for their bodies

Age Requirement
Students ages 18 and older are welcome to attend this class.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $60 for the January and February sessions.

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance a teacher’s need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

If you would like to join this series – please register for the full session, which is listed on the website under the January 11, 2025.  Thank you!

Learn to write in beautiful Italic Calligraphy alphabet with dip pens. We will write with flexible metal brushes/ C-tips and a handle.
Instructor will demonstrate for the class/individuals.

Please note that this class meets for three Saturdays in January
Date: January 11, 18, 25
Time: 10:30am – 1pm

Instructor Mary Anne Kinane has been an artist her entire working life – mostly as Illustrator, Graphic Designer, and Calligrapher. She has a bachelor’s degree in teaching Art Ed K-12 and Adults. She has two Masters: MA Ed, MAA.
Mediums: painting in watercolor,  acrylics, oils
Drawing: pencil, pen & ink, markers
Subject matter: flowers, gardens, waterscapes, landscapes, birds, fish, small animals, and butterflies.

Skill Level

No experience needed – just a desire to learn!

Age Requirement
Students ages 18 and older are welcome to attend this class.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $65
Materials Fee: $25
Total Cost: $90

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance a teacher’s need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

If interested, you can find our cancellation policy here.

Wine + mini massage = fun and relaxation

Enjoy some delicious SCV wine (Ages 21+) or Non-Alcoholic beverages and relax with a free mini massage!

No reservations required or available for wine or mini massage

*Mini-massage provided by Parkview Chiropractic Clinic

Create a unique home decor item utilizing a variety of tools and techniques, our in-house collection of paints and non-toxic stains while guided by our crafty instructors.

Your 2 hour DIY experience starts at $39 for youth (6+) and $59 for adults with additional upgrades available. Each person attending must be registered for the workshop.

Join us for this fun-filled DIY workshop!

Create a unique home decor item utilizing a variety of tools and techniques, our in-house collection of paints and non-toxic stains while guided by our crafty instructors.

Your 3 hour DIY experience starts at $79 or $99 with additional upgrades available.

Join us on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 6pm for a four course meal. During each course, you will receive a Paulaner beer imported directly from Munich that has been specially selected to pair with the food being served. Tickets are $85 per person (taxes included), available for sale only on-site at our main upstairs bar. Sales will be strictly limited to 50 attendees, so act fast!

Tickets to this white linen and plated banquet event are very sought after, and make a great gift for the loved ones in your life. For more information, please visit http://www.gasthausbavarianhunter.com/2025-beer-dinner/

We’re so excited to bring back our monthly themed dinners! In January, we’ll stay warm with a Nordic-themed dinner prepared by Chef Curt.

Salad and rolls
Housemade Swedish meatballs with cream sauce and artisanal lingonberry jelly
Roasted garlic baby red potatoes
Green beans amandine with toasted almonds
Crumb cake

The dinner runs from 6-8 PM.

These menus are subject to change based on ingredient availability.

Tickets include your first glass of wine (or beer or cider) with additional drinks available for purchase throughout the evening.

Tickets are $60/per person. Space is limited!

Accepting donations Monday, December 30 - January 25.Drop off your clean, gently used winter clothing at the following locations: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, or the Historic Courthouse.

Items accepted should be free of major stains and tears. Items should be winter-based such as hats, gloves, snow pants, coats, snow boots, and base layers.

Step right into a hilarious, and interactive murder mystery where you might just be the killer! It’s the thrilling event everyone’s dying to attend—don’t let this unforgettable night pass you by!

Get ready for a night of twists, turns, and tantalizing mystery! The Murder Mystery Co. by Scott Cramton welcomes you to a thrilling mystery experience where every clue brings you closer to the truth—or deeper into suspicion. Mingle with intriguing suspects, uncover shocking secrets, and savor a mouthwatering three-course meal. But watch out—you could end up as the cold-blooded killer! Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of suspense and laughter. Grab your tickets now!

Participate in a new mystery every month! From the glitz of 1930s Hollywood in “Best Laid Plans” to the roaring 1920s with “Death of a Gangster”, each event offers unforgettable thrills. Boogie at a 1950s sock hop, solve a 90s crime in “Good Riddance”, or celebrate the season with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year”. Whether it's a billionaire’s masquerade, a 1980s bash, or a chilling wedding-themed whodunit, there’s a unique mystery waiting for you. Mark your calendar and join the fun—each month brings a fresh adventure!

Since forming in northeast Minneapolis in 2006, The High 48s have been making music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude.

They’re a band with one foot in tradition and the other in the world of music today, and one of the very few who can find an overlooked bluegrass classic in a song by M. Ward or the Clash then throw down hard on a standard by Bill Monroe.

The High 48s are also a band of songwriters. Here, too, they take a modern approach, heeding the well-worn advice to writers: write what you know. Their songs ring true to their lives as northern city-folk rather than an imagined “sweet, sunny south” of coal mines and dark hollers.

The band takes its name from railroad slang for the boxcars originally used to transport troops on the front lines in WWI that could carry 40 soldiers or 8 horses, and were later used in the US on fast-moving “hot shot” freight trains by train-hoppers looking for work during the Great Depression.

The ever popular Riverside Unplugged will be playing in the tasting room for two shows this winter. Your ticket includes your first glass of beer, wine, or cider.

We’ll have all the necessities to help you or your child to catch your first fish. Participants will learn how to use the equipment, fish species identification, rules and regulations, and connections between clean water and fish populations. All you need to bring is excitement to learn and winter weather gear to stay warm on the ice.

No fishing license? No problem! Program participants will be allowed to fish at this event without a license for catch and release thanks to an educational waiver from the Minnesota DNR.

Let’s Go Ice Fishing is brought to you in partnership with the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, and with funding from the National Park Foundation.

Suggested donation: $10 per family

Cancelation Information:

For the safety of participants and staff, this program may be canceled due to inclement weather. Registered participants will be notified via email and event pages will be updated if the program is canceled.

🌲 Guided hikes with Belwin naturalists
📖 Storytimes in the woods for kids 5 and under, led by Jenny Hanlon of Stillwater Schools ECFE
✨ Stargazing at the Joseph J. Casby Observatory
🔥 S’mores around campfires

The event is free and will take place at the Hilltop Classroom at the Education Site (1553 Stagecoach Trail South, Afton, MN, 55001). No RSVP is required. Just show up and enjoy! We look forward to seeing you there!

We’ll have all the necessities to help you or your child to catch your first fish. Participants will learn how to use the equipment, fish species identification, rules and regulations, and connections between clean water and fish populations. All you need to bring is excitement to learn and winter weather gear to stay warm on the ice.

No fishing license? No problem! Program participants will be allowed to fish at this event without a license for catch and release thanks to an educational waiver from the Minnesota DNR.

Let’s Go Ice Fishing is brought to you in partnership with the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, and with funding from the National Park Foundation.

Suggested donation: $10 per family

Cancelation Information:

For the safety of participants and staff, this program may be canceled due to inclement weather. Registered participants will be notified via email and event pages will be updated if the program is canceled.

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to chat with your favorite mystery authors? This event for local mystery writers and their fans always includes lively discussion and a great time!  A cash bar is also available so come early to mingle.

Tickets are $10 and include a $5 shopping coupon for the night of the event.

Please Note: We have changed the start time to 5pm for the 2025 season.