Set Sail for Summer Fun: Haskell’s Boat Cruise and Stillwater Adventures

Ships A’hoy!

As Minnesotans, one of our favorite pastimes is enjoying a drink by the water. Whether it’s sitting at the end of the dock sipping a glass of our favorite summer wine, floating down the Cannon River with a couple of beers, fishing on Lake of the Isles with a mixed drink in our Yeti, or cruising along the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka as Pontoon-Passenger-Princesses with Bootleggers in hand, we cherish these uniquely Minnesotan experiences.

So, when it comes to opportunities to enjoy yourself on the water with a drink in hand, it is hard to beat Haskell’s Summer Boat Cruise. What started off as a one-time opportunity to thank our loyal customers has turned into a beloved annual tradition, now featuring multiple dates each summer. 

Bacchus Beer & Wine Cruises

On the cruise, you will have the opportunity to experience summer in Minnesota like you’ve never done before. Board the ship from the St. Croix Boat & Packet Co. at 11:30 am, with a departure time of 12:00 pm SHARP. 

As soon as you set foot on the ship, you can start your drink-sampling adventure! Unlike some tasting events which choose the samples for you, Haskell’s boat cruise events allow you to wander wherever you choose throughout the ship’s three decks and pick the drinks you actually want to sample (and as many or little as you like!). All of the wines are typically on the first floor, the spirits and seltzers are on the second floor, and the beer and THC beverages are on the top deck! 

The first and second floors are fully enclosed, while the top deck is open so you can look out across the St. Croix. There is still a roof over the top deck, which makes Haskell’s cruises perfect in any kind of weather. 

During the cruise, guests also receive a substantial lunch, which is non-negotiable when you’re samplink all those alcoholic drinks!

After a bite to eat, guests can get back to sampling over 50 different wines and 50 different beers throughout the remainder of the three-hour cruise. 

A quick 35-minute drive from the Twin Cities, this adult-only cruise is the perfect mini-getaway for couples, friends, and new acquaintances. 

Historic Downtown Stillwater

But wait, there's more! We want to make sure you have plenty of opportunities to extend your cruise adventure and make a full day of your trip or even spend the night in beautiful Stillwater. Here are some things we recommend you check out.

Mere feet from the boat launch, Historic Downtown Stillwater offers over 50 independently owned-operated shops (including our own Stillwater Haskell’s). Don’t miss the unique shopping experiences at a few of our favorite shops, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, Enchanté, Carpe Noctem Candle Co., and Smith & Trade Mercantile. 

Unique Activities

If you are looking for something a bit more active, Stillwater has some great activities for you and your group. Once we arrive back on land around 3 pm, unleash your inner lumberjack with axe throwing at The Lumberjack Axe Throwing Bar, solve a mystery at the Stillwater Escape Company, stroll through Union Art Alley and admire the unique murals from local artists, or dust off your bowling shoes and bowl a few frames at Stillwater Bowl. 

Places to Eat

After the cruise, enjoy a pre-dinner pick-me-up with a cup of coffee from Greenbridge Coffee Shop or Art’s Coffee Hut. Then make your way for dinner at one of Stillwater’s many great restaurants, try the Happy Hour at Howard’s Bar, the patio at The Tilted Tiki, the giant portions at Mad Capper, or the wood-fired grill at Matchstick. As your day winds down, be sure to save room for a sweet treat from MN Nice Cream or Gloria’s.

Places to Stay

Maybe after ice cream, it will be time to head home, but if you choose to stay the night, Stillwater offers some unique accommodations like The Lora Hotel and the Lowell Inn, both within walking distance of downtown.

Whether you join us just for the cruise or you decide to make a weekend of it, the Haskell’s Summer Boat Cruise is an event you won’t want to miss. Gather your friends and book your tickets today to create an unforgettable weekend filled with memories and fun!