Stillwater Overlook

Stillwater Overlook
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	Lookout Trail near 63rd St. N., Oak Park Heights, Minnesota
Area	4.8 acres (1.9 ha)
Built	1938
Architect	Arthur R. Nichols; Olsen, Harold E.; National Youth Administration; Minnesota Highway Department
Architectural style	National Park Service Rustic
Governing body	State
MPS	Federal Relief Construction in Minnesota MPS
NRHP Reference #	07001318[1]
Added to NRHP	December 27, 2007

The Stillwater Overlook is a scenic overlook in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, United States, just south of the city limits of Stillwater, Minnesota near the junction of Minnesota State Highway 36 and Minnesota State Highway 95. The overlook is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a representative of roadside development during the Great Depression era.^[2]

The main structure on the site is a limestone wall that overlooks the St. Croix River valley. It was built by the National Youth Administration (NYA) between 1936 and 1937. The limestone was salvaged from the old Minnesota Territorial Prison, which was demolished by the NYA beginning in 1936.^[2] The construction is an excellent example of the National Park Service Rustic style, which emphasized the use of locally indigenous materials. The labor-intensive construction techniques also reflect the need to employ many people in federal relief projects. The overlook is very well preserved.^[2]

This overlook was one of several roadside development projects in the Stillwater area designed by Minnesota Highway Department landscape architect Arthur R. Nichols and built under Depression-era relief programs. Other projects in this time included an overlook north of Stillwater, a roadside parking area at the St. Croix Boom Site, and an Indian battleground historic marker. The roadside development in the Stillwater area reflected its importance as a tourist destination.^[2]

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