Educational Programs

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Historic Courthouse is closed until January 2024

The Historic Courthouse in Washington County is currently undergoing exterior restoration this year to preserve and improve the building. 

Starting from June 1, the courthouse and its surroundings, including the grounds and parking lot, is closed to the public throughout the construction period. Stay informed: learn more about the project and sign up for updates.


Washington County Parks and the Historic Courthouse offer educational programs on a variety of topics, along with temporary and permanent historical exhibits.

  1. School Tours
  2. Scout Programs

The Historic Courthouse offers a wide variety of activities, tours, and programs for school groups of all sizes. Tours and programs can be easily customized to fit your class curriculum and topics may include, but are not limited to; early Minnesota state history, Washington County history, women and the law, early life of area residents, architecture, and more. 

Take advantage of fun, history-based activities, including: 

  • Mock trials
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Playing the Past & Create a Character
  • Interactive biography boxes & timelines
  • Historic homes walking tours

The Historic Courthouse also features a new temporary exhibit every year with additional program opportunities. 

Schools have the opportunity to use the courtroom or grounds for lunch. Combine a trip to the Historic Courthouse with a visit to the Warden's House Museum or a Stillwater Trolley tour for a full day of history!

For those unable to join us, a St. Croix Valley History curriculum unit is also available for teachers and homeschool groups using the interactive biography boxes available at the Historic Courthouse. Teachers and homeschool leaders may check out the boxes for use at their schools.

Tours and programs are offered for a small fee of $2.00 per student, chaperones are free. One additional activity may be added to a tour package for no added fee. A student to teacher ratio of 15:1 is required based on age group. 

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