photo by Adam Bettcher, Courtesy Meet Minneapolis
Fourth of July may fall in the middle of the week but that doesn’t mean it can’t go out with a bang—here are five places (out of many) to see fireworks this year.
Waconia
Presented by the Waconia Lions Club, Lake Waconia’s Fireworks are made possible by generous donations from local businesses and community members. The fireworks will be shot from the shore of Lake Waconia Regional Park beginning at dusk. For best viewing, visitors can try Lola’s Lakehouse, In Towne Marina, and Sovereign Estate Wine. Viewers also line up along Laketown Parkway (Highway 92) on the east side of the Lake Waconia. Make sure to show up early and bring blankets, snacks, and bug spray!
Excelsior/Lake Minnetonka
The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce invites the public to their Fourth of July celebration in Commons Park in Excelsior. Watch near the park or join the many boats watching from the lake. Earlier in the day, participate in the Firecracker Runs (registration required), enjoy a free family yoga class, or try your hand at the sand sculpture contest. A kids’ parade and popsicle social will be held at 11 a.m.
Minneapolis – Red, White, and BOOM
Hosted annually by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board at Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Red, White, and BOOM attracts more than 75,000 people to downtown Minneapolis for vendors, food, live music, and family activities as well as its impressive fireworks display. Attendees can see the fireworks from Gold Medal Park, the Stone Arch Bridge, or the Mississippi River.
Delano
Delano, just 30 miles west of the Twin Cities, is well known for their Fourth of July weekend celebration with a carnival, a Fourth of July parade and live music events all weekend long. Festivities begin on Friday, June 29, and end July 4 with their fireworks show at 10:30 p.m. (you can view the complete activities schedule here). The 27-minute fireworks show can be best seen near Delano Central Park.
Stillwater
Enjoy a musically choreographed fireworks show (simulcast on WDGY FM Radio) above the St. Croix River. Top viewing destinations include Lowell Park and Pioneer Park where live bands will be playing—for day trip ideas, read our Destination: Stillwater piece.
