The Fourth of July is a federal holiday originally set aside for commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence—when the U.S. was declared independent from Great Britain. It’s a patriotic holiday, often marked with festive parades and an abundance of red, white, and blue.
Besides marking our independence, it’s also a day when many of us get together with friends and family to barbeque, hit the lake, and enjoy the sun. And once it gets dark, watch the fireworks – arguably the best part of the Fourth. I can still remember how much fun it was to stay up late and watch the fireworks when I was growing up. Cousins all piled together, hiding yawns from our parents as we stared up at the night sky in eager anticipation, oohing and ahhing over our favorites. Whoosh! Fizz! BANG! (or pop, pop, pop) Streams of color filling the sky. And then silence until the next whoosh, fizz, BANG!
It’s all very magical—whether you’re eight or 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88, or 98.
If you’re planning on going to see the fireworks in the metro area, here’s a list of cities prepared to light up the night sky. Don’t forget a blanket and some bug spray.
• Red, White, and Boom, Minneapolis riverfront. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. Good viewing spots include the Stone Arch and Central Avenue bridges, spots along St. Anthony Main, and Nicollet Island Park. Parking is available at the St. Anthony Falls Ramp.
• Carver County Fairgrounds, 501 West 3rd Street, Waconia. Since Harriet Island is flooded this year’s Taste of Minnesota festival & fireworks will be at the Carver County Fairgrounds. The fireworks will start at 10:20 p.m.
• Apple Valley, Johnny Cake Ridge Park, 140th Street West and Johnny Cake Ridge Road. 10 p.m.
• Blaine, National Sports Center, 1700 150th Ave NE. Dusk.
• Bloomington, Normandale Lake Bandshell, Shortly after 10 p.m. And a reminder: these fireworks come a day early on Thursday, July 3.
• Coon Rapids, Sandcreek Athletic Field and Park, 1008 Northdale Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. 10 p.m.
• Cottage Grove, Kingston Park, Indian Boulevard and 75th Street. Dusk.
• Eden Prairie, Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie. 10 p.m.
• Edina, Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St., Edina. 10 p.m.
• Elk River, Lions Park, 1104 Lions Park Dr. 10 p.m.
• Forest Lake, over Forest Lake. 10 p.m.
• Ham Lake, Lion’s Park, 1220 157th Ave NE. Dusk.
• Hastings, Hastings Country Club, 2015 Westview Dr. 10 p.m.
• Lakeville, Lakeville North High School, 19600 Ipava Ave., 10 p.m.
• Maplewood, Hazelwood Park, 1663 County Road C E., 10 p.m.
• Mendota Heights, Mendakota Country Club, 2075 Mendakota Dr. 10 p.m. Nonmembers can view the fireworks from nearby parking lots.
• Minnetonka, over Lake Minnetonka, viewing spots at downtown Excelsior and Commons Park. Dusk. And, in case of severe weather, the fireworks will be rescheduled for July 5.
• Oakdale, Richard Walton Park, 1584 Hadley Ave N. 10 p.m.
• Prior Lake, Lakefront Park, 5000 Kop Parkway. 10 p.m.
• Prior Lake, Rock & Rockets at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. 10 p.m.
• Richfield, Veteran’s Memorial Park, 6335 Portland Ave. S. 10 p.m. Two viewing areas at Veteran’s Memorial Park: 64th Street & Portland Avenue South and 66th Street and Chicago Avenue South.
• Roseville, over Lake Bennett. Dusk.
• Shakopee, Valleyfair (near Planet Snoopy)—1 Valleyfair Dr. Set to music. 9:50 p.m.
• St. Louis Park, Aquila Park, 3110 Xylon Ave. S. 10 p.m. Rain date is Saturday, July 5.
• Stillwater, Boomer Lake Park, Washington & Lakeview. Dusk.
• White Bear Lake, West Park and Memorial Beach, 4980 Lake Ave N. 10 p.m.
• Woodbury, Bielenberg Sports Center, 4125 Radio Dr. 10 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from the white fields on the east side of the building and can be viewed from many locations.
Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the show!
