Independence Day, also known as the 4th of July, is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. Traveling over the Fourth of July weekend has also become more popular, with over 50 million Americans leaving home to enjoy the festivities in 2024.
An increasingly attractive option for visitors seeking something new and exciting on July 4th is Minneapolis, Minnesota. The City of Lakes is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the gorgeous Midwest.
A tour we think you'll love
If you’re looking to start a new July 4th tradition, enjoy some beautiful scenery while remaining close to a major city, are coming for other July events, or are looking for an unforgettable experience that’ll create memories to last a lifetime, Minneapolis is the perfect choice.
Let’s look at everything you’ll need to know about seeing the fireworks in the beautiful Twin Cities.
Experience Amazing Natural Beauty Of Lake Minnetonka With Paddle Tap Party Boats
Paddle Tap Party Boats on Lake Minnetonka is one of the most popular choices in the state for bachelor(ette) parties, corporate gatherings, family vacations, and any other occasion. We offer unmatched views of nature, a relaxing party atmosphere, and the best captains in the Midwest. Bring your snacks, BYOB, and get ready for an amazing time!
Here are a few things to know about our amazing cruises:
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Although most of our cruises are private, we do offer a public option for couples or smaller groups that don’t mind sailing with others. As long as we have four passengers aboard, our captain will set sail!
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Our one-hour and 40-minute LazyTap Double-Deck tour gives you a chance to enjoy the waters and beautiful scenery in a relaxing environment. With 300 square feet on the bottom deck and 100 on the top, we can fit groups of up to 18 people.
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Our TikiTap Tour takes place on a Tiki Bar-themed vessel and can also accommodate groups of up to 18 people. This is our most popular choice for bachelorette parties and it fills up fast, so don’t miss out!
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Our long cruise option is the two-hour and thirty-minute Private Tour, which can take place on either the LazyTap or TikiTap boats. Bring some snacks, BYOB, and enjoy a wonderful time on the water!
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We’re also open on July 4th!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled device to listen to the music of your choice through our speakers during your adventure!
Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun With Red White And Boom!
Across the country, the cornerstone of every July 4th celebration is the local fireworks show and Minneapolis is no exception. Unlike some cities that do midnight shows, our spectacular fireworks display begins at 10 PM on July 4th.
However, the party kicks off several hours before with the City of Minneapolis’ official celebration, “Red White and Boom!” The festivities begin at 6 PM with live music and food trucks in the Water Works and the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot on the downtown Minneapolis Riverfront.
Once the fireworks begin at 10 PM, you’ll see one of the most beautiful and creative displays that modern pyrotechnics has to offer.
Busy On The Fourth? Enjoy July Fireworks Before Independence Day
Maybe you’d prefer to skip the big 4th of July celebrations downtown because you’d rather enjoy something quieter, avoid larger crowds, or look for some alternatives to the standard downtown fare for events before the fireworks display.
Here are a few other events that feature fireworks in and near the Twin Cities that occur before the Fourth of July:
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Ham Lake Lions Park, host of the annual Freedom Festival usually the Saturday before the 4th (complete with its own fireworks display), which is a great alternative 4th of July celebration if you aren’t available on Independence Day itself.
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On July 3rd, visit Normandale Lake Park in Bloomington for The Summer Fete, live music, food vendors, and The Family Fun Zone. At dusk, one of the state’s largest displays of fireworks light up the night sky.
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Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie is home to Sparklefest, a three-day event that marks one of the state’s longest Fourth of July celebrations. In addition to kids activities, live music, and food trucks, you can enjoy a more sensory-friendly experience with a drone show that has all the amazing colors of a fireworks show without the loud noises.
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Manitou Days at Memorial Beach in White Bear Lake is a three-week celebration that offers a variety of amazing events, like the Medallion Hunt, a beach dance, a kiddie parade, a community garage sale, and much more. The grand finale is a boat parade, flyover, and a massive fireworks show.
Pro Tip: Fireworks begin several days before the actual Fourth of July, which means you can enjoy multiple fireworks shows in the Twin Cities area before Independence Day.
Other Marvelous Fourth Of July Adventure Ideas
Although our spectacular fireworks are an important part of any Minneapolis 4th of July, they’re just a small part of what we have to offer. Here are a few other marvelous events, locations, and ideas for you to consider this Independence Day:
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The Grand Parade takes place across the river in the other half of the Twin Cities, St. Paul. It begins at 11 AM in Langford Park. After the parade, you can enjoy some live music and, a little later on, bring the little ones for some family games and kids activities.
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If you need to get a little shopping in on the 4th, don’t worry! The Mall of America is open from 10 AM to 7 PM on Independence Day. Just remember where you parked or you might miss the fireworks display!
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Runners, especially those who are working on completing one race in every state, can participate in the Twin Cities In Motion half-marathon, the 5K, or the relay race.
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If you’re up for a short drive about 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, Canterbury Park in Shakopee is host to a July 4th celebration sponsored by Hormel. Events include a hot dog eating contest, mascots, family games, and live racing, among others.
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For a Lake Minnetonka Fourth of July experience, head to the Exelscior downtown for an entire day of fun. With kids activities, live music, a petting zoo, and a kid’s sandcastle sculpture contest, your children will have just as much fun as you do.
Pro Tip: Although you can see our huge fireworks display from almost anywhere close to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, the closer you can get to the Mississippi River, the better your view of the Minneapolis 4th of July fireworks will be.
Create Unforgettable Memories On Lake Minnetonka
Minneapolis is the place to be if you want to watch fireworks, hear live music, see a grand parade, feast on delicious cuisine from food trucks, and experience a Fourth of July celebration so beautiful and full of magic that you’ll want to come back and celebrate America’s birthday with us every year.
Paddle Tap boat cruises on gorgeous Lake Minnetonka provide the perfect opportunity to have the time of your life on the water amongst amazing nature and sights while letting one of our experienced and friendly captains handle all the navigating.
Every summer, you and your family, friends, coworkers, or whoever joins you on this adventure will say, “Let’s go see the Minneapolis 4th of July fireworks again. We’ll also have to take another cruise with Paddle Tap!”
These cruises do sell out rather quickly, so you won’t want to delay – book your next amazing Lake Minnetonka adventure today!
