Where to see fireworks in Minnesota
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From the Bar-B-Q Days celebration in Belle Plaine to the parade in Grand Marais, Minnesotans will be enjoying a vast array of Fourth of July festivities this summer. It's true that many people already have a favorite event, but there are plenty to choose from. Maybe this year it's time to mix it up and check out a new spot.
“The fireworks are some of the best in the state alone, but the experience and the lake make them great," said Public Insight Network source Nate Schroeder about the display in Tower, Minn. "Lake Vermilion is the perfect combination of a fun ‘party’ lake and the Northwoods."
Where's your favorite spot for fireworks? Tell us here — or in the comments.
Here are some additional spots for you to consider this Fourth of July.
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Minneapolis and western metro area
Plymouth, July 2 -- Music in Plymouth with events starting at 5 p.m. and a concert at the outdoor Hilde Performance Center, featuring the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra at 8:45 p.m. The show ends with fireworks at around 10:15 p.m.
Bloomington, July 3 -- Summer Fete with live music and events starting at 5 p.m. and fireworks shortly after 10 p.m. at the Normandale Lake Bandshell.
Shakopee, July 3 -- Canterbury Park Fireworks Spectacular with racing at 4 p.m. and a fireworks show in the evening.
Richfield, July 4 -- Richfield Hometown 4th of July with fireworks at 10 p.m. in Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Minneapolis, July 4 -- Red, White and Boom with live music and activities starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. over the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Main, the Stone Arch Bridge and the Guthrie Theater.
Chanhassen, July 4 -- The Chanhassen 4th of July Celebration with events all day and fireworks at 10 p.m. at the Lake Ann Park.
Minneapolis, July 20 -- The Target Fireworks show serves as the finale for the Minneapolis Aquatennial and is said to be one of the biggest fireworks shows in the country. Live music begins at 6 p.m. between Portland Avenue and the 3rd Avenue Bridge and fireworks start at 10:00 p.m. near the Stone Arch Bridge.
St. Paul and eastern metro area
St Paul, July 4 -- City of St Paul Fireworks at 10:15 p.m. the fireworks show will take place from Saint Paul's downtown riverfront area, near Harriet Island Regional Park. Harriet Island will be open for those wishing to bring a blanket and enjoy the show. The display is also visible from Kellogg Mall Park along Kellogg Blvd, Indian Mounds Park, and the Science Museum of Minnesota Stairs.
Apple Valley, July 4 -- Apple Valley Freedom Days with fireworks at 10 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East. Freedom Days starts June 28 and events are planned through July 4.
White Bear Lake, July 4 -- Fireworks & Music at Memorial Beach with live music at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. at Memorial Beach.
Stillwater, July 4 -- Independence Day Celebration. At 7 p.m., the Dakota Valley Pops Orchestra will perform in Lowell Park and the St. Croix Jazz Orchestra will perform in Pioneer Park. Starting at 10 p.m., musically choreographed fireworks will shoot over the St. Croix River and will simulcast on KLBB (1220 AM).
Northern Minnesota
Duluth, July 4 -- Duluth Fourth Fest with food entertainment starting at 4:30 p.m. at Bayfront Festival Park and fireworks at 10:10 p.m.
Longville, July 4 -- July Fourth celebration with parade and activities all day and fireworks at dusk over Girl Lake.
Grand Marais, July 4 -- Fourth of July parade and fireworks with parade at 8 p.m. and fireworks at dusk over Grand Marais Harbor.
Tower, July 4 – July Fourth celebration with parades, picnics and a patriotic concert will be followed by fireworks from the North Hill at dusk.
Southern Minnesota
Austin, July 4 -- Fourth of July Freedom Fest with a parade followed by music and fireworks starting at dusk.
Albert Lea, July 4 -- Fourth of July Celebration on July 3 and 4. Parade on July 3, and the fireworks on July 4 on Fountain Lake.
Waseca, July 4 -- Lakefest starts with the Freedom Run, followed by entertainment and a boat parade in the evening. Fireworks start at dusk over Clear Lake.
Belle Plaine, July 19-21 -- Bar-B-Q Days is an annual festival with a parade, live music and rides that ends with fireworks on July 21.
Central Minnesota
St. Cloud, July 4 -- St. Cloud Area July 4th Fireworks starts at 10 p.m. with viewing areas in Hester Park and Wilson Park.
Brainerd, July 4 -- Brainerd Lakes Area 4th of July American Celebration has “World Class” fireworks at 10:15 p.m. at Don Adamson Sports Complex.