Best Fireworks In Minnesota
Minnesota will light up the skies on the Fourth of July to celebrate our nation's independence. From Cook to Rock, from Kittson to Houston, every county has a town where citizens congregate to celebrate. The list of towns is staggering, with every letter of the alphabet—Afton, Albert Lea, Alexandria, Annandale, Apple Valley and Austin—are some of the A's. Walker, Wanamingo Warroad, Waskish and Worthington fill the W's. Note: citizens of Zumbrota, Mazeppa and Zumbro Falls go to Wanamingo to cap their Independence Day festivities. Of all the pyrotechnics events in Minnesota, here are five that stand out.
43rd Annual Music In Plymouth
Hilde Performance Center
3450 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447-1448
(763) 509-5000
www.musicinplymouth.org
Date: Wed, July 1, 2015 at 5:30 until after dark
Price: Free
Bring your blanket and start celebrating early with 15,000 other picnicking fans listening to No Grass Limit, The Droppers and The Minnesota Orchestra. See the Enticing Entertainment Fireshow on stage followed by fabulous fireworks.
Taste Of Minnesota
501 W. 3rd St.
Waconia, Minnesota 55387
(651) 224-3228
www.atasteofmn.com
Dates: Fireworks shows will be held on Thur. July 2 through Sat. July 4, 2015 starting at 10:20 pm.
Price: $10 (includes $5 in food and beverage tickets and free admission for accompanying children 12 and under. Free admission before 1:00 p.m. Free admission July 4, 2015 for Military, Police, Fire and EMT with proper ID.
"One of the best fireworks displays in the state," say event coordinators. Nevertheless, the total experience of "Taste," second year in its new digs at the Carver County Fairgrounds, may be well worth the trek to Waconia. Street parking with easy access to the Fairgrounds is plentiful and at no cost throughout Waconia. Find handicapped parking on 3rd Street in Waconia. Another easy option that is free is the shuttle service provided by Taste of Minnesota.
Brainerd Lakes
213 S. 5th St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 829-5278
www.brainerd.com
Pyrotechnic devotees can get their fill at Grand View Lodge on Thursday July 2; at Pequot Lakes High School Football Field, Friday July 3; and take their pick of Garrison Bay, Hackensack, Longville on Girl Lake and in Brainerd on Saturday, July 4. See even more at Crosslake on Sunday July 5, 2015. The Brainerd International Raceway lights up the sky every night at its NAPA Auto Parts Show & Go July 3 through 5, 2015.
City Of Stillwater
216 N. Fourth St.
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 430-8800
www.stcroixsplash.org
Dates: Sat. July 4, 2015 with concerts at 7:00 p.m. and fireworks at dusk
Choose from the Dakota Valley Pops Orchestra in Lowell Park and the St. Croix Jazz Orchestra in Pioneer Park. Stay for the fireworks soaring over the St. Croix River choreographed to music through a mega sound system. This rare occurrence will simulcast on KLBB at 12:20 a.m.
Lights Over The Mississippi
Meet Minneapolis
250 Marquette Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(888) 676-MPLS
www.minneapolis.org
Thanks to Meet Minneapolis, who provided us with their top five places to see the downtown fireworks:
1. Stone Arch Bridge: "This is the absolute best place to see the skies," says Meet Minneapolis. Come early as the bridge fills up. Then look directly over your head for the bright meteor shower.
2. Gold Medal Park: For traditional Independence Day fireworks viewing bring a blanket and make yourself comfortable on the park grass. "One of the most underrated spots in downtown Minneapolis," says MM.
3. Mill City Museum: Take to the Observation Deck at the Mill City Museum. It is limited to 50 guests who normally have purchased passes in advance, but it is better than a rock concert. Only $35 lets you in to the museum for the day and to the VIP deck for the show. "The view is absolutely worth the cost," according to our experts.
4. Guthrie Endless Bridge: Closer than Mill City and an unobstructed view of every sparkle and glow. As a bonus, it has fewer mosquitos than the grassy ground.
5. Restaurant Rooftops: Enjoy some eats and drinks as you wonder at the lighting display. See the Top 10 Patio list the wonderful people at Meet Minneapolis have compiled.
See even more metro Independence Day fireworks in what Meet Minneapolis tags its "comprehensive, expert-compiled list."
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.