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Best Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Minnesota

Every town and city across the country boasts its own Independence Day fireworks. If you're looking for a show that is a little more elaborate, or includes a little more a tiny, hometown option, grab that blanket and the bugspray and head to the best places to watch the 4th of July fireworks in Minnesota.

Delano 4th of July Celebration
Central Park
650 Park Ave.
Delano, MN  55328
(763) 972-6756
www.delano4th.com

Hours: June 30 – 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.; July 1 – 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; July 2 – 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; July 3 – 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; July 4 – 9:15 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Price: free

The celebration in Delano began in 1857, making it the oldest and largest 4th of July celebration in Minnesota. Along with the fireworks, the Delano celebration also includes a parade and carnival, which take place this year between June 30 and July 4. The fireworks last 30 minutes and in the past have featured a 16-inch diameter rocket, the largest ever shot in Delano. It's best to view fireworks at Delano Central Park along the river, but you'll undoubtedly need the mosquito spray for this one.

Minneapolis Red, White and Boom
Various downtown locations
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 230-6415
www.mplsredwhiteboom.com

Hours: July 3 – 7 p.m.; July  4 – 10 p.m.
Price: free

The Minneapolis Red, White and Boom celebration kicks off Independence Day with tons of family activities, live entertainment and the Hot Dam 5k and half marathon. On July 3, catch music and a movie at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. There is a movie at 7 p.m., and then "Captain America" will play at 9 p.m. Food and beverages are available at all events. The fireworks display begins July 4 at 10 p.m. View a map of the of best locations for spectators here

Related: Wander Minnesota Independence Day

Chanhassen's 4th of July Celebration
City Center Park and Lake Ann Park
Chanhassen, MN  55317
(952) 227-1100
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us

Hours: July 2 to 4
Price: free

Chanhassen's 4th of July Celebration should see nearly 8,000 visitors per day at its celebration this year. Included in the events are a kiddie parade, a community parade and other family friendly activities that include carnival rides, a summer skateboard series, camel and pony rides, a business expo, street dancing with the Casablanca Orchestra, games and fishing festivals. Taste of Chanhassen will fill up and satisfy the whole family, but don't miss the fireworks display over Lake Ann.

St. Cloud 4th of July Fireworks
Hester Park and Wilson Park
St. Cloud, MN 56303
stcloudfireworks.org

Hours:  July 4 – 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Price: free

If you happen to be away from the Twin Cities, try to stop in at a 4th of July celebration in St. Cloud. The St. Cloud 4th of July Fireworks display is considered Central Minnesota's largest display. It begins at 10 p.m. on July 4th with a show launched from barges in the middle of the Mississippi River. Watch the St. Cloud-area fireworks display from Hester Park or Wilson Park where other activities will be available as well.

Brainerd Lakes Area 4th of July Celebration
Various locations
Brainerd, MN 56401
Brainerd 4th of July

Hours: July 4 – 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Price: free

The Brainerd Lakes Area 4th of July Celebration is another one of Minnesota's largest and best displays of fireworks. The fireworks begin at dusk (around 10:15 p.m.). Perfect for the whole family, the display is launched and viewed from Don Adamson Football Field. Along with the fireworks display, enjoy the free Corn on the Cob Feed and the American Celebration parade, which goes through Brainerd at 4 p.m.

Related:  Where to View Fireworks in 2011

Christina Majaski is a full-time legal assistant and freelance writer for online and print publications. She has an obsession for all things related to social media and invites you to follow along with her on Twitter @cmajaski. She currently resides with her daughter in central Minnesota. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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