These Minnesota Towns Throw Legendary 4th Of July Celebrations
Minnesota's 4th of July celebrations are legendary because they blend the state's breathtaking natural beauty with good old-fashioned, patriotic Americana. The upcoming anniversary of the United States is going to be celebrated with musical extravaganzas, lumberjack competitions, and dazzling firework shows. Excelsior kicks off its celebration with the "Firecracker Run," whereas Nisswa has a unique and well-established tradition of hosting turtle races during its Freedom Day. Check out these events and even more big plans in these Minnesota small towns.
Delano
Bursting with floats, bands, and dignitaries, Delano hosts the oldest and largest parade in all of Minnesota. The Grand Marshal each year is chosen from the original Delano family, for whom the town was named (F.R. Delano was responsible for building the railroad here, among other acts of service). A full carnival opens from July 1 through the 4th with games, rides, classic fair treats, and enough fun to last an entire day and night. The perfect end to this extravaganza is a fireworks show by Northern Lighter Pyrotechnics. Seats can be reserved for free in Central Park.
Delano, located just 30 miles west of the Twin Cities, offers its visitors a mix of small-town heritage and outdoor recreation. One of the places not to miss is Central Park (where you may be watching the fireworks display). The park has a Splash Pad in the summer with 15 different water features to walk through or play in. In the winter, the Splash Pad is replaced with an ice rink.
Excelsior
In Excelsior, the 4th of July celebrations literally get off to a cracking start with a firecracker run in the Excelsior Commons downtown, and they end with the only public fireworks event on Lake Minnetonka. Apart from the thrill of seeing pyrotechnics lighting up both the sky above and reflective water below, part of what makes these celebrations so special is that the entire downtown turns out in its holiday best. Independence Day here is a day for shopping in independent stores, walking along industrious streets, breathing in the fresh air, and remembering what America's all about.
While you're there, maybe you'd like to charter a boat tour of Lake Minnetonka. These sightseeing cruises make it a treat to learn about Lake Minnetonka's history as you enjoy a relaxing time with onboard concessions and full bar service available. Or maybe you'd rather step back in time aboard a historic Excelsior Streetcar Line. You'll ride along a half mile of track built on the former Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway. You'll make a stop at a car barn to see a photo gallery of hotels, trains, paddlewheel boats, and landmarks from the 1800s. Then you'll hop off at the end of the line downtown, where you can enjoy an ice cream, go shopping, or stroll along the lake.
Nisswa
Nisswa's Freedom Day celebration famously includes turtle races. Turtle races have been a tradition here since 1963. In fact, Nisswa is known as "the home of turtle races." Bringing your own turtle is not allowed, but participants can join and get an official turtle racing button for just $5. It's easy to spend a few hours at the races, which can get quite crowded, but there are plenty of places nearby to get an iced coffee or iced tea and put your feet up. The Nisswa parade down Main Street (already looking like a Norman Rockwell painting) is another favorite tradition that includes high school marching bands, vintage cars, floats, and more.
Nisswa is a great place to take a summer holiday. Fishing is a way of life, and the area hosts the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza on nearby Gull Lake, billed as the world's largest ice fishing competition each winter. If you love to bike, you've got to head down the Paul Bunyan Trail, which has over 115 miles of paved trails cutting through some of Minnesota's most scenic countryside. You'll see why Nisswa is considered a jewel of the Brainerd Lakes Area, with its pine forests and clear waters. For a cherry on top of your trip, be sure to stop by The Chocolate Ox to be wowed by their locally made candy, truffle chocolates, and ice cream.
Stillwater
This 4th of July, Civil War cannons from Battery I, 1st US Artillery, will be fired on Mulberry Point in the historic river town of Stillwater. A concert at the Pioneer Park Bandshell will include Nick Anderson & The Skinny, Bootleg, and close with The St. Croix Jazz Orchestra. The celebrations end with a fireworks spectacular over the St. Croix River and Historic Lift Bridge.
Stillwater is considered the historic birthplace of Minnesota because the first territorial convention to make Minnesota a state was held right here in what is now downtown. In other words, the town of Stillwater is older than the state itself. Its Historic Main Street riverfront area is on the National Historic Register and is home to over 100 locally owned shops and restaurants. The Stillwater Trolley will take you on an entertaining 45-minute tour. Or if you like, you can book a lunch or dinner cruise with Stillwater River Boats to take in the history and scenery around the beautiful St. Croix River.
Warroad
The Independence Day celebrations last for days in Warroad. On July 3rd, the place and people are just getting warmed up with food trucks and a flea market taking to the streets while a boat parade takes to the waters. On the 4th of July, this town starts by hosting a pancake breakfast, opening a beer garden, and then the games begin. There's axe throwing, pickleball tournaments, and much more. A parade marches down Main Street, a live concert takes place, and there is a fireworks display over the Lake of the Woods. On July 5th, the party keeps going and adds a history walk through Warroad.
Warroad is the only American port city on Lake of the Woods, so you simply must plan to visit the waters, whether you're boating, hiking the surrounding trails, or fishing. There is excellent fishing here, particularly for walleye. And when you're in town, you should take a trip to The Gardens Arena to learn more about how Warroad became "Hockey Town USA." You'll see that The Gardens is a regular "Hall of Fame" site. Multiple NHL players and Olympic gold medalists have come from here thanks to the town's proud tradition of supporting hockey for all ages at all times of the year.
A Minnesota Fourth Of July
These towns each make Minnesota a great place to celebrate America's 250th birthday. You can watch the state's oldest parade in Delano, celebrate aboard a pleasure cruise in Excelsior, or cheer on the famous turtle races in Nisswa. You can even hear real Civil War cannons in Stillwater and enjoy days of lake parties in Warroad. With fireworks over the water and classic Main Street fun, you'll find a great way to celebrate during a Minnesota 4th of July.
