Fourth of July Celebrations

A A A Comments (0) By Jessica Armbruster Wednesday, Jul 4 2012

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Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

420 Main St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Category: Parks and Outdoors

Region: University

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It's always a little odd when a holiday falls in the middle of the week, but it's kind of neat that many folks will get this week's hump day off from work. People looking for the biggest (and likely the most crowded) fireworks show will want to check out downtown Minneapolis's Red, White, and Boom! (www.mplsredwhiteboom.com). Here, you'll find live music, family activities, and other happenings leading up to the epic pyrotechnics at locations including Father Hennepin Park, the Stone Arch Bridge, Water Power Park, and the West River Parkway. Nearby, Mill City Museum (704 S. Second St., Minneapolis; 612.341.7555) will be hosting daylong family activities as well from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a special viewing party of the fireworks from the observation deck ($35; call early to reserve a spot). Another big show is Blaine's Blazin' Fourth, which works as the grand finale to the suburb's ongoing summertime festival (National Sports Center, 1700 105th Ave. NE, Blaine; www.blainefestival.org). If you're looking to get a little exercise this holiday, sign up for the Tour d'Amico, a Fourth of July ride featuring 28-, 45-, and 65-mile routes winding through scenic areas of the west metro ($17-$37, www.tourdamico.org). Or, if you prefer a little American history with your patriotism, head over to either Historic Fort Snelling (200 Tower Ave., St. Paul; 612.726.1171) or Oliver H. Kelley Farm (15788 Kelley Farm Rd., Elk River; 763.441.6896) for some old-fashioned fun and education. Fort Snelling will have a military parade, cannon salutes, patriotic speeches, and costumed characters; Oliver Kelley will have old-fashioned games, horse-drawn trolley rides, and animals. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and cost $9-$11 admission. For a complete list of Fourth of July happenings, click here. (Photo by stephen_gunby)
Wed., July 4, 2012