11 Dreamy Lake Towns in Minnesota That Nail the Fourth of July Vibe
Here in Minnesota, we love a good small-town Independence Day celebration. All across the state, these tiny communities light up with pride, from parades to lakeside fireworks and old-fashioned picnics.
Since we’re from Minnesota, we’ve decided to pull together a list of the 11 most iconic towns that offer family-friendly Fourth of July festivities!
1. Delano
Delano’s Fourth of July festival is legendary for its history and scale. In fact, Delano proudly hosts the oldest and largest Independence Day celebration in Minnesota, which dates back to 1857.
This small town of just 6,000 residents pulls out all the stops with a carnival that lasts at least four days leading up to the 4th. Families can enjoy classic fair rides, games, and the best all-American treats (like cheese curds and mini donuts) at Delano’s Central Park.
On the morning of July 4th, a huge parade winds through downtown as a signature event that draws tens of thousands with its patriotic floats and marching bands.
After the parade, crowds gather in the park for live music and to stake out a spot for the grand finale, which happens to be one of the most stunning fireworks displays around.
Delano’s combination of small-town friendliness and big-time 4th of July parties make it a summer bucket-list destination for Minnesota families.
2. Pequot Lakes
Each year, Pequot Lakes stakes its claim as “Minnesota’s BEST small town Fourth of July celebration,” and it certainly lives up to the title.
Located in the Brainerd Lakes area, Pequot Lakes offers two days of patriotic fun known as Stars & Stripes Days.
On July 3rd and 4th, Pequot Lakes’ Trailside Park (which we’re so lucky to visit every week) fills with food vendors, craft fairs, live music, and even a bean bag (cornhole) tournament.
Kids stay entertained with special activities and a kiddie parade, and there’s a community parade down the main streets on July 4th that features floats and local marching bands. There’s even a kid’s splash pad at the park just in front of Minnesota Traders.
At night, everyone heads to the high school practice field with lawn chairs and blankets for an elaborate fireworks show.
If you’re looking for a fun place to spend your Fourth of July, Pequot Lakes delivers all the classic small-town ingredients.
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3. Crosslake
Nearby to Pequot Lakes is Crosslake, which puts on a star-spangled show you can watch from the water.
2025 marks the 55th year that Crosslake has come together for its “Celebrate America” fireworks tradition. On the evening of July 5th, boats large and small gather on Crosslake to view the spectacular fireworks launched from Sand Island. Thousands more folks watch from the shore.
For the full experience, locals tune their radios to a synchronized soundtrack on Skeeter 101.5 FM that makes the fireworks even more magical.
We’ve also found that Crosslake makes a day of it, starting with a morning Firecracker Run, family activities at the community center, and plenty of other fun activities like farmer’s markets.
But it’s the evening fireworks over the lake that truly define Crosslake’s 4th of July.
4. Nisswa
You might be wondering why we’re so concentrated on the Brainerd Lakes area. While I promise to cover other small towns elsewhere in the state, the Brainerd Lakes area is too good to pass up.
The resort town of Nisswa turns Independence Day into an all-day family festival. Nisswa actually celebrates on July 3rd with its Freedom Days extravaganza, which is perfect for those who want to hit multiple celebrations in the Brainerd Lakes region (see above recommendations).
Starting in the morning, Nisswa’s downtown is bustling with kids’ activities like the famous Nisswa turtle races, water wars (squirt gun fights), live music, and food vendors.
By late afternoon, everyone sets up chairs along both sides of Main Street for the Freedom Days parade. This charming small-town parade has veterans’ color guard, marching bands, classic cars, clowns, local royalty and fire trucks.
After the parade, Nisswa caps the night with a fireworks show to officially kick off the holiday.
Best Place to Stay in Nisswa
5. Park Rapids
In Park Rapids, Independence Day truly lives up to the “dawn to dusk” hype. This north-central Minnesota town hosts a 4th of July that keeps families busy all day.
It begins in the morning at Heartland Park with the Firecracker Footrace, which is a festive 5K run/walk for all ages and ability levels. And by mid-morning, you’ll also find plenty of patriotic boat parades and lake picnics.
Later, crowds line Park Rapids’ famously wide Main Avenue for a traditional small-town parade that offers dozens of floats and plenty of candy tossing.
After the parade, the fun keeps going with a pie baking contest, live music in Red Bridge Park, and an evening concert by the Park Rapids Area Community Band.
And of course, as dusk finally falls, everyone gathers by the Fish Hook River for the Rotary Club fireworks reflecting over the water.
Best Place to Stay in Park Rapids
6. Spicer
On the shores of Green Lake in west-central Minnesota is a small town called Spicer. Ever heard of it? Spicer throws a multi-day celebration each year that is the pride of the Willmar Lakes area.
On the morning of July 4th, start your day with a hearty Lions Club pancake breakfast (always a good choice), then catch Spicer’s Grand Day Parade as it circles through downtown.
Later in the evening, find a spot by the lake because Spicer launches its fireworks over Green Lake. You can watch from the shore or head out on the boat to the middle of the lake to see the fireworks.
On July 5th, Spicer hosts a popular Green Lake Boat Parade, where decorated pontoons and speedboats show off their patriotism to cheering onlookers. Truthfully, it’s hard to find a lake in Minnesota that DOESN’T host a boat parade for the Fourth.
The fun continues at night with a street dance and even a road race on July 6th.
That’s three whole days of parades (on land and water), live music, markets, and fireworks.
7. Excelsior
Just southwest of Minneapolis, the lakeside town of Excelsior offers a 4th of July experience that draws the whole Lake Minnetonka community together.
In fact, the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce hosts the only public fireworks show on Lake Minnetonka, making this the go-to 4th of July event for the area.
The day begins early at Excelsior Commons (the big lakefront park) with the annual Firecracker Runs. You can choose between the 5K, 10K, fun runs, or just watching from the sidelines. This run attract hundreds of runners and walkers.
By late morning, Excelsior puts its own twist on the parade tradition with a Kids’ Bike Parade down Water Street. It’s adorable. The kids deck out their bikes, trikes, and wagons in red-white-and-blue and ride through downtown.
Throughout the afternoon you’ll find food trucks and family activities to keep the celebration going. This is located in Excelsior Commons.
Later, a live band strikes up at the bandshell while boaters start filling Excelsior Bay. Around 9:50pm, a spectacular fireworks show lights up over Lake Minnetonka, viewed by thousands from the park and from boats in the bay.
If you’re stuck in the cities this 4th of July, consider visiting Excelsior for its small town charm and grand lakeside fireworks.
Best Place to Stay Near Excelsior
8. Ely
If you’re looking for a classic Fourth of July framed by pine forests and lakes, Ely will deliver.
Famous for being the gateway to the Boundary Waters, Ely shows its patriotism every July 4th with a Main Street parade and evening fireworks over the water.
Everything kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony honoring local veterans on the courthouse lawn. Then, people line Sheridan Street for Ely’s 4th of July parade. And after the parade, families gather in Whiteside Park for a community picnic with food and games.
When night falls, Ely puts on a big show with fireworks over Miner’s Lake, which is a former iron ore mine pit turned scenic lake.
Between the patriotic parade and the impressive fireworks, spending 4th of July in Ely lets you experience Independence Day the way it’s meant to be!
Best Places to Stay in Ely
9. Warroad
Up along Lake of the Woods near the Canadian border, Warroad throws an Independence Day celebration so awesome it lasts an entire week.
This small town (VERY proudly dubbed “Hockeytown USA”) was once voted the Best Small Town Minnesota 4th of July Celebration by Life In Minnesota, and it’s obvious why.
Warroad’s festivities span from July 1st through July 6th, blending old traditions and unique northern Minnesota flair.
The week kicks off with an ice cream social and street dances, and by July 3rd the town is full of food trucks and a huge flea market that draws bargain hunters from around the region.
On the 4th of July, Warroad really brings out its best. In the afternoon, there are games and inflatables at The Point (the lakeside park), bingo in the park, and a parade down Main Avenue with floats and bands.
In the evening, you’ll want to head to the waterfront for the concert, which is often capped off by the crowd-pleasing Johnny Holm Band. Then, of course, the sky lights up over Kakay-Geesick Bay with breathtaking fireworks.
But Warroad doesn’t stop there; the celebrations continue July 5th and 6th with fun, family-friendly events like a history walking tour, watercross races, a canoe tilting competition, a boat parade, and even a wing-eating contest.
10. Crosby
In Crosby, the day begins bright and early as the tiny streets of downtown Crosby come alive with a vibrant parade.
You’ll see decorated floats, marching bands, vintage cars, and candy being tossed in all directions as the parade passes.
After the parade, Crosby’s Memorial Park on Serpent Lake becomes celebration headquarters. Here you’ll find live music, food vendors, and games for all ages. This is where kids can jump around in bounce houses or play yard games while adults browse craft booths or enjoy a cold beverage.
At night, everyone grabs a blanket and heads to the lakeshore at Serpent Lake’s Serpent Park. This is one of the best places to watch Crosby’s fireworks display.
Before you leave town, don’t forget to stop by the world’s largest fiberglass loon (a local landmark on the lakeshore).
Best Place to Stay in Crosby
11. Tofte
This is one of our favorites! Tofte, a town along the shores of Lake Superior, may be small, but it hosts a 4th of July celebration that really nails it.
Tofte’s festivities run all day on the 4th. You’ll find them around the town park and community center. In late morning, bouncy houses will pop up, face paintings, and even the tradition of minnow races!
Tofte holds its annual 4th of July parade right on the old highway through town. You’ll find the typically patriotic parade things like locals on floats, kids waving flags, fire trucks from nearby volunteer departments, and the occasional lumberjack on an ATV.
After the parade, stick around for the community barbecue and ice cream social where neighbors and visitors gather and hotdogs and root beer floats.
At dusk is a stunning fireworks show over Lake Superior. Many spectators set up at nearby Tofte Town Park or even watch from the rocky shoreline.
Best Places to Stay Near Tofte
What NOT To Forget To Pack This Year
I included this part because ultimately I forget at least one of these things each year, so hopefully serves as a reminder to pack all your essentials like:
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
Hydration & Comfort
- Water bottles for everyone
- Portable phone charger
- Cash in small bills
Viewing Essentials
- Blankets for fireworks viewing on the ground
- Small cooler with ice packs
Family Extras
- Baby wipes
- Light jacket or sweatshirt (the evenings can get chilly, even in July)
- Ear protection for little ones
Quick Tip: Pack the night before, and you’ll be the family that’s prepared for anything while others are scrambling to find sunscreen at 2pm.
Planning Your Minnesota 4th of July
These 11 towns represent the best of Minnesota’s small town 4th of July spirit. Each town offers its own unique traditions, carnivals, tournaments, and more.
If you’re considering ditching the big city crowds this year, take our advice and head to one of these.
