4th of July Fireworks in the Twin Cities

Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul are staging a fireworks display this coming July 4th, and with so many places to view the festivities, it can be tricky to find a good vantage point. Here are some of the best places to watch and celebrate Independence Day in the Twin Cities:

Top Viewpoints in Minneapolis

Information gathered from minneapolis.org

Fireworks in Minneapolis start at 10:00PM above the Mississippi river near the Stone Arch Bridge downtown.

1. Stone Arch Bridge: This is the absolute best place to see the skies. Watching fireworks on the Stone Arch Bridge is like watching history, as the bridge is a link to the rich past of Minneapolis. You’ll be right above the Mississippi River and right below the action. Get here early though, it fills up quick!
2. Gold Medal Park: One of the most underrated spots in downtown Minneapolis, Gold Medal Park offers a more traditional viewing experience. Throw a blanket on the grass, toss a ball around and gaze up at the fireworks while you lie down and relax.
3. Mill City Museum: Watching fireworks from the Mill City Museum Observation Deck is as close to a VIP setting as you’ll get. Only 50 people get access, and you have to pay ($35), but the view is absolutely worth the cost. As an added bonus, you get admission into the museum beforehand.
4. Guthrie Endless Bridge: A more unconventional place to watch fireworks, true, but it has that same VIP feel that the Mill City Museum Observation Deck has. You’ll be off the ground and closer to the action, and you’ll have a completely unobstructed view of the fireworks.
5. Restaurant Rooftops: A lot of people don’t generally think of restaurants as prime places to watch fireworks, but we say, “Why not?!” You’re up in the air, you’ll have a great view AND there are people that will serve you food and drinks. Check out more about Minneapolis’ best outdoor dining locations and different brews and bites to try before and after the fireworks show!
6. Lake Calhoun: Parks are great, and buildings are very cool places to get closer to the fireworks. But, if you want the most authentic 4th of July “I LOVE AMERICA” experience, Lake Calhoun is where you want to be. Grill out, play some volleyball, kayak/paddle on the lake and chill on the beach while you get a great view of the downtown fireworks. Make a night of it! Hang out in Uptown before and after the fireworks show for more entertainment and cuisine.

Fireworks in Saint Paul

The fireworks display in Saint Paul will take place inside CHS Field at 10:00PM. Due to the proximity to the Saint Paul Downtown Airport, the display will not be visible from outside the stadium, according to the city’s website.