8 Dazzling 4th of July Getaways in Minnesota

Magical Minnesota Destinations for a Red, White & BOOM Family Weekend

The 4th of July is the perfect time to plan a family getaway in Minnesota. With beautiful weather, patriotic parades, colorful fireworks, and more, the holiday weekend is filled with all-American fun for the whole family! We have some fantastic ideas if you’re wondering where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Minnesota with kids! From Lake Minnetonka to Lake Superior, several cities across Minnesota put on a vibrant show for the occasion, welcoming families to celebrate together. Each location on this list offers a variety of exciting activities for the whole family, from dazzling holiday displays to lounging lakeside and more summer fun. Then, some of the best places for the Fourth of July are family-friendly Minnesota resorts that go all out for the holiday weekend.

Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the best Fourth of July getaways in Minnesota with kids!

Best 4th of July Getaways in Minnesota

If you’re wondering where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Minnesota with kids, several cities go all out for the summer holiday! These dazzling cities, from Excelsior to Grand Marais, put on a colorful show for all ages. Here are our top picks for the best Fourth of July getaways in Minnesota with kids!

4th of July in Excelsior

Nestled along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior is less than 30 minutes from Minneapolis, making it perfect for a Fourth of July day trip or quick weekend away. The city is beloved for its lakeside location and booming holiday festivities. Whether you want to have a lakeside picnic with your kids, splurge on some shopping, or enjoy one of the best firework displays in the Twin Cities, Excelsior is one of the best Fourth of July weekend getaways in Minnesota for families!

The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce hosts the only public fireworks event on Lake Minnetonka. Visitors can claim their spot at Commons Park in downtown Excelsior to watch the show. Additional events and sales will be held around downtown Excelsior throughout the weekend. Make the holiday weekend even more memorable by climbing aboard the Steamboat Minnehaha! This is a unique way to learn about local history. When you’re hungry, grab a family-friendly lunch at Lagos Tacos or Olive’s Fresh Pizza Bar Excelsior. Or, do a little shopping together at boutique shops like Excelsior Bay Books, Water on Water, and Faribault Mill. Finally, no summer visit to Excelsior with kids is complete without a sweet treat from Licks Unlimited or Adele’s Frozen Custard.

Bemidji

If you’re looking for outdoorsy fun this Fourth of July, Bemidji is an ideal Minnesota destination with kids! In the summer, Bemidji offers diverse outdoor activities for all ages, from boating and fishing to hiking. Known for its beautiful lakes and wilderness, families looking for fun Fourth of July getaways in Minnesota with kids will love exploring the area together. Kids will undoubtedly love celebrating the Fourth of July with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox!

Over the holiday weekend, Bemidji boasts the Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival. The weekend kicks off with a stunning fireworks display over Lake Bemidji and ends with a grand parade on Sunday. Additional events include a Color Run, Bingo, Kiddie Parade, plenty of yummy food trucks, and much more! Then, be sure to save time to visit Lake Bemidji State Park. Here, families can hike, fish, or camp together. Alternatively, enjoy nature at its best at Itasca State Park, home to the Mississippi River’s headwaters! Itasca is also Minnesota’s oldest state park. Afterward, head inside to learn something new together at the Beltrami County Historical Society Museum or the hands-on Headwaters Science Center. Finally, animal-loving families must add Paul Bunyan Animal Land to their itinerary. As Minnesota’s largest wildlife park and petting zoo, it features over 100 animals!

Grand Marais

Grand Marais stands out as one of Minnesota’s best summer weekend getaways, and visiting during the Fourth of July is no different. Set along Lake Superior’s northern shore, Grand Marais exudes a welcoming small-town atmosphere that families love. If you’re looking for a Fourth of July destination with kid-friendly outdoor activities, top-notch restaurants, and epic lake views, you’ll love Grand Marais!

Spend the Fourth of July weekend hunting for agates, skipping rocks in Lake Superior, and hiking along beautiful trails. You’ll find plenty of activities in town throughout the weekend, from holiday sales to a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Superior! To create an even more unforgettable experience for your kids, book a harbor tour aboard the iconic Hjørdis. Alternatively, those traveling with older kids and teens can explore the area’s lakes and waterways by kayak. Then, outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy beautiful wooded hikes in Cascade River State Park or Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Both also feature fun waterfalls! Summer visitors traveling with toddlers and young kids will enjoy the Children’s Story Hour at Drury Lane Books on Saturday. Finally, don’t miss indulging in yummy, small-batch ice cream at Superior Creamery. Or, in some of Beth’s famous, in-house-made fudge – an iconic North Shore treat!

4th of July in Crosby, Minnesota

For memorable Fourth of July getaways in Minnesota with kids, consider Crosby! Nestled in the Cuyuna Lakes region, this charming town is a beloved destination for mountain bikers and other nature enthusiasts. Prized for its crystal-clear pit mine lakes and thrilling outdoor activities, Crosby is undoubtedly a hidden gem on this list! Young kids will adore running around near the iconic serpent statue on Serpent Lake. And, of course, exploring the castle-themed playground near the statue.

Crosby will celebrate the Fourth of July with a parade featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and more. Afterward, enjoy kids’ activities, live bands, yummy food, and more family-friendly fun at Crosby Memorial Park. At the end of the day, watch the night sky illuminate over Serpent Lake with a fantastic fireworks display. When you’re reading to explore more, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area offers kid-friendly trails, like the 2.1-mile Crusher to Miner’s Mountain Loop. Adrenaline-seekers can rent mountain bikes from Cykel Cuyuna to explore the area’s iconic red dirt trails. Or, enjoy the beautiful pit mine lakes together by renting kayaks, crystal kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from Cuyuna Outfitters. Leave room in your itinerary for the Soo Line Depot Museum to learn about the area’s rich mining history. Finally, head to Victual when you’re ready for a sweet treat to mark the holiday weekend.

Duluth

Duluth offers one of the most beloved summer weekend getaways in Minnesota! With an incredible location on Lake Superior, the city is the perfect destination for families looking for outdoor adventures, beautiful views around every corner, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Begin your holiday weekend with a stroll through Canal Park. You can see huge ships passing under the iconic aerial lift bridge here – which kids of all ages will love!

To celebrate the Fourth of July, the city hosts the Duluth Fourth Fest in Bayfront Festival Park (right on the shores of Lake Superior!). This free community event will include various family-friendly activities, including live music, food, and more. Of course, the evening ends with a brilliant fireworks extravaganza over the water! Ready to eat? Families love Vitta Pizza and Grandma’s Saloon & Grill – both boasting locations in Canal Park. Spend the rest of the holiday weekend exploring some of Duluth’s best attractions for families, including the Duluth Children’s Museum, the Great Lakes Aquarium, and the Lake Superior Zoo. Plus, take a family-friendly, self-guided tour of the historic home and gardens at Glensheen Mansion on Lake Superior. Finally, you can find kid-friendly hiking trails at Chester Park Loop, Lester Park Trail, or Hartley Nature Center to get outside together.

4th of July Minnesota: Saint Cloud

A charming river town filled with plentiful parks, Saint Cloud is a beautiful summer destination for families. It is also among Minnesota’s top Fourth of July getaways with kids. Beloved for its cultural events, growing arts and entertainment scene, and exciting outdoor adventures, Saint Cloud is primed to become your next favorite family getaway!

During the holiday weekend, fireworks can be seen from both Hester Park and Wilson Park. Wilson Park has traditionally featured a Reserved Seating Area for US military members and their families. With vibrant fireworks over the Mississippi River, it is usually one of the largest pyrotechnics displays in central Minnesota! When you’re ready to have more family fun during the Fourth of July weekend, head to Summerland Family Fun Park. Families can make a million memories here with bumper boats, go-karts, mini golf, and more. Afterward, dip your toes in the water at the Quarry Park & Nature Preserve. The park also includes a playground, trails, sporting fields, and more. Alternatively, families enjoy fun activities like biking the Wobegon Trail, having a picnic at Munsinger Clemens Gardens, and learning something new together at Stearns History Museum. Finally, leave time to indulge in some ice cream at Jupiter Moon!

Best Resorts for a Fourth of July Getaway in Minnesota with Kids

Still need ideas for where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Minnesota with kids? Two Minnesota resorts go above and beyond for the festivities. From kids’ programs to fireworks, these resorts offer the perfect family getaway this Fourth of July! Keep reading to discover the best Minnesota resorts for kids of all ages this Fourth of July.

Madden’s on Gull Lake

Fourth of July weekend getaways in Minnesota don’t get much better than those spent at Madden’s On Gull Lake! Nestled on Gull Lake, near Brainerd, this lakeside resort offers miles of pristine shoreline and a thrilling Fourth of July lineup for all ages. This Minnesota lake resort also offers more recreational amenities than any other resort in the Midwest!

Adventure awaits your family at Madden’s On Gull Lake! Holiday festivities include a 4th of July kids’ parade, a yummy 4th of July BBQ, and fireworks to end the day! During your weekend getaway, you can also engage in friendly competition by playing lawn bowling, pickleball, sand volleyball, or shuffleboard. Afterward, take your pick of places to swim. There are three sandy beaches on-site! Kids can also bounce around the inflatable water park on the lake. Plus, you’ll find more family fun at the outdoor pool.

Then, kids ages 4-12 can spend their days making new friends at Adventure Cove. This supervised camp-style experience features a variety of activities and lunch (additional daily fee/child). Meanwhile, if parents want to indulge in self-care, there is a fantastic on-site spa. Madden’s On Gull Lake offers spectacular accommodations for all families and budgets, including multi-bedroom houses, traditional guest rooms, villas, and more. Finally, there are several on-site dining options for every meal, each featuring a children’s menu. What more can you ask for this Fourth of July?

Grand View Lodge

Celebrate the Fourth of July in all its glory when you stay at Grand View Lodge for “Party At The Pines”! Undoubtedly one of the best Minnesota resorts for the Fourth of July, Grand View Lodge boasts a full schedule of exciting festivities throughout the holiday weekend. Plus, with a location overlooking Gull Lake in Nisswa, this resort provides a beautiful backdrop for family fun this Fourth of July.

“Party At The Pines” is an annual Grand View Lodge event at the resort’s golf course. It’s a festive, family-friendly way to kick off Fourth of July celebrations. The event usually includes live bands, food and beverages, blow-up games, bouncy houses for the kids, and much more. Families can enjoy long summer days by hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Banana tubing, swimming, and paddleboarding are available on the water. Families can also splash together at Northpark, featuring a huge indoor pool with a waterslide.

One of the perks of staying at Grand View Lodge is the summer Kids Club for ages 3-11. It features a variety of activities and lunch under the care of a highly-trained staff (additional daily fee/child). Meanwhile, parents can sneak some holiday pampering at the fitness center or on-site spa. The resort has several accommodation options, including a boutique hotel experience and multi-bedroom townhomes. Multiple on-site dining options also complete the stress-free Fourth of July getaway experience. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something they love here. Finally, you can learn more about their family packages here.

Keep Exploring Minnesota with Kids!

Create new family traditions this Fourth of July when you book one of these family getaways in Minnesota with kids! Whether you are looking for one of the best resorts for the 4th of July in Minnesota or a charming city with a fantastic fireworks display, this list has fun ideas just for you! We hope you found the perfect Fourth of July getaway for your family. Have fun celebrating with your kids!

Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.