Journalist Alicia Underlee Nelson discusses places to go, see and explore outdoors across the Midwest.
If you want a fireworks show…
Grand Forks Sertoma Fabulous 4th and Fireworks
This is an epic one-day event from 11-6 in Sertoma Park with fireworks to follow at 10:30
Billed as the largest fireworks show in the state.
Come early for food trucks, yard games, live music and a raffle worth thousands of dollars of cash prizes. (First prices is 10K) Can order raffle tickets online
June 30, and July 2-4, bull and saddle bronc riders, ropers and barrel racers
A concert tomorrow (June 30th) and a 4th of July Fireworks display on the last night.
Good multi-day party, because there’s a lot going on in Mandan this weekend.
Art in the Park on July 3-4, which offers shopping, craft vendors, street food and live entertainment all in the bandshell
Mandan 4th of July Parade on Tuesday, July 4
Largest in the area, starts with a classic car parade at 9:30, ends around 1:00
Goes down Main Street, so check for alternate routes in and out
Fireworks at Roughrider Days
On the 4th at Sanford Sports Complex in Dickinson
Bonanzaville 4th of July Carnival and Fireworks
Pony rides, carnival games, bingo, food bouncy houses, fireworks at dusk
Plus over 30 historic buildings to explore
Adults are $10, kids $5, family pass for $24
Fireworks at Detroit Lakes City Beach
Approximately 10pm - Best viewing is from the mile-long city beach on West Lakes Drive.
business.visitdetroitlakes.com
If you want to be by (or in!) the water…
Near Battle Lake, Minnesota
Great bike paths and waterfront hiking trails, take a dip in the lake when you’re done, fish from the pier
Fort Stevenson State Park
Near Garrison, also beautiful with some gorgeous hiking trails and a swimming beach.
Rentals: canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards – also aqua pads, paddle boats and motorized fishing boats and pontoons
Lewis and Clark State Park
Also on Lake Sakakawea near Epping, which so wide here that it feels like a great lake
Rent bikes, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
Icelandic State Park by Cavalier, Beaver Lake State Park near Wishek, Lake Sakakawea State Park and Lake Metigoshe have beaches and/or water rentals too.
Or maybe skip the lake in favor of chlorinated water….?
Two great waterslides (including a drop slide), a zero depth swim area and playground for the little ones, a climbing wall and sundeck.
Splashers of the South Seas
In Grand Forks, inside Canad Inn
40,000 square foot indoor waterpark, waterslides, tube rides, adults-only hot tub, eateries inside
Day passes, evening passes, hotel only times, family passes
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