Celebrate America in Your National Park!

America celebrates its Independence Day on July 4th. Where is the best place to celebrate? Why, in your national park!

Photo courtesy of Star Tribune.

The best fireworks in the park will be at the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. This National Historic Engineering Landmark reaches across the river and definitely adds to the view. 

Photo courtesy of North Loop.

Before the fireworks, visit the Mill City Museum to learn more about the history of the flour industry and the river that made it possible. It will give you something to talk about while your waiting for the fireworks to start!

For more information about Red, White and Boom in Minneapolis, check out the city's Park & Rec. website, where you can learn more about live music and family fun activities in the park.

Fireworks in St. Paul usually launch from Harriet Island during the Taste of Minnesota. Due to flooding, however, the fireworks are moved out of the park and onto the State Capitol Mall. If you want more photos of the flooding, check out our post about the river levels.

If you want to celebrate the day through 19-century history, visit Historic Fort Snelling. They will have a flag ceremonies, musket firing, mock battles, fife and drum performances, and a cannon salute. For more information, visit their website.

Every time you visit a national park, you celebrate and honor a unique aspect of America. Enjoy your colored explosions this Fourth! And thank you for supporting your national park on the Mississippi River on Independence Day and everyday!