Minneapolis historically put on a firework display in downtown Minneapolis, over the Mississippi River. They cancelled the fireworks a couple of years ago for budget reasons. The only fireworks the City of Minneapolis organizes is the Independence Day Red, White and Boom fireworks.
So, with no fireworks in downtown Minneapolis, where can you go to watch fireworks on New Years Eve?
Fireworks in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Local ski hill Buck Hill has an annual New Year's Eve party. On December 31 2011, Buck Hill will have skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing until Midnight. There will also be ski racing, the Zombie Big Air competition, free tarot card readings, free glitter hairstyles, entertainers, live music, and DJs from radio station KS95.Then, Buck Hill promises a huge fireworks display at Midnight. As far as I can find, the only fireworks display in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area on New Years Eve.
Extra events and watching the fireworks are free - you'll have to pay for lift tickets, food and beverages.
More information at Buck Hill's website.
Another local ski hill, Welch Village, about an hour south of the Twin Cities, also promises a New Year's eve party with skiing, snowboarding, and fireworks at 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Welch Village is open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. all week, including New Year's Eve.
Regional Fireworks Displays
La Cross, WI: Skyrockers New Year's Eve Fireworks Show. The Skyrockers put on an annual New Year's Eve fireworks show from Grandad's Bluff in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, about 2.5 hours south of the Twin Cities. La Cross is right across the Minnesota-Wisconsin state line, so you can get a good view from the Minnesota or Wisconsin side. There are two firework shows from Grandad's Bluff on New Year's Eve: an early show at 6.30 pm, and the traditional midnight show.
More information on the Skyrocker's website.
More New Year's Eve events - ice skating, restaurants, parties, and family events.
