Camaraderie on the Waves—Lake Minnetonka’s Fourth of July

Big Island: the lake’s floating neighborhood

On the Fourth, Big Island swells into a pop-up city of hundreds of boats, jet skis, and water mats—a record party you can hear long before you drop anchor.

Boat tie-ups are freedom in action

Tying off bow and stern isn’t just logistics; it’s a handshake. You pass lines, drop fenders, and keep an eye on the next boat’s grill because what helps your neighbor helps the whole raft. Boating pros call it “tying-up etiquette”—a dance of communication and courtesy that keeps everyone safe and smiling.discoverboating.com

Values we fly with the flag

Helping the person beside you, standing tall for what’s right, and keeping that friendly rebel spark alive—those are the currents that built America. Every cooler shared, every “need another line?” shouted across the water, reinforces the idea that freedom thrives when we look out for each other.

Fireworks you can feel in your chest

After sunset the flotilla drifts toward Commons Park for Lake Minnetonka’s only public fireworks show—launched over Excelsior Bay around 9:50 p.m., capping a full day of races, food trucks, and music.excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com business.excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com Watching from your own deck—not pressed against a shoreline crowd—is Independence Day the way Minnetonka intended.

Cast off with us

• Big Island anchor-outs—swim, grill, and dance all day

• Fireworks cruises—late-afternoon departure, back after the finale

• BYO playlists & coolers—your vibe, our vessel

Happy 249th, America—here’s to more tie-ups, more sunsets, and friendships forged on open water.

Thank you to every service member and volunteer who keeps Lake Minnetonka free for celebration.