A Minneapolis area 4th of July Trip

If you happen upon this blog because your trying to plan a fantastic Minneapolis area 4th of July trip, I have a fantastic one for you. If you are reading this because your a friend/ family member here was my 2014 trip.

Stop #1. The twin cities Jazz fest. Held primary in St.Paul, we made it a cousin gathering and started at the outdoor stages, rain brought us indoors and the music continued!

http://www.hotsummerjazz.com/ 

Stop #2 was dinner at Buca. While its a chain the decor is always a good time, the food fabulous and if you have a group or family who you go with the mix is perfect.  http://www.bucadibeppo.com/ 

 Stop #3. Coffee, Minneapolis has some great coffee house sections. NE Minneapolis has the Spyhouse that makes a good latte and has the perfect coffee shop atmosphere to relax, visit or get some work done.

 http://spyhousecoffee.com/

Stop #4. No summer in Minnesota should pass without some time on water in a boat. My trip we drove about 75 minuets  over to Taylor's Falls and spent a very enjoyable two days traveling down to Stillwater. This takes two vehicles or hitchhiking to accomplish. Free campsites are on the river but due to flooding we stayed at William O Brian State Park.
http://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Stop #5 Bike paths in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is one of the best bike cities in America. The midtown greenway is very enjoyable with safe, well used and maintained paths sprinkled with murals and sculptures.                     http://midtowngreenway.org/                            You can stop at the global market for lunch or coffee if you so desire as its right off the trail and has bike parking. http://www.midtownglobalmarket.org/ 

Stop #6. Continuing with the time along the Croix went about 90 minutes down to Frontenac State Park and hiked along the river banks. A 4 mile hike that takes some time and effort because as our park ranger told us what you go down you must come back up. The "lake" where the Croix and the Mississippi merge had sailboats sprinkling it, if I had more time I would love to see if you can do a day rental in that area.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/frontenac/index.html

And end it with some fireworks by Lake Minnetonka 

http://www.excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamber.com/lake-minnetonka-4th-of-july.html