10 Things Every Minnesotan Knows About the Fourth of July at the Lake

Whether you are spending the Fourth of July at a family cabin that has been in your family for generations or renting one for the long holiday weekend, certain things just happen while you are there. How many of these sound familiar to you?

Holiday Traffic Starts Earlier Than You Think

If you are leaving for the lake after work on July 3rd, you are already late to the party. We all know heading up North for the weekend, and not even a long holiday weekend like this one, means brake lights and heavy traffic. Not to mention people hauling boats, side-by-sides, and RVs.

The Water Isn't That Cold

No matter the temperature outside, the first person in the lake says the same thing. "It's not that bad." The problem is whether or not to believe them. But with the hot temperatures we've been seeing, a nice cool dip in the lake will feel refreshing.

Docks Are Like Garages

You start the day off sitting on your dock, and by the end of the day, you've stopped and chatted with half the lake as you seemingly go dock to dock socializing. It's like leaving the garage door open when the weather gets nice.

The Grill Never Stops

Spending time at the cabin or on the lake, it just seems like the grill is always going. Whether it's using the blackstone for breakfast, or grilling up burgers and brats for lunch, maybe steak for dinner, the grill is going.

Mosquitos Know It's A Holiday Weekend Too

It's almost like the mosquitoes circle the date on their tiny little bug calendar. How do they know to come out in swarms every year? Just don't forget the bug spray because the gas station down the road charges double for it.

You've Always Got An Eye On The Weather

Summer in Minnesota means the weather can change quickly. It might be 85 and sunny during the early afternoon, and by dinner, it's 70 and raining. The good news is that the weather generally changes back just as quickly as it rolled in.

Fireworks Start Well Before Dusk

Unless your lake is having a fireworks show, expect neighbors to improvise. Whether it's the squelching scream of a bottle rocket or the crackle of firecrackers, chances are by noon you'll be hearing them popping. By sundown, it feels like a competition with all the fireworks going off.

Loons Still Steal The Show

No matter how many times you've seen one swim by, loons continue to steal the show of being up north. Plus, hearing their calls at sunset makes you remember why living here is just so special.

Someone Will Catch A Fish Right Before Dinner

Whether it's a trophy walleye or a regular smallmouth bass, someone will have to throw that line out one more time before heading in for dinner. And of course, after they catch one more, they need to toss the line out again, just to be sure they are done biting.

No One Wants The Weekend To End

Life at the cabin can feel so carefree. Lawnchairs feel like La-Z-Boys, and no one wants to get back to the reality of work on Monday, so you find as many reasons as you can to stay just a little bit longer, but that's the beauty of going up to the cabin during our fun but short summers here in the land of 10,000 lakes.

No Matter The Tradition Have A Fun & Safe Fourth of July

Whether you go to the cabin, the lake, or to a Fourth of July parade nearby, I'd like to wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July.

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