1. Independence Celebration
Celebrate America’s birthday with the settlers of Eagle Creek. Experience festivities of the 1800s by marching in a parade, playing croquet, throwing horseshoes and churning ice cream.
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 4-5; Noon 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Cost: Ages 12 and older $8.50; children 3-11 and seniors $7; children 2 and younger free
Location: Location: The Landing - Minnesota River Heritage Park, 2187 E. Highway 101, Shakopee
Info: www.threeriversparkdistrict.org or 763-694-7784

2. Free to Run 5K
Run to celebrate liberty on July 4. Runners will receive a Celebrating Liberty souvenir shirt. The event will include holiday music, refreshments & cheers.
Time: 8 a.m. Friday, July 4
Cost: Pre-registration $22; day of race $30
Location: Harriet Island Park, Plato Blvd and W. Water Street, St Paul
Info: www.charitieschallenge.org or 612-245-9160

3. Firecracker Runs
Races start and Excelsior Commons Park on Lake Minnetonka. Runners can join in the community for other 4th of July activities including evening concert by the Minnesota Orchestra, ice cream social, children’s parade, fireworks and food.
Time: 2-mile-run 8 a.m.; 10k 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 4
Cost: $20
Location: Excelsior Commons, Lake Street, Excelsior
Info: www.raceberryjam.com or 612-375-0805

4. A Taste of Minnesota
A Taste of Minnesota is Minnesota’s largest free festival. There are five stages of free entertainment, food and fireworks every night 10:15 p.m.
Time: 1 p.m. -10:30 p.m. July 3, 5 and 6; 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. July 4
Cost: Free
Location: Harriet Island Park, Plato Blvd and W. Water Street, St Paul
Info: www.tasteofmn.org or 651-772-9980

5. Air Guard Museum and Fort Snelling Military Museum
The Air National Guard Museum and the Fort Snelling Military Museum are now open to the public. See two military museums in one location. Visitors will see jet fighters and military aircraft at the Air National Guard Museum and tanks and vehicles at the Fort Snelling Military Museum.
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4-6, 12, 19, 26; Sept.13 and 27
Cost: Free
Location: Fort Snelling, 511 Constitution Ave., St. Paul
Info: www.fsmm.org or 612-713-2523