Backyards and BBQ sauce, hot dogs and hamburgers, iced tea and beer, family and friends, and if we’re lucky enough, here in Minnesota, temperatures warm enough to enjoy a dip in the pool. There’s only one thing missing from this perfect Fourth of July equation – Fireworks!
Although we’ve got you covered on safety tips for at-home fireworks, we thought there were still a few things Minnesotans should know to ensure their family’s Independence Day is fun, as well as safe
Fireworks: Proceed at your own risk

Additionally that year, an estimated 10,500 people were injured and treated in U.S. hospitals for injuries sustained from fireworks. Parents should take special note that according to CPSC’s findings, “Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for approximately 35 percent of the injuries.”

Minnesota firework laws and regulations
The first step in remaining safe this Fourth of July (as well as free from liability) is to follow our state’s fireworks laws. The State Fire Marshal, a Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, breaks it down like this:
“The sale, possession and use of certain non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks is now permitted in Minnesota. Examples of legal fireworks include items such as sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, and novelty items like snakes, and party poppers.
“Consumer fireworks may not be used on public property (i.e. parks, roads, alleys, schools, government property, etc.). Purchasers of consumer fireworks must be at least 18 years old and retailers are required to check photo identification of purchasers before selling these products.
“Consumer fireworks may not be used on public property (i.e. parks, roads, alleys, schools, government property, etc.). Purchasers of consumer fireworks must be at least 18 years old and retailers are required to check photo identification of purchasers before selling these products.
Where to see fireworks in Minneapolis
Of course the safer choice is to let the professionals handle the fireworks. Minneapolis.org offers the following recommendations for viewing Minneapolis’s annual Red, White and Boom display as well as a lot of other great information to help you make the most of your Fourth of July:
Stone Arch Bridge
Gold Medal Park
Mill City Museum
Guthrie Endless Bridge
Restaurant rooftops
Lake Calhoun
Commons Park – Excelsior
Fireworks checklist: Go prepared
Lastly, anyone who’s ever gone to see a fireworks display up close and personal knows you have to go early to get a good spot, and, unless you have a magic carpet to fly over the crowd, you’ll probably be coming home late as well. Bottom line: There’s a lot of waiting around. Add in a little heat and a couple of tired kids and this holiday night can go from good to bad to downright ugly in a matter of minutes. Here’s a list of some essentials to take with you to avert possible disaster:
Plenty of water
Snacks
Blanket for sitting
Flashlight
Activities for kids while waiting (or to distract them should they get scared)
Hoodies or an extra blanket for warmth
Sunscreen (if you plan to campout early)
Bug repellant
Noise reduction headphones for babies and little ones
If you or a family member has been injured as a result of improperly handled fireworks, contact Meshbesher & Spence immediately. Our experienced attorneys and expert staff know how to build a case to make sure that you and your family receive fair compensation in the most difficult of circumstances.
Check out CPSC’s full report to learn more about the dangers of fireworks.
Get the complete list of legal and illegal fireworks for each state look at the APA site.