Free Water Ski Show on the Mississippi Every Week!!

The Twin Cities River Rats weekly water ski show is one of the area's best kept secrets. Every Thursday at 7 pm during the summer this award winning performance team gives a free water ski show on the Mississippi River just north of downtown Minneapolis.

Pack a picnic lunch, grab a blanket and head for the riverfront at 1758 West River Road North Minneapolis, MN 55411 just south of Broadway. It's a nice walk from downtown Minneapolis on the North Loop end along West River Parkway. If you drive be prepared for cars lining the streets. The river bank has a nice slope to give amphitheater views but don't accommodate chairs very well so plan to sit high or low if you want to use a chair.

Last week was my first time there, not quite sure what to expect. It's a 100% volunteer organization with some pretty amazing skiing. Our grandsons especially loved the jumps and flips... and it's hard not to be impressed by their spectacular pyramids.

We camped out near the 'city' end, but would recommend getting closer to the stage, which we didn't even realize was there until the show started. The performers all take a bow after they finish their runs, and there also are skits and commentary by the emcee between ski performances. The announcer said they get about 3,000 people each week, but although the bank was pretty full with families and people of all ages it didn't seem like quite that many to me.

Be prepared for lulls between ski performances as they set up for the next run... our 7 and 8-year-old grandsons wanted to see nonstop skiing!! Had we sat where we could see the emcee and skits it would have held their attention better. But then it's also all about expectations. It's a great way to spend a leisurely summer evening with plenty time for eating and chatting without missing the show!

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email- Minneapolis Realtor