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Best Family-Friendly Labor Day Events In Minnesota

The American tradition of Labor Day is considered the segue into fall and the beginning of school for the studious. Labor Day is usually a day off for the working population and a time to recognize the contributions that the employed make every year. Many families have created traditions that allow them to get together and enjoy the long weekend, or just do something fun together. Others make their last trek up to their summer cabin before the weather changes. Don't be stuck sitting around, grab your family and head out to any of these great Labor Day events.

Beth Cummins, Mahtomedi Beach on White Bear Lake.
(credit: Beth Cummins)

Music By The Water Summer Series
Tally's Dockside
4441 Lake Ave. S
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(651) 429-2633
www.cghooks.com

Date: Saturday, Sept. 5; 5 - 9 p.m.

Spend the evening on the lake and enjoy some live music afterwards. At Tally's Dockside in White Bear Lake, live music is featured on the deck every Saturday during the summer, including Labor Day Weekend. Boat rentals are available to cruise around the White Bear Lake with your family before coming ashore to relax on the deck. Enjoy ice cream, good food, and an energetic atmosphere in the evening. Billy McLaughlin, an acoustic guitarist from Minnesota, will be performing dockside on Saturday.

Old Fashioned Pie & Ice Cream Social
Chik-Wauk Museum And Nature Center
28 Moose Pond Drive
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 888-9915
www.chikwauk.com

Date: Sunday, Sept. 6; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Head north of the Twin Cities for a day outside and enjoy nature, history and some homemade pie a la mode. The Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center offers the best way to enjoy a day hiking, picnicking, and learning about the humble beginnings of the area. Walk along the Gunflint Trail and have fun exploring this amazing pocket of Minnesota. Afterwards, enjoy ice cream and homemade pie with the family.

Garrison Keillor Macalester
(credit: CBS)

A Prairie Home Companion With Garrison Keillor
MN State Fair Grandstand
1265 Snelling Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 288-4400
www.mnstatefair.org

Date: Friday, Sept. 4;  7:45 pm

What's a list of things to do over Labor Day in Minnesota without mention of the State Fair? While we know it may be the biggest and most popular family event over Labor Day weekend, it is composed of other events worth checking out as well. Garrison Keillor is a Minnesota icon and his Prairie Home Companion has achieved national fame. The radio variety show turned live production is a humorous and fun event that the whole family will enjoy. Spend the day eating fair food and end your Labor Day Weekend with an unforgettable show.

Related: Best Things To Do Labor Day Weekend In Minnesota

Star Trek: The Exhibition
Mall of America
EMS Exhibit Center, Level 3 Southeast Court
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 854-9208
www.startrektheexhibition.com

Dates: All Weekend, Sept. 4, 5, and 7 from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and September 6 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Introduce your kids to the phenomenon that quadrupled the interest in science fiction. "Star Trek: The Exhibition" is a traveling collection of memorabilia, props, costumes and history of the entire Star Trek franchise. See models of the spacecrafts, walk through life-sized replicas of the set, and learn some interesting facts even die-hard Trekkies may not know. The entire display is inside the mall, making it a great destination if your Labor Day weekend turns out to be too hot. Spark a love of science fiction in your kids and remember how much you love Star Trek at the exhibition.

Minnesota Lynx Parade 2013
(credit: CBS)

Labor Day Celebration & Parade
Citywide, Cloquet
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 391-6367
www.visitcloquet.com

Date: Labor Day, Sept. 7

Cloquet, Minnesota is a great destination for Labor Day activity. This year, a classic car show will be held in town along with a free picnic and parade. The events start early and the parade begins at 11 a.m. After the parade, enjoy socializing with the community at their town picnic and carnival. Kids will have plenty to do at the carnival with bouncy houses, games and delicious foods. Spend the day outside before the weather turns.

Related: Best Labor Day Events In Minnesota 

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.

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