For a faster pace, get on the water with a morning kayak or paddleboard excursion. Want to water ski in the birthplace of the sport? We’ve got you covered. Refuel at lunch with a view and hit the water again with sailing lessons or a boat rental. Then, make a night of it with a downtown pub tour!
Summer Events
For maximum fun, visit Lake City for one of our epic annual summer events, including Water Ski Days, a quintessential Minnesota summer fair celebrating our history as the birthplace of this global sport!
For the Cyclists
Tour de Pepin
Saturday, June 1st, enjoy a weekend centered on one of the best cycling events in Minnesota. Cyclists of all ability can choose from multiple routes, all filled with beautiful scenery, and round out your weekend taking in the town at a slower pace. This is a noncompetitive ride… you set the pace!
During the weekend of June 27-30 round up a crew and get to Lake City to celebrate Water Ski Days and the 102nd anniversary of the invention of the sport right here on Lake Pepin. Explore a variety of events that celebrate summer on the lake, including water ski shows and big concerts with national and regional acts!
You won’t want to be anywhere but Lake City on Independence Day! Hundreds of boats spread out across the Lake and hundreds more folks line the harbor and Riverwalk to catch a glimpse of this colorful display over beautiful Lake Pepin.
July 5-6, plate up a slice of small-town life at this fun-for-the-whole-family annual outdoor concert fundraiser benefiting the local fire hall. Fill your weekend with all things small-town Americana, including visiting the picture-perfect, central Patton Park.
The Lake City Yacht Club shares their love of sailing at this July 27th and 28th event. For a recommended donation of $25 per person, sail on beautiful Lake Pepin for an hour and a half. All proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.
Saturday, August 10th. Join in on the fun at one of the Midwest’s biggest beach parties celebrating the ultimate lake pastime… Floating! Bring your Lily Pads, tie up offshore, and live the sandy life, complete with games and prizes, food trucks, and music!
On Saturday, August 10th, show your competitive spirit in a solo or team triathlon to paddle, bike, and run your way along beautiful Lake Pepin at the Y-Knot-Tri! Round out your weekend with some cold drinks, good eats, and lake-side relaxation.
With unmatched natural beauty, recreational fun, a burgeoning arts, music, and cultural scene, and events that bring out our best, Lake City has what you’re looking for in your next travel destination.