Water Ski Days
June 26-29, 2025
There Has Never Been a Better Time to Visit!
In 1922 a young daredevil named Ralph Samuelson invented the sport of water skiing on the waters of Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minnesota. Each year our community celebrates the man and the sport with an exciting annual festival.
The 53rd Annual Water Ski Days is going to be another big celebration. Come to Lake City for our annual summer party, June 26th-29th, and be treated to live concerts, an arts and crafts fair, gravity-defying water-ski shows, a grand parade, a classic car show, and much, much, much more.
Lakeside Concerts at Ohuta Beach
Presented By
Water Ski Shows and Competitions
New in 2025!
In 2025 Water Ski Days is upping the ante with water ski programming presented by Treasure Island Resort and Casino!
In addition to show team performances by Ski Dox on Saturday and Sunday, we are adding The 1st Annual Ralph Samuelson Freestyle Jump competition featuring some of the nation’s top talent. Don’t miss these daredevils when they take to the air on Saturday, June 28th!
Learn to Water Ski
The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation and the Big Pine Lake Water Ski Team are once again hosting a free event for people to learn to water ski in Lake City, Minnesota.
Spaces will be limited check back for registration information.
More Water Ski Days Fun!
Lake Hits 95 Water Ski Days Karaoke Contest Qualifying Events
It’ll soon officially be time to announce the Lake Hits 95 and Pure Country WPVW Karaoke Contest Qualifier tour! Karaoke hopefuls have a chance to compete for $1000 worth of prizes, but must first qualify at one of the locations to perform on the Water Ski Days stage on June 26th, 2025!
Go to our website to learn more, and start warming up those vocal cords!
Lake City Lions Club Classic Car Show
The Lake City Lions Club host hundreds of vehicles at the Lincoln High School Tigers football field on Saturday June 28th from 7am until 2pm.
Prizes are awarded in numerous categories.
Food and beverages are available.
If you would like to sign up your ride for this great event, please contact the Lake City Lions Club.
Lake City Rotary Club 5k/10k and Half-Marathon
Enjoy a Half-Marathon, 10K or 5K in beautiful Lake City, MN on Saturday, June 27th, 2025! This incredible route truly features the best of nature featuring breathtaking bluff views.
Runners and walkers will take off from Underwood Park in Lake City on 10th Street.
Proceeds from this community event will support a Rotary exchange student program as well as other community focused initiatives!
Arts and Crafts Fair
100+ arts and craft vendors and food trucks gather in beautiful Patton Park on Saturday and Sunday to share their wares and delectables with fair goers!
Grand Parade
On Sunday, experience one of the biggest small town parades in Minnesota! Be treated to bands, floats, dancing horses and much more as the Water Ski Days Grand Parade weaves through beautiful Lake City!
Rides and More!
Gold Star Amusements brings the fun to downtown with rides, games, food vendors, and more!
The Lake City Lions Club puts on an amazing car show at the Lincoln High Football Field
The Lake City Rotary Club Presents a fun filled 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
And so much more!
Ralph Samuelson and the History of Water Skiing in Lake City
In 1922, local teen Ralph Samuelson took a homemade pair of skis and his daredevil determination and got behind a boat on Lake Pepin to make history. After three days of no success, Ralph decided to keep the ski tips above the water and the rest is history. He went from sitting in the water to skiing on top of it.
Our 2025 Sponsors
There’s still time to sponsor Water Ski Days in 2025! Send us and email here to get started!
Presenting Sponsors
Admiral Sponsors
Commodore Sponsors
Captain Sponsors
Commander Sponsor
Lt. Commander
Marching Band Sponsors
The Barn
Rand and Bonnie Conway
A Very Special Thank You
All of our amazing Water Ski Days Volunteers
–
The City of Lake City Public Works, Police, Fire, and Ambulance Departments
–
Ski Dox Water Ski Team, Glen Sperry, and Betsy Anderson Gilman
–
And all our awesome festival goers, like you!
Contact Us for Sponsorship 2025 Opportunities!
Email: chamberevents@lakecity.org
Phone: (651) 345-4123
