Water Ski Days

About

Held the last full weekend in June, Water Ski Days celebrates the invention of water skiing in Lake City, and its inventor, Ralph Samuelson. In 1922, the local teen took a homemade pair of skis and his daredevil determination and got behind a boat on Lake Pepin to make history!

This city-wide event has something for everyone! A carnival, complete with rides and games, an arts and crafts fair with 100+ vendors, a grand parade, classic car show, food trucks, huge concerts, and of course, a weekend filled with water skiing programming.

In 2025 Water Ski Days will launch a brand new National Ski Jump Competition and a Ralph Samuelson Tribute Thrill Show! Returning will be a 'Get on the Water' free youth clinic with competitive skiers from the USA Water Ski Foundation, and, of course, 2 stunning Ski Team Water Shows.

2025 lakeside concerts include platinum selling country artist, Matt Stell! Visit waterskidays.com for a full line up of concerts.

Water Ski Days is a Lake City Chamber of Commerce event. The Chamber encourages all fest-goers to explore the scores of wonderful locally owned shops and restaurants in Lake City while taking in this year’s celebration.
Visit waterskidays.com for a full list and schedule of events. Likewise, visitlakecity.org offers a plethora of information if you are traveling from elsewhere for the event.

The Lake City Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank all the volunteers, partners, and sponsors that make Water Ski Days possible.