Can you believe it? The Discover Boating® Minneapolis Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, is returning to the Minneapolis Convention Center on January 19-22, 2023. And take it from us; you don’t want to miss it!
Boat shows are a water-lover’s paradise. Not only will we display many boat brands and models under one roof, but there will also be nautical activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
Stay tuned, as this boat show guide reveals everything you need to know to make the most of your excursion.
Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show Guide: What to Expect
Because there’s so much to see and do, navigating boat shows can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show guide lists our must-see attractions to help you navigate the show:
1. Buy a Boat
If you’re new to the boating industry, boat shows are the ideal place to purchase a vessel of your own. Unlike regular dealers or brokers, boat shows display various boats and models side by side. And as you can probably imagine, comparing your options is easy.
If you’re looking for a variety of boat types, you’ve come to the right place. Not only with there be hundreds of pontoons, wake sport boats, small cruisers, and other boat types, but also all major engine brands will be featured (BRP, Honda, Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha).
Before stopping by the show, check out Discover Boating’s Minneapolis Boat Finder. This tool allows you to browse this year’s featured boats and determine which models are good options.
Check Out Our Boat Finder Tool
2. Escape Winter at the Land of 10,000 Lakes
Starting to get tired of the cold weather? (Don’t worry – us too.) Stop by booth 803 to relax and socialize with your crew at our Minnesota-inspired oasis.
3. Enjoy Live Musical Performances
What would a boat show be without some live music? Lucky for us, the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show will host several local Minneapolis musicians. Jackson Burn will be here Thursday (1/19), and Saturday (1/21) from 3 pm to 7 pm, and Mike Miller will be here on Friday (1/20) from 3 pm to 7 pm.
4. Visit Fred’s Shed How-To Center (Presented by Progressive® Insurance)
If you have boat or engine questions, our tech experts are here to answer them! They’ll offer tips, tricks, and DIY advice for first-time boaters and seasoned pros alike.
5. Check Out Antique & Classic Boats
Boating enthusiasts and nautical history buffs will enjoy this fascinating display of antique and classic boats. (Shoutout to the Bob Speltz Land O’Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society.) Featured this year is Baby Dolphin, a 1929 24-foot Hacker-Craft powered by a Scripps model 150 hp flathead six-cylinder engine, as well as a 1974 Glastron GT-150 that is the same model featured in the James Bond movie Live and Let Die.
6. Test Your Boating Skills at America’s Boating Club
Are you confident in your boating skills? Regardless, America’s Boating Club’s® Boating Skills Virtual Trainer is a terrific opportunity to get some “hands-on” practice. Come test your docking, pivot turning, stopping, and other boating skills using a real Mercury throttle and steering wheel.
7. Discover the Wild World of Power Racing
Twin City Power Boat Association will be located in Lobby B. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a boating, fishing, or racing enthusiast; we guarantee you’ll enjoy exploring the thrills and spills of these high-performance boats.
8. Pay the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society a Visit
Stop by the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society to learn about solar-powered boats. Additionally, your kids are encouraged to build sand sculptures at the Twin Cities Beach Blast table. And keep your eyes peeled for the four solar-powered boats built by local middle and high school students:
• OSEK 11.1 from Orono High School
• The Black Pearl from Shakopee West Middle School
• Sunna from City Academy High School
• Dragon Avalonus from Avalon Charter School
Ticket Information
Have we convinced you to buy tickets to the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show yet? General admission for adults aged 13 and older is $15 (and children 12 and younger are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult). Additionally, Thursday (1/19) is senior day, meaning admission for seniors (aged 62 and older) is just $12. And, of course, all active military receive FREE admission (any day) with their military ID. You can purchase your tickets online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show:
Is There Parking Available?
Yes! Parking options are available around the Minneapolis Convention Center (ranging from $5 to $15). Additionally, the skyway system makes it uber-easy to get from your car to the show.
Is the Show Handicapped-Accessible?
The Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show is very handicapped-accessible. Mobility equipment rentals are available at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Can I Leave and Come Back?
If you have to leave the show for whatever reason, rest assured that you can come back on the same day. You just need to grab a wristband on your way out. However, tickets are only valid for the day they’re purchased. So, you can’t leave and return on another day (unfortunately).
