There's something about a Sunday evening on the lake. The boat traffic dies down, the light goes soft and golden, and if you know where to go, the water turns into a stage. That's exactly what happens at Little Goose Lake in White Bear Lake all summer long, thanks to the Midwest Ski Otters.
They've been doing free water ski shows here since the mid-1990s — over 25 years of barefoot skiing, human pyramids, jumps, and tricks that'll make you wonder how anybody stays upright. The team has more than 120 members who train year-round to put on themed shows every single Sunday. And the best part? It's completely free.
Show Details
Location
Little Goose Lake
Hwy 61 & County Road F
White Bear Lake, MN
Time
Sundays at 6:00 PM
About an hour long
Cost
Free! Donations accepted
Bring
Lawn chair or blanket
Maybe grab some ice cream on the way
What to Expect
The Ski Otters aren't just a club — they're a community. The roster includes nationally ranked ski champions alongside local neighbors who volunteer as boaters, announcers, dock coordinators, and the crew that makes the whole thing run. It's one of those setups where you can tell everybody's doing it because they genuinely love it, not because anybody's getting paid.
Each show has a theme, with skiers in costumes and choreographed routines set to music. You'll see barefoot skiers carving across the water, jumpers launching off ramps, and multi-person pyramids that seem to defy physics. It's impressive enough that you'll find yourself watching with your mouth half open, and charming enough that the kids around you will be absolutely mesmerized.
The Team Behind the Show
- 120+ members — skiers, boaters, dock crew, and volunteers
- Year-round training — they practice indoors during the winter
- Nationally ranked athletes train alongside everyday community members
- Donations welcome — but never required, no admission fee ever
Remaining Show This Summer
There's still one more chance to catch them this season:
Sunday, August 23rd at 6:00 PM
Little Goose Lake, White Bear Lake
After that, the Ski Otters wrap up for the season and start gearing up for next summer. If you're reading this late in the year, bookmark skiotter.com/schedule/ and check back for the next season's dates. They also post weather updates there in case a show gets rained out.
Why This One's Worth the Trip
If you've never been to a water ski show, it's hard to explain how entertaining it is until you've watched a barefooter glide across the wake at 30 miles per hour or seen five skiers stacked on each other's shoulders cruise past the shoreline. It's part sport, part theater, and entirely free — a combination that's increasingly hard to find.
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Grab a scoop of ice cream on the way over. Settle in for about an hour of family-friendly entertainment while the sun drops behind the trees. It's one of those quietly great summer traditions that makes lake living feel exactly like it should.
See you Sunday at Little Goose.
More Summer Fun Around the Lakes
- Forest Lake Arts in the Park → — Art vendors, live music, and a farmers market every Tuesday at Lakeside Memorial Park.
- St. Croix Valley Boat Club → — A welcoming community hub for boating enthusiasts on the St. Croix River.
- Street Machine Nationals → — Classic cars, muscle cars, and hot rods at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.