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. Today, we celebrate that milestone with an annual Water Ski Days festival.

Ralph Samuelson Film 

The documentary film, ​Ralph Samuelson: The Father of Waterskiing is  available on our YouTube channel. Ralph grew up right here in Lake City and invented a sport that is enjoyed worldwide. You’ll meet him in this 33-minute documentary film based on the book A Daredevil & Two Boards, by Gregor Ziemer ©Gail Patricia Eadie and Barbara Eadie Myer. The film is presented by Lake City Historical Society in partnership with local filmmaker Ben Threinen.

Where are Ralph's original Skis Now?

A pair is in on display at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul.
Another is on display at the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame in Davenport, Florida.

celebrating water skiing each June

Lake City celebrates Water Ski Days​ annually on the last full weekend in June.