When it comes to the birthday of the American nation, nothing celebrates more than a colorful display of fireworks. All throughout the state, Michigan towns and cities band together to salute our country and have a little fun. As a child, watching the fireworks was one of those awe-inspiring, almost magical experiences. It’s an event we can’t forget, and when July Fourth rolls around again, we still look forward to seeing colors and sounds in the sky, even if they are small fireworks set off at home.

Around Michigan, it’s easy to find a fireworks display during the week of and on the day of Independence Day. We’ve highlighted some options in this article. Make sure to check with your local campground where they would recommend you go – they may put on a show of their own as well.

 

Upper Peninsula

  • Grand Marais, the eastern gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is on the south shore of majestic Lake Superior. The town hosts a 4th of July celebration, traditionally held on the third and fourth. In addition to fireworks at dusk, the two-day celebration features a parade, fireman’s challenge, games for the kids, and a street dance.
  • Close to the Wisconsin border and the larger town of Ironwood, the village of Bessemer comes alive when it hosts a 10-day festival. The schedule includes games, runs, craft fair, outdoor card tournaments, parade, contests, lumberjack shows, and more. The icing on the cake is the “Thunder on the Mountain” fireworks.
  • Bayshore Park in Munising is where you’ll want to go if you want to see some glorious fireworks. The town puts on a Fourth of July celebration as well, so you can enjoy an entire day outdoors.
  • A unique location to watch the fireworks can be found in Sault Ste. Marie, home of the Soo Locks, which is a big reason to visit during the daylight hours. Brady Park is a popular place to watch the fireworks – get there early to set up as the park isn’t large – as is George Kemp Marina. You can also choose to embark on a special fireworks cruise so that you can see the fireworks while on the Saint Mary’s River.

 

Northwest                                                                             

  • Lovely Ludington has a fantastic Fourth of July celebration. One of the highlights is the parade: Find a spot along Ludington Avenue early on in the day to have a front row seat to the floats and bands from around the local area. Prior to the parade, if you’re feeling competitive, there’s a one-mile dash. Visit the lighthouse while you’re here, too. The fireworks can be viewed best from Stearns Park or Waterfront Park come dusk.
  • You have your choice of fireworks displays if you come to visit Traverse City. The Fourth of July typically coincides with the National Cherry Festival, so in addition to the fireworks that take place on Independence Day, you can catch a magnificent fireworks display on Saturday night, the last night of Cherry Festival. Fireworks on the Fourth can also be taken in 30 minutes east of Traverse City at Torch Lake or 15 minutes north in picturesque Elk Rapids.
  • Known as the “Big Show over the Little Village,” these fabulous fireworks take place at beautiful Walloon Lake, just south of Petoskey. Get there early for some live music in Village Green Park from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, as well as family friendly activities to help pass the time until the fireworks.
  • Recognized nationally as one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the nation, Boyne City’s 4th of July Festival features two full days of parades, contests, old-fashioned games and activities, and just about everything else you need to celebrate Independence Day in style. The fireworks display is held over Lake Charlevoix at dusk.

 

Northeast

  • You can’t get a better view of fireworks than on lost-in-time Mackinac Island. After grabbing some fudge from one of the local confectionaries or some snacks from Doud’s Market, walk over to the large lawn in front of the fort. The fireworks are set off at the end of the pier by the marina on the Lake Huron side.
  • One of the larger cities on the Sunrise Side also has some of the best fireworks. Alpena holds its fireworks at Mich-E-Ke-Wis park, a beachfront location with plenty of space for spreading out.
  • Down US 23 are the resort towns of Tawas City The fireworks display can be viewed from any of the waterfront parks, as East Tawas the barge is located in the center of Tawas Bay.
  • Continue south to the little town of Au Gres. This adorable little town has fireworks for the Fourth of July typically a day or two ahead of the main holiday. It’s the perfect spot if you want to avoid holiday crowds and rush.
  • Celebrate America in Michigan’s Little Bavaria! Frankenmuthin mid-Michigan has a one-of-a-kind Fourth of July fireworks celebration – and don’t forget to stop at the Clock Shop, grab some pastries, walk the covered bridge, and eat a chicken dinner while you’re in town.
  • Bay City pulls out all the stops for its Fireworks Festival. The Fourth of July fireworks is just one of three nights of fireworks at which to wonder. During the day, enjoy the carnival, visit dozens of vendors, and take in music at the bandshell in Wenonah Park.
  • Just 90 minutes north of the Detroit area, and on Michigan’s thumb, Lexington sets off a patriotic display of color over Lake Huron during its Independence Day Celebration. Fireworks begin at around 9:30 p.m. by the harbor.

 

Southwest

  • One of the most anticipated shows in the state takes place in Grand Rapids. The show is always scheduled for the first Saturday of the month of July, so for 2024, that will be July 6th. The fireworks light the sky at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown on Front Avenue. There are also food vendors and live music leading up to the 10:30 p.m. show. There are several rules to be aware of including no pets, no alcohol, no glass bottles, no large coolers, and no smoking.
  • Taking place on July 3rd every year, South Haven’s Light up the Lake Festival is capped off with a fireworks spectacle, launching from North Pier. For a seat, visit Riverfront Park, the South beach, or the North beach.
  • Beautiful Joseph holds fireworks every Fourth of July. You can view them from either Silver Beach (preferred since the fireworks launch from the pier here) or Tiscornia Beach. The show lasts about 22 minutes. Parking can be problematic, so it’s a good idea to arrive in town much earlier in the day to find a parking spot and then spend the time leading up to the fireworks show exploring the town and visiting its diversions. Or, just spend the day at the beach.

Southeast

  • Salute to America in historic Greenfield Village in Dearborn. This is truly a step back in time when it comes to patriotic celebrations. Stroll through the village and listen to live music from America’s past, including choral singing, ragtime, jazz, and more. Dusk is the time to set up a blanket on the Village Green to enjoy all the festivities. The stunning finale is the “1812” Overture performance, complete with cannon fire, and a fireworks show.
  • Park your vehicle at the M1 Concourse and watch from the comfort of your front seats. The annual Cars Under the Stars Fireworks Spectacular includes live entertainment and a variety of family activities, food trucks, craft beer, and fireworks! Fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk. There are a couple parking arenas; look for directions. The cost is $10 per car.
  • Battle Creek puts on the Field of Flight on the grounds of the Battle Creek Executive Airport each summer. The four-day event features a carnival, vendors, an air show, live music, and hot air balloon launches from a designated area. Admission is modest and there is a parking fee. The event also puts on two 15-minute fireworks displays, one on the 4th and the other on Saturday night, both at 10:30 p.m. There is a high show and a low show, which is choreographed with patriotic music as a salute to America.
  • Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit is the location of one of the earliest firework shows in the state. For 2024, it will be on June 24th. Hart Plaza becomes a destination for budding vocalists for the singing competition, music, and much more. The Ford Fireworks take off from three barges in the Detroit River. This is a very popular event, so make sure to arrive early.