From celebrations of independence taking place in communities throughout the region, to awe-inspiring natural beauty and rich cultural heritage to explore... the Keweenaw Peninsula offers a unique and unforgettable 4th of July experience. Join us as we enjoy the warmth of long summer days, the smell of beachside barbecue, and the laughter of friends and families gathered to celebrate Independence Day in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Follow along for the inside scoop on where to go and what to do when visiting the Keweenaw for 4th of July. 

4th of July Events and Festivals 

From South Range to Copper Harbor, our Keweenaw communities know how to have the BEST time on 4th of July. Festivities include unique parades, fireworks over Lake Superior, fun activities for kids, tasty barbeques, local tunes, and plenty of good old-fashioned family fun! Not to mention, when you celebrate 4th of July in the Keweenaw, you’re never more than a 20-minute drive away from the cool waters of Lake Superior. Beat the heat, dip your toes in the lake, and escape to a nearby trail for quiet moments in pristine Keweenaw forest. 

fireworks

Fireworks, parades, and food galore! Check out what our Keweenaw communities have to offer during 4th of July this year. 

Dollar Bay 

This year’s Dollar Bay 4th of July celebration is going to be a big one! Starting at 8PM on Monday, July 3rd, boogie the night away during the annual Dollar Bay Street Dance Block Party. This year's music will be provided by a fun local band playing all your favorite covers, Split Shyft. Join locals and visitors as they dance into the night across from Ritchies Store while enjoying food and snacks from the Fire Hall (all proceeds go to the cause). Don’t forget your camping chairs in case your dancing feet get tired.  

On the 4th of July, the Dollar Bay Volunteer Fire Department hosts their World-Famous Chicken barbecue from 10:30AM to 2PM.  And... they don’t call it a World-Famous Chicken BBQ for nothing! For just $15 you will be treated to the best chicken barbecue in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with sides of baked beans, coleslaw and a dinner roll! Make sure to catch the annual 4th of July Parade at 12PM, followed by family games at Pioneer Park and concessions. 

Lake Linden 

Featuring two days full of events, the Village of Lake Linden takes Independence Day seriously! Festivities in the park begin around 5PM on July 3rd and continue until the fireworks display goes off over Torch Lake at dusk. The evening of the 3rd includes live music by local performers, park vendors, and a bar set up by the Lake Linden Volunteer Fire Department (LLVFD).  

Best get a good night’s sleep after the fireworks because the Grand Patriotic Parade starts at 9:30AM sharp on the 4th of July. The lineup starts with the Lake Linden Police Department, Houghton County Sheriff’s Department, State Police Department, American Legion Color Guard, V.F.W, and the National Guard. Following the parade, festivities return to the Village Park. Vendors and the LLVFD Bar will again be set up at 10AM, as well as more live music, kid's games, races in the park, and grand stand contests.  

Make sure to stick around throughout the day, as the Veteran’s Memorial Service takes place at 1PM, a bicycle parade at 6:30PM, and a Street Dance at the Lake Lounge from 6-10PM.  

 

parade

Parades throughout the Keweenaw are a celebration of culture and tradition. 

Ahmeek 

Ahmeek Village Volunteer Fire & Rescue Departments hosts a 4th of July bash at the Gabriel Chopp Park in Ahmeek Village. This family-friendly event includes a kids parade and games starting at 11AM, food and drinks, bingo, and a 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets support the fire and rescue department and can be purchased from any department member throughout the day.  

South Range Celebrations 

South Range Independence Day kicks off bright and early the morning of 4th of July. Attend the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Community Building at 8AM before perusing the Flea Market until 1:30PM. The South Range Pub hosts an exciting Cornhole Tournament at 3:30PM for adults, while children enjoy Fun in the Veteran’s Memorial Park from 11AM to 4PM.  You'll find live music from local acts SuperSuits and Tom Katalin starting at 3PM until late!

Each year, Keweenaw Brewing Company hosts an open house with tours of their South Range production facility and beer tastings at noon. Get to know the brewers who produce your favorite Keweenaw adult beverages, before heading out to catch the parade at 2PM. The day continues with horseshoe tournaments and live music, before concluding with one of the Keweenaw’s best fireworks displays starting at dusk. All this celebratory fun is sponsored by VFW Post 6165, and we guarantee South Range’s party is one that you will not want to miss.  

Copper Harbor  

Spend 4th of July in Michigan’s northernmost town of Copper Harbor, MI! Copper Harbor is well-known for its beautiful fireworks display over the water, but there’s plenty of fun to be had before the fireworks go off. This charming small town features a parade at 10AM, followed by kid’s games in the park at 1PM. This leaves ample time to grill out or explore the great outdoors before the fireworks show at dusk (typically around 11PM).  

Group of people sit on dock watching fireworks.

Copper Harbor is the northernmost town in Michigan and features a spectacular fireworks display over the water. 

Hubbell  

The Hubbell Fire Department hosts family-friendly action on the 4th of July! The annual Hubbell parade starts at 10:30AM, followed by lunch at noon. Make sure to catch the sports program at 1PM and purchase your 50/50 raffle ticket before the big drawing. If you have some time to kill in the afternoon, a hike at Hungarian Falls may be the perfect activity to fill your day with a solid mix of celebration and nature experiences.  

Gay 

Gay, Michigan is a great place to celebrate the 4th of July! From 12-3PM, The Auxiliary hosts its huge July Bazaar and Sale at the Community Hall. At 2PM, people line the streets to catch the crazy, goofy fun of the Gay Parade! Grab a drink at the iconic Gay Bar or explore the historic ruins of the Mohawk Mining Company Stamp Mill before heading to one of the neighboring communities for fireworks in the evening.  

Gay Bar

The entire town of Gay is pretty iconic, especially the Gay Bar. 

Tapiola  

Tapiola is a is a small community south of Houghton that was founded by Finnish Americans. Although the community only spans an area of about 8 miles, the parade on July 4th at 10:30AM draws in quite a crowd! The first 4th of July parade in Tapiola was organized by local resident, Robert Olson, in 2016. Since then, the parade has continued to grow, with a unique focus on the people and culture of the community.  The parade ends at the community baseball field, where there are kid's games and free hot dogs for all to enjoy.  

Mohawk 

Mohawk-Fulton celebrations are all about the kids! Let your little ones get creative for the Kids Parade at 10AM beginning at the Firehall. Then, kick back and relax while the kids enjoy fun games in Mohawk Park afterwards. Of course, 4th of July wouldn’t be 4th of July without some hot dogs or burgers. Make sure to grab a bite to eat before your next Independence Day adventure.  

Eagle Harbor 

This quaint harbor town hosts an early morning parade at 9:30 to kick-off your 4th of July celebrations. Enjoy lighthouse views or dip your toes in the harbor before enjoying fun games and food in the park. This town serves at a great hopping off point for plenty of outdoor adventures. From here, head to Great Sand Bay for a 4th of July Beach Day or check out the festivities taking place in nearby communities.

 

Mount Bohemia

Mount Bohemia is an all-season destination! During the summer season, visitors can take a ride on the chairlifts for an eagle-eye view of the summer glory of the Keweenaw Peninsula and Lac la Belle. Feeling a little more adventurous? Cliff View Trail is a publicly accessible easy/moderate hiking trail with a phenomenal Cliff view at the end. 

Hit the Nordic Spa for a 4th of July Pool Party! Get all-day access to the Nordic Spa, chairlift rides, free hot dogs and ice cream! Tickets are $35, or free for Bohemia & Nordic Spa passholders. 

 

Round out your 4th of July Celebrations with even more adventures 

While community events taking place throughout the Keweenaw during the first week of July are certainly enough to keep you busy, we recommend rounding out the holiday with some outdoor recreation and by exploring some of our historic points of interest. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your holiday adventure in the Keweenaw.  

Visit Fort Wilkins Historic State Park 

Make your way to Copper Harbor over the holiday weekend and check out the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. This fort was built in 1844 and served as a military outpost that was intended to help keep peace during the peak of the Copper Mining Boom. The park now offers visitors a look back at life on the northern frontier during the mid-1800's when soldiers were stationed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The buildings feature museum-style exhibits and offer a living history program during the summer months.  

View of cannon in front of historic buildings as Fort Wilkins State Park

Visit Fort Wilkins, an old military fort in Copper Harbor, to learn more about what life was like for soldiers stationed in the Upper Peninsula. 

Plan a Beach Day 

4th of July is one of the best times to hit the beach! Keweenaw days are long and warm, the smell of barbecue wafts through the air, and Lake Superior water feels refreshing for a quick dip. Grab your beach chair, sunscreen, and cooler and hit up one of the Keweenaw’s popular swimming spots like Bête Grise or Great Sand Bay.  

A beach cruiser bicycle on the sands of a Lake Superior Beach

The holiday weekend is a great time to enjoy the company of your friends and family while kicking back on the shores of Lake Superior. 

Go on a Hike

There are many great trails and nature areas to explore throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. Take in the sights and sounds of a Keweenaw summer by stretching your legs in the woods. While the streets in town may be full of lively energy and excitement on the 4th of July, the forests of the Keweenaw will remain quiet and pristine.  

Be Safe & Have Fun 

4th of July is a time of celebration, but we want to remind everyone to be safe and have fun. Here are some of our top tips to ensure that you and your party have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.  

  • Be cautious and courteous when shooting off fireworks.  Be aware of local conditions related to wildfire management and refrain from using fireworks during dry conditions and no-burn periods. 

  • Be respectful of community noise restrictions.  

  • Follow best practices for campfire safety. 

  • Designate a sober driver for your group. 

  • Remember your sunscreen and bug spray! 

  • Be mindful of pets. Loud noises like fireworks can scare pets who may panic and get lost if off leash.  

  • Love the Keweenaw, and always Recreate Responsibly!

We hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!  

Calendar of Events