Fireworks in Copper Harbor. Photo courtesy of Visit Keweenaw.
You can enjoy your Fourth of July in the Copper Country, enjoying celebrations from Copper Harbor to South Range. The Keweenaw Peninsula offers a unique and unforgettable Fourth of July experience. You’ll enjoy a long summer day, the smell of beachside barbecue and the sound of friends and families laughing – celebrating Independence Day in the Keweenaw.
Dollar Bay
This year’s Dollar Bay July Fourth celebration is going to be big! On Monday, July 3, the morning starts with a rededication of the Honor Roll at Veterans Park Ball Field at 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, things move to the Dollar Bay High School Gym, where Dollar Bay alumni will challenge each other in an exciting game of street basketball. Channel your inner Steph Curry and compete to earn local glory.
Starting at 6 p.m. there will be face painting, carnival games, horse/wagon rides and a bounce house for kids at Veterans Park Ball Field. Boogie the night away on July 3 at the annual Dollar Bay Street Dance Block Party. The band Rewind will play greatest hits across from Ritchie’s Store. Food and snacks will be available for purchase at the Fire Hall.
On July Fourth, the Dollar Bay Volunteer Fire Department will host its World-Famous Chicken barbecue from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For $15, you will enjoy some of the best chicken barbecue in the Upper Peninsula with a side of baked beans, coleslaw and a dinner roll. Be sure to catch the parade at noon, followed by kids’ games at Pioneer Park.
Lake Linden
The village of Lake Linden takes Independence Day seriously with its two days of events. Festivities in the park begin around 4 p.m. on Monday, July 3 and continue until the fireworks go off over Torch Bay at dusk. The evening of July 3 includes live music, park vendors and a bar set up by the Lake Linden Volunteer Fire Department.
You must rest up the night of July 3 in Lake Linden, because the Grand Patriotic Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. sharp on the Fourth of July. Vendors and the Lake Linden Volunteer Fire Department will set up a bar again. There will be more live music, kids’ games, races in the park and grand stand contests. Be sure to check out the Veteran’s Memorial Service at 1 p.m.
Ahmeek
The Ahmeek Village Volunteer Fire & Rescue Departments host a July Fourth bash at the Gabriel Chopp Park in Ahmeek Village. The family-friendly event includes a kids parade and games starting at 11 a.m. Food, drinks and live music by the Wingnuts starts at 2 p.m. Bingo and a 50/50 raffle will also be available and support the fire and rescue department. You can purchase those from any department members throughout the day.
South Range
South Range Independence Day kicks off bright and early the morning of Tuesday, July Fourth. Attend a flag raising ceremony at the Community Building at 8 a.m. before checking out the flea market. The South Range Pub will host an exciting cornhole tournament for adults, while children enjoy fun in the Veteran’s Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Each year, Keweenaw Brewing Company holds an open house with tours of its South Range production facility and beer tastings. Get to know your Keweenaw brewers before heading to catch the parade at 2 p.m. Horseshoe tournaments and live music continue the day until South Range begins its fireworks display after dusk. Some say it’s one of the best in the Keweenaw. All the fun is sponsored by the VFW Post 6165.
Copper Harbor
If you’re at the top of the Keweenaw for the Fourth of July, enjoy! Copper Harbor is known for its beautiful fireworks display over the water. Enjoy a parade through town on the Fourth at 10 a.m. followed by kids games in the park. You’ll have ample time to grill out or explore the great outdoors before a fireworks show at 11 p.m.
Hubbell
The Hubbell Fire Department puts on family-friendly action for July Fourth. You can enjoy a parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by a lunch at noon. Make sure you catch the sports program at 1 p.m. and purchase your 50/50 tickets before the drawing. If you have time to kill in the afternoon, you can hike Hungarian Falls, close to town. Fill your day with a mix of celebration and natural experiences.
Gay
Gay, Michigan is a great place to celebrate the Fourth of July. In the morning, the Gay Fire Department Auxiliary will host its huge Bazaar and Sale at the Community Hall. At 2 p.m. the street fills with people for the goofy fun of the Gay Parade! Grab a drink at the iconic Gay Bar or explore historic ruins of the Mohawk Mining Company Stamp Mill before heading to one of the neighboring communities for fireworks in the evening.
Mohawk
Mohawk-Fulton celebrations are all about the kids! Let your little ones get creative for the Kids Parade at 10 a.m. Then, kick back and relax while the kids enjoy fun games in Mohawk Park after. The Fourth of July is not a full day without hot dogs or burgers. Make sure you 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 a.m. to kick off your July Fourth. Enjoy views of the Eagle Harbor lighthouse or dip your toes in the harbor before enjoying fun and games in the park. Eagle Harbor serves as a great point to hop off to your outdoor adventures. From here, head to Great Sand Bay for a Fourth of July beach day or check out the festivities taking place in nearby communities.
Tapiola
More Keweenaw Adventures for Your Fourth of July
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’s a few ideas for 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.
Plan a Beach Day
July Fourth 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 Bete Grise or Great Sand Bay.
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 Fourth of July, the forests of the Keweenaw will remain quiet and pristine.
Be Safe and Have Fun! Recreate Responsibly, and Leave No Trace!
July Fourth 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 Fourth 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.
Recreate Responsibly and follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.