All over the state you’ll find communities showing off their spirit with awesome fireworks shows – and as an extra bonus for families, many of these events offer kid-friendly activities, games and more to keep the celebration going. Here’s where to find some of Wisconsin’s best!
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Bayfield
Spend the Fourth of July in one of Wisconsin’s northernmost cities while taking in the holiday festivities, such as island cruises, berry picking, live music, sailing events and fireworks over Lake Superior.
- Take a short ferry ride from Bayfield and enjoy the Madeline Island parade earlier in the day. The eclectic floats, prizes for best displays and music from Big Top Chautauqua musicians have made this unique parade one of the best small town Fourth of July celebrations in Wisconsin.
- The magic begins when the sun sets. You can watch fireworks from both Bayfield and Madeline Island at the same time on the mainland city's Memorial Park. Boating enthusiasts will love taking a cruise around the island.
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Door County
Enjoy a variety of festive activities across Door County the entire holiday weekend.
- First, get your campsite set up in Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek. This property offers it all, from calm beaches to biking trails.
- Egg Harbor's fireworks display over the bay was voted the best in Door County. The fireworks shoot off on July 3rd, and a lively Independence Day parade kicks off festivities on the Fourth. Other highlights include food, music and a performance by the UW-Madison Marching Band.
- For the grand finale, head to Bailey's Harbor for their celebration on the 4th of July. There are a ton of activities planned, including horseback riding, a kids’ bouncy house, food & drinks, live music and a parade at 10 a.m. Make sure to stay until dusk for the fireworks display. Â
HudsonÂ
There might be no more relaxing way to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks than from the best seat in the house—the deck of a cruise ship on the St. Croix River.
- You can see the Hudson fireworks on the 4th with the first cruise, which runs from 8 to 11 p.m., or look on the other side of the river for the Stillwater fireworks on the 5th from the second cruise which runs from 8 to 11:45 p.m.
- You can choose the dinner and cruise option if you’d like to sit down to a meal on the water before the fireworks, or just enjoy the cruise (with hot dogs for sale) and the show.
- Upon return to the dock, stay on-board to watch the fireworks or disembark and watch the show from land. You can get on and off the boat at leisure during the fireworks display.