These Wisconsin Towns Throw Legendary 4th Of July Celebrations
The 4th of July is an important day to show pride in the USA while having fun with the whole family, so why not enjoy an exciting celebration without all the overwhelming crowds? These small towns in Wisconsin bring the best of both worlds. Wisconsin leans into its authentic American history with patriotic parades and family fun, plus the upside of being in a small town includes fewer people, no traffic jams, and exciting local traditions that put a fun twist on this iconic day. Not only are these towns the perfect place for the 4th of July, but they also offer a variety of summer activities for the whole family to check out after the fireworks and festivities.
Green Lake
Green Lake is home to the deepest natural inland lake in Wisconsin, and this 4th of July, you won’t want to miss their annual Light up the Lake fireworks display. Set up a blanket and watch comfortably as the colors reflect on the water from Deacon Mills Park. Beforehand, enjoy a variety of activities including a pancake breakfast, duck race, and the red, white, and blue boat parade. Keep the fun going after the celebration by soaking up with a scenic paddleboard on the lake or by riding the Loop the Lake bike trail.
Baraboo
Known as the birthplace of the Ringling Brothers Circus, the town of Baraboo puts a fun twist on the 4th of July. Get into the patriotic feeling with live music, family activities, and a parade before heading to the UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus to watch the annual BaraBooms fireworks show. The fireworks can be seen throughout Devil’s Lake State Park if you’re looking for a more nature-filled experience. In Baraboo, the fun doesn’t stop there, however. Before leaving town, be sure to check out Circus World, where you can watch a performance under the big top all summer long.
Port Washington
Port Washington is a close-knit small town on the shores of Lake Michigan. With a big family demographic, celebrations include a wide variety of activities oriented to the little ones, like a craft station to decorate a stroller or bike in red, white, and blue. In Port Washington, even the fur babies can get involved with the annual pet parade. Vote for your favourite patriotic pet and the best dressed pup will win a prize. After a family fun-filled 4th of July that everyone will remember, stroll through the lakeshore downtown and check out the 1860 Light Station, where you can climb to the top and learn more about lighthouses in the area, like the Port Washington Breakwater Light.
Minocqua
Head to Wisconsin’s Northwoods to celebrate this 4th of July in "The Island City", Minocqua. With smaller crowds, you can easily grab a curb-side seat to the annual parade. Then, you won't want to miss out on an out-of-this-world performance by The Min-Aqua Bats, who hold the title for the world’s longest running amateur water ski show. The spectacle includes stunts and jumps that can all be seen this 4th of July from the Aqua Bowl, and be sure to stay for the fireworks! Before leaving town, explore the Wildwood Wildlife Park and Zoo with over 229 different species of animals.
Elkhart Lake
Who says your 4th of July celebration can’t include some time to relax? Known for being a lakeside retreat, Elkhart Lake provides a choice of spas, peaceful walking trails like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, or well-groomed links at the Quit Qui Oc Golf Club. The community here knows how to kick back and have fun, and that certainly doesn’t stop on the 4th of July. The action-packed weekend is full of picnics, parades, fireworks, and live music, all organized by the Elkhart Lake Fire Department. Enjoy the lavish lake resort treatment while indulging in all the celebrations Elkhart Lake has to offer this Independence Day.
Platteville
If you’re looking for non stop fun-filled events this Independence Day, get active by stretching your legs in Platteville. Begin your morning with the annual Firecraker 5k Independence Day run/walk that ends at The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museum. With free entry on the 4th of July, you can learn about the town's rich history in mining with special exhibits and family activities. Afterward, head down to Legion Park where you can find live music, food, and a fireworks show. If you’re not too tired, you can even enter into the bean bag toss competition.
Celebrate the 4th of July with parades, fireworks, live music, and family fun all while steering clear of big city crowds. These towns in Wisconsin offer all that and more. Each town puts their own unique twists on this classic celebration; from water ski shows, to pet parades, and bean bag toss competitions, these towns make Independence Day memorable. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Stay awhile to explore all the summer activities these towns have to offer.
