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July 4th Up North

July 4th, 2023

An Up North Fourth is full of activities! The Norman Rockwell backdrop of Northern Michigan combined with great weather and an amazing array of activities makes the 4th of July a special day in Northern Michigan.

Here's a list of typical 4th of July events by community:

Alanson – The July 4th parade begins at 11am. Start the day with a pancake breakfast from 7-11am at the Littlefield Alanson Community Building- 7631 US-31, Alanson.
Bay View – The parade begins at 10am followed by the 11am reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps in front of John Hall Auditorium- 1725 Encampment Ave., Petoskey.
Bay Harbor – Fireworks take place at dusk on July 3rd with the Petoskey Steel Band performing at 8pm, and a parade kicks off at 11am on July 4th.
Boyne City – Three full days of activities including a run, kid’s activities, parade, fireworks and more takes place in Boyne City.
Charlevoix – Celebrate the 4th here with fireworks at dusk.
Harbor Springs – The best day of the year in Harbor Springs with a morning run, all day art show, music on the waterfront, parade, and fireworks shot from a barge on the harbor.
Indian River – Enjoy the parade at 11am and fireworks at dusk on the beach.
Mackinaw City – Scheduled events include games on the Marina Lawn and one of the largest fireworks display in Northern Michigan.
Mackinac Island – The day includes Stoneskipping Competition at Windermere Point, followed by fun family games in the afternoon, and two fireworks displays that will go off simultaneously at dusk.
Petoskey – The parade steps off at 6pm followed by music on the waterfront and the evening concludes with a fantastic fireworks display.

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Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Charlevoix’s History Museums

The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.

Charlevoix Circle of Arts

The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.

The Trillium Up North are a Beautiful Site

Acres and acres of Northern Michigan are abloom with trillium during May, only adding to the beauty of spring Up North!

Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College

Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.

Petoskey’s Bear River Valley Recreation Area

This 36 acre, 1.5 mile long Bear River Valley in Petoskey is truly spectacular and filled with natural beauty and things to do.

Sledding and Ice Skating in Northern Michigan

Get the sleds and the skates out, put on the cold weather clothes, and enjoy sledding and ice skating in Northern Michigan.

National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River

The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.

Hike and Bike the North Country Trail

The North Country Trail is the longest trail in the U.S. and stretches from North Dakota to New York, passing through Northern Michigan.

Fisherman’s Island State Park

Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.