Michigan

Fourth of July Around West Michigan

West Michigan: It’s summer again which means there is all day fun in the water, sand in between your toes and seemingly everywhere you can think, ice cream cones that melt as quick as you can eat them, and dazzling lights in the sky and more for Fourth of July Weekend! It doesn’t matter if you live in a big city or in a small town, West Michigan has amazing events in celebration of this year’s Fourth of July!


Celebrations in South West Michigan

Berrien Springs invites you to join them for the 4th annual Berrien Springs Pickle Festival on the Fourth of July! Festivities start at 10 a.m. and run through 5 p.m., where you can join them for their popular vendor alley, pickle tasting room, dunk tank, the Pickle Fling, frozen tee-shirt contest, relish eating contests, and more!

Celebrate Independence Day in a memorable way! Enjoy South Haven’s incredible fireworks show Light Up the Lake on July 3rd with your friends and family from the deck of Michigan Maritime Museum’s tall ship, Friends Good Will out on Lake Michigan.

Mark your calendars for a star-spangled celebration as the community celebrates the Fourth of July in downtown Saugatuck. Join them along with the armed forces, bands, and floats on July 4th for a patriotic parade down Butler Street at 11 a.m., followed by a free Family Fun event in Coghlin Park from 12 p.m to 2 p.m. Enjoy yard games, face painting, and more, with prizes awarded for the most spirited outfit and a mini apple pie-eating contest for all ages.

The weekend of Independence Day is packed with things to do in South Haven! Kickstart the fun with the legendary Light Up the Lakes fireworks show, which illuminate the waters from North Beach to South Beach (sea to shining sea…) accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack and live broadcast by 103.7 COSY FM. A parade follows on the morning of July 4th. On the evening of July 5th, Lake Arvesta Recreation Park will host a second fireworks display, followed by the South Haven Center for the Arts annual Art Fair in Stanley Johnston Park July 6th-7th in shady Stanley Johnston Park.

Get ready for an unforgettable Fourth of July experience in Michigan’s Coldwater Country! Located halfway between Chicago and Detroit, this picturesque region offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, charming downtowns, and a plethora of family-friendly activities. Join them for a weekend filled with joy, community spirit, and patriotic celebrations. Coldwater Country welcomes you to create lasting memories with your loved ones this Fourth of July!


Celebrations in Central West Michigan

The Independence Day holiday kicks off at 2 p.m. July 4th with the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival Grand Parade proceeding down Ludington Avenue into the downtown district. Live music, floats, characters, animals and more will make their way through the streets as part of this annual holiday festival. The holiday will end with a bang with the July 4th fireworks over Lake Michigan at dusk. They are viewable from just about any beach in Ludington, but a popular place to land is Stearns Park Beach. In addition, the SS Badger carferry offers a shoreline cruise during the evening hours, but tickets sell out quickly. Reserve yours at ssbadger.com.

Petoskey Area is home to some of the best Fourth of July Celebrations in Michigan. Petoskey and Harbor Springs both have a Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks. While Harbor Springs holds their annual Paul Revere Run, Art Show in the Park, and more.

Boyne City’s Fourth of July celebrations have been voted some of the best by organizations like the Travel Channel and Reader’s Digest. What’s so great about Boyne City Fourth of July? Waterside Art & Craft Fair with Food Trucks, Independence Day Run, Fourth of July Parade, Raft Race in the Boyne River, Live Music, and Grand Fireworks.

This Fourth of July, join IndiGrow for a celebration like no other, where quality products, community values, and special offers await. With integrity at their core, they offer a wide selection of premium cannabis products sourced from trusted suppliers, from top-shelf flower to artisanal edibles and innovative concentrates. Let’s come together this Fourth of July to celebrate freedom, unity, and the spirit of America. Visit them today and let them help you make this holiday truly special.

White Lake Area 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Beginning at 10 a.m., join them for the White Lake Area Fourth of July parade! The parade route travels from Whitehall City Hall to Montague City Hall, with over 80 festive entries, and lead by the honorable American Legion and VFW. Do not miss the family fun offered at their annual parade! After the parade, stick around town for some outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining–then join them at dusk for fireworks over White Lake! These fireworks are put on by the White Lake Fireworks Committee.

The Friends of the Coopersville & Marne Railway invite you to join them on June 28th as we celebrate our great country. Join them for a special evening aboard their Americana themed Rails, Ales & Wine Train (21+)! Enjoy your choice of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverage; complemented with a flavorful appetizer or snack; as we travel back to the vintage era of passenger trains. You will be entertained with Americana music while experiencing a leisurely 90-minute excursion through the Ottawa County countryside.

Enjoy a front-row viewing of the fireworks from the dining room, patio, or a spot on the lawn. The fireworks show will begin at dusk. Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant – Thursday, July 4th FireRock Grille – Wednesday, July 3rd Lake Bluff Grille – Friday, July 5th

Light Up Your Fourth July with a Fireworks Cruise! Experience the awe-inspiring fireworks display over Muskegon Lake from a whole new perspective – aboard the Aquastar! Enjoy a relaxing cruise with stunning lake views, festive music, and a front-row seat to the dazzling fireworks show. This special July 4th cruise is a guaranteed sell-out, so book your tickets with Aquastar Cruises today!

Celebrate Independence Day with a BOOM on the Historic S.S. Milwaukee Clipper. Unforgettable Fireworks & Unique History Await! Watch the fireworks display with front-row seats aboard the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper, a National Historic Landmark. Explore the ship’s stunning Art Deco interior while enjoying the festive atmosphere of this special event.

A vibrant and musical show for the whole family at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium. The musical fountain adds another layer of celebration to Independence Day! The fireworks show begins at dusk on July 4th.

Bring your family and friends to downtown Holland and feast on the festivities. Early birds wearing red, white, or blue will score 20% off at participating shops and restaurants. By noon, Kollen Park vendors will be spinning cotton candy, keeping the good eats coming until just before the evening’s grand finale – fireworks at dusk over beautiful Lake Macatawa. As an Independence Day bonus, Thursday night street performers will take over 8th street from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., delighting children of all ages with their music and acrobatics.


Celebrations in North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula

Celebrate Independence Day in Mackinaw City! The annual Mackinaw Women’s Club Strawberry Social tradition features delicious strawberries served over vanilla ice cream – a refreshing and sweet treat. Enjoy one of their unique attractions, classic games on the marina lawn, explore the boutique shops, bounce houses, dine at one of their delectable eateries in charming downtown Mackinaw City, and listen to live music. Finally, prepare to be dazzled by the largest fireworks display in the Straits, lighting up the night sky at dusk, and providing a breathtaking finale to a day filled with celebration. Don’t miss out on making memories in Mackinaw this Fourth of July!

Visiting Mackinac Island on the Fourth of July is an experience that encapsulates the essence of American heritage and celebration like no other. Start the day by participating in the oldest stone skipping competition in the US and watch the pros throw their stones. Enjoy family games at Windermere Point. Have a Star Spangles Fourth of July at historic Fort Mackinac and finish the day with two simultaneous firework displays!

Cadillac Freedom Festival Presents: A Dazzling Drone Show by Starlight Aerial Productions, a new and spectacular addition to the 2024 festivities on July 5th as part of the “Fire on the Water” military tribute event. The sky above Lake Cadillac will be illuminated by a mesmerizing drone show. depicting symbols of freedom and bravery to pay tribute to our brave military personnel. A traditional fireworks display will also be held on July 6th!

Celebrate Independence Day all weekend long at Crystal Mountain. Family crafts, family golf scramble, sidewalk sales, bike and golf cart parade, Fourth of July 5k Fun run, biking, hiking, outdoor pool and water playground, and so much more.

Celebrate this Fourth of July in the great outdoors! Here at the Pine River Paddlesports Center, you will find a clean & quiet campground that serves as an excellent, centrally located base camp from which to explore the area, as well as a watercraft rental for the nationally designated ‘Wild & Scenic’ river – the Pine River. In addition to the many parades and festivals within driving distance of the Paddlesports Center, you can also immerse yourself in nature with a float down the Pine River. We offer a wide range of watercraft for all sizes, skill levels, and ages. Whether you want to celebrate the Fourth of July with a family-friendly rafting trip, or want to test your skill level with a kayaking trip through fun, splashy whitewater, the Pine has something for you! Let them help you & your family make some great memories this Fourth of July!

Guests can sit back, relax and celebrate Independence Day with the Marquette Fourth of July Sensory Friendly Laser Show. As the largest architectural laser show in North America, this unique experience gives residents, visitors, children and those with sensory sensitivities a comfortable opportunity to participate in Fourth of July celebrations and witness the night sky light up above the picturesque Lake Superior. 

For a family fun getaway this Independence Day head to Northern Michigan’s Shanty Creek Resort. Located a mere 30 miles from Traverse City, in beautiful Bellaire, this picturesque destination promises relaxation, adventure, and holiday festivities all rolled into one. Spanning nearly 5,500 acres, Shanty Creek boasts four distinct villages, each with outdoor recreation, lodging and dining options, along with five championship golf courses, ideal for golf enthusiasts. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 3rd, as Shanty Creek lights up the sky with a spectacular fireworks display behind The Lakeview Hotel, where you will not only see a kaleidoscope of color in the sky but also breathtaking views of Lake Bellaire.

Looking for more? Find out what other events are happening around West Michigan by checking out our events calendar!

Since 1917, the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has worked to market the very best of West Michigan to travelers from around the world.

WMTA’s membership base consists of more than 800 attractions, lodging, events, and activities all across the west side of Michigan, from the Indiana border all the way into the Upper Peninsula. Over the past century, Michigan’s tourism industry has become second to only manufacturing in Michigan, making WMTA a vital resource for the area’s tourist destinations.

Today, WMTA continues its mission as a self-sustaining, membership-funded non-profit. For more information, please visit WMTA.org.

Sip Your Way through West Michigan’s Wine Country

West Michigan: Ask any local wine aficionado, and every one will have their own favorite “fun fact” about Michigan wine: how the “lake effect” creates an ideal growing temperature, how we sit at the same latitude as some of Europe’s most renowned wine-growing regions, or that Michigan is one of the few locations able to make true ice wine.

The truth is, there’s a limitless amount of things to love about the wine found in West Michigan! Explore some of our insider info below, and use your favorites to plan your next wine tour through the area!

South West Michigan Wineries

With four wineries that call the Saugatuck/Douglas/Fennville area home, you can make an entire day of sampling different red, white, sparkling, and fruit wines unique to the region. The wineries include Michigan Wine Co., Crane’s Winery, Fenn Valley Vineyards and Winery, and Modales Wines. Featuring small-batch expertise and artistry, their wineries produce award-winning wines from estate-grown and locally harvested grapes that flourish in the Southwest Michigan climate. Many of the wineries offer tours, events, and tastings, providing the ultimate wine experience.

On June 22nd, you won’t want to miss the exciting celebration of local wine at the Fenn Valley Vineyards Wine Festival, which takes place on their stunning, picturesque 240-acre property. This event will feature tastings in the vineyards, tantalizing local food, wine demonstrations, and live music.

Looking for a unique way to savor wine while soaking in the stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Saugatuck Harbor? Don’t miss the Wine on the Water theme cruises aboard the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat. Embark on this delightful experience, with more dates available through October. Sit back, relax, and let their expert guide lead you through a memorable tasting experience.

Started by a husband and wife team, Vineyard 2121 provides a welcoming environment that makes relaxation a breeze. Making it the perfect place to meet up with friends and talk the night away as well as an ideal place for a romantic night out.

The soils of Van Buren County are a rich and fertile tapestry, and stitching that tapestry together are many fabulous vineyards. Discover a summer lineup of concerts that’ll rock your socks at Warner Vineyards in Paw Paw. Enjoy intimate summer concerts on the patio at Cogdal Vineyards, or explore South Haven’s three tasting rooms.

Kalamazoo might be known for beer, but they haven’t forgotten about all you winos out there. Discover your new favorite local hang out or create your own wine tour from the list below.

St. Julian Winery has become a pillar in the West Michigan winery scene. Being one of the longest operated wineries in the state, St. Julian has the opportunity to craft award winning wines and fine tune their practices. Operated by the same family for generations, the commitment this winery has to West Michigan wine is nearly unmatched.

Started by a small group of friends, 12 Corners Vineyards is known for handmade products and warm hospitality. Matching the perfect wine for each and every guests that visits the tasting room.

Central West Michigan Wineries

Sample some local flavors on a short wine tour while you’re visiting Ludington. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy snacks and wine by the glass at Fox Barn & Winery, just south of Ludington in Shelby. Step inside the large antique barn for a unique wine gift or local food products. The winery is a gorgeous setting where you can enjoy an afternoon of tasting. New to the Ludington area: Pere Marquette Winery specializes in high-quality, distinctive wines produced in small quantities. Enjoy wine tasting in the stables at the elegant Huggard Estate near the beautiful Buttersville Peninsula.

Visit RedWater for an unforgettable experience at one of their Wine School events at Lake Bluff Grille, Cork Wine & Grille, Reds at Thousand Oaks, or RedRock Grille. Never been to a Wine School? Each month they choose a different theme and bring in a wine specialist to host the event. Guests enjoy wine pours paired with small plate courses and a fun class about the selection.

Did you know Holland has a hometown vineyard? Tanglewood Winery is a mere scenic bike ride from both downtown and the beach. Their rustic tasting room brims with rich fruit, dessert, and port wines, and there’s often fun extras like a food truck, live band, or a new wine release party alongside the blueberry fields. Start your wine tour here and then follow the Handcrafted Passport trail to discover the ten other vineyard tasting rooms nearby.

A new addition to Grand Haven’s attractions is Fox and Hen Winery, run by Will and his wife, who are committed to producing quality wine and ciders with a “life on the farm” vibe. Visiting Fox and Hen Winery can add lots of flavor and fun to your day out with a tasting room and an on-site vineyard. They also offer charcuterie boards, snacks, and chocolate pairings.

North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula Wineries

Over 16 wineries are spread throughout the Petoskey Area and offer unique experiences and wines at each. Check out Boyne Valley Vineyard for their ‘Treehouse’ seating area with great views of the vineyard and countryside. Looking for a snack or a meal while you wine taste? Check out Pond Hill Farm or Petoskey Farms Vineyard this summer for some unique and amazing flavors.

Located just a few miles east off 131, Cadillac Winery has expanded with a new brewing operation to complement its small country winery. They specialize in cold-hearty vines and antique apples from the 100+ year old orchard that their Great Great Uncle George planted from 1900 to 1930. With live music booked all summer long, this is a great out of the way stop that you need to try.

Check out downtown Marquette’s Zephyr Wine Bar + Café to experience Michigan’s longest by-the-glass wine list plus great beer, cocktails, espresso and food. Boasting over 140 wines that span over 100 regions, this inspiring collection is every wine lover’s dream. Paired with specialty cured meats, cheeses and small plates, Zephyr is the perfect spot to experience memorable foods and wines. Make a reservation for their special dining experience, The Cellar, and enjoy a four-course, prix fixe menu, wine pairings selected by expert sommeliers and more.

Built on an one-hundred and fifty acre historic farm, Shady Lane Cellars produces a variety of small batch wines. Taking care and attention in every step of the process, Shady Lane Cellars is able to create expressively vibrant wines suited to enthusiasts and the average customer.

Travel along the Petoskey Wine Region trail and have the chance to visit sixty four different wineries across West Michigan’s coast. Enjoy world class wines, stunning views, and championship level slopes in any season of the year.

Bonobo Winery was founded by the Oosterhouse brothers with one simple mission in mind; to create award winning wines surrounded in the stunning beauty of their hometown with the support of their community.

From its origins as an asparagus farm, then turned horse breeding farm, the Blu Dot Farm & Vineyard has a rich and interesting history. This female-owned winery brings a touch of their own modern twist on classic favorites.

Chateau Chantal is equally committed to making amazing wines as they are about sustainability. The farm hosts a 148.5 kilowatt solar array to create the smallest environmental impact during their production. Chateau Chantal is also a center for West Michigan hospitality, with on-property bed & breakfast, residence, and six private home suites.

The 160-acre property at Black Star Farms is home to more than just a vineyard. The experience customers can have tucked away in the countryside rivals any northern getaway. Stay at the inn and delight in fine wines, delicious foods, and miles of trails and outdoor scenery.

The inspiration of Lost Cellars is a story of the american dream. Nunzio, an Italian immigrant, left his home in search of adventure and the chance to make his life better through hard work. After two long years he established his successful cellar and traveled back to italy. Generations later, Lost Cellars is creating exceptional wines in this same spirit.

Certified through the award winning sustainable in practice program, Waterfire Vineyards have an unparalleled commitment to protecting the great lakes. Using regenerative growing techniques, each vine is carefully attended to ensure the highest quality. Results of these practices can be tasted in any one of these speciality wines.

Travelers who find themselves on M-22 along the West Michigan coast are never let down by what Leelanau Cellars has to offer. With the tasting room set right on the waterfront, customers can enjoy one of the most picturesque locations to watch the sunset in West Michigan.

Since 1917, the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has worked to market the very best of West Michigan to travelers from around the world.

WMTA’s membership base consists of more than 800 attractions, lodging, events, and activities all across the west side of Michigan, from the Indiana border all the way into the Upper Peninsula. Over the past century, Michigan’s tourism industry has become second to only manufacturing in Michigan, making WMTA a vital resource for the area’s tourist destinations.

Today, WMTA continues its mission as a self-sustaining, membership-funded non-profit. For more information, please visit WMTA.org.

Rep. Meerman Speaks Out Against Red Flag Laws in Michigan

State Rep. Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville, issued the following statement after the Democrat House Majority approved bills (House Bills 4146-8 and Senate Bill 83) to enact extreme risk protection orders, often called “red flag” orders, in the state of Michigan:

“These firearm reforms violate due process and the personal protection rights of law-abiding citizens.

“We certainly should not be passing legislation that restricts an individual’s second amendment rights when our broken criminal justice system is not properly enforcing the laws already in place to keep dangerous offenders behind bars.

“There is so much about this proposal that was not well thought out. There is nothing stopping a bad actor from reporting their family member or former significant other without any evidence for the sole purpose of causing turmoil in their life.”