TRAVEL

A DOUBLE SHOW

by HEATHER JOHNSON DUROCHER

Insider tips on the best destination fireworks for the Fourth.

Pack your cooler and beach blanket—don’t forget sparklers!—and make your Fourth of July weekend an all-day celebration at these Up North towns with family-friendly activities and spectacular fireworks. We’re talking double-the-fun fireworks, too—these neighboring locales give you front-row seats to not one but two Independence Day shows lighting up the night sky.

MACKINAC ISLAND + MACKINAW CITY

Both Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City celebrate America’s birthday with fireworks on the Fourth. (Fun fact: Mackinaw City also puts on fireworks displays over Lake Huron on Tuesday and Friday nights all summer long.)

During the Day: Mackinac Island’s celebration includes the annual W. T. Rabe Stone Skipping Contest that draws professionals to test their skills on Lake Huron. Over at historic Fort Mackinac—decked out with banners, flags and bunting for the occasion—take part in an 1880s Independence Day with 38-gun salutes honoring the states of the period, performances of patriotic music and Victorian children’s games. Grand Hotel also hosts numerous events, including a BBQ, children’s carnival, American picnic and more, all a part of its “Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July” lodging package July 2 to 5. grandhotel.com; mackinacparks.com; mackinawcity.com

Where to View: Stake your spot on the west side of Mackinac Island for the best views of the stunning firework displays (Windermere Point and the public school yard are both good options). In Mackinaw City, spread out your blanket at Alexander Henry Park, located next to historic Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (tour the lighthouse tower during the day). This park offers amazing views of the Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island and more than 1,700 feet of accessible lakefront walkway.

PETOSKEY + HARBOR SPRINGS

It’s a weekend of fireworks over Little Traverse Bay, starting with a glittering display from the Village at Bay Harbor near Petoskey on July 3. Then on Monday, July 4, fireworks launch again over the bay from both Harbor Springs and Petoskey.

During the Day: Start your day with the Paul Revere 5K & 10-Mile Run in Harbor Springs. Then head over to Art in the Park, featuring fine artwork in an array of mediums, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Zorn Park. Street vendors and a parade down Main Street are also a part of the day’s festivities. At the Village at Bay Harbor, peruse boutiques and eateries before the big show. bayharbor.com; harborspringschamber.com; petoskeyfourth.org

Where to View: You can set up your chairs early to reserve a spot at the Village at Bay Harbor (make sure you do it sooner rather than later) to watch the July 3 fireworks. In Harbor Springs, catch the show at Zorn Park Beach or set up your chairs at Zoll Street Beach. Bayfront Park in Petoskey is another ideal viewing area (stop by the Little Traverse Historical Society Ice Cream Social beforehand, from 7 to 9 p.m.).

Heather Johnson Durocher writes from Traverse City, where she lives with her husband Joe and their three kids. She is the founder of the travel and active lifestyle site MichiganRunnerGirl.com and also hosts a weekly podcast.