There’s no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than Door County! Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or you’re a local looking to make the most of the holiday, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate. Spend the day out on the water, enjoy family-friendly adventures, watch spectacular fireworks, and take in the beauty of a Door County sunset.
Here’s our guide to making the most of your Fourth of July weekend!
Start Your Day on the Water
Summer mornings are the perfect time to get outside before the afternoon heat arrives. Rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or bicycle and explore Door County at your own pace.
Visit our Potawatomi State Park location for canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and bicycle rentals, or head to Egg Harbor Beach for kayak and paddleboard rentals just steps from the water.
Never paddled before? Don’t worry! Our trained staff provides a paddle lesson before you head out so everyone feels comfortable on the water.
Cool Off with a Guided Adventure
Looking for an unforgettable way to experience Door County? Join one of our guided kayak tours!
Whether you’re paddling past the cliffs of Cave Point, exploring the peaceful waters of the Mink River, viewing Sherwood Point Lighthouse from the water, or enjoying a relaxing Potawatomi Sunset Tour, there’s something for every adventurer.
Our professionally trained guides provide instruction, ensure your safety, and share interesting facts about the area’s history, wildlife, and natural beauty along the way.
Family Fun for Everyone
The Fourth of July weekend is all about making memories together.
Families can spend the day:
- Renting kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or bicycles
- Exploring Potawatomi State Park
- Joining a guided kayak tour
- Soaring through the sky on a zipline adventure
- Enjoying the beaches and waterfront around Door County
With activities for beginners and experienced adventurers alike, there’s something everyone can enjoy.
Celebrate with the Community
One of the best parts about spending the Fourth of July in Door County is the variety of celebrations happening throughout the peninsula. No matter where you’re staying, you’re never far from live music, parades, great food, and fireworks.
July 2 – Fish Creek
Kick off the holiday weekend with live music by Big Mouth at Clark Park from 5–9 p.m., followed by fireworks over the harbor at dusk.
July 3 – Egg Harbor
Spend the afternoon enjoying food, refreshments, local vendors, and the Rhythm & Roots concert before listening to live music from the Modern Day Drifters. As the sun sets, enjoy one of Door County’s most popular fireworks displays.
July 4 – Egg Harbor
Celebrate Independence Day with the community parade, refreshments, and a special performance by the University of Wisconsin Marching Band following the parade.
July 4 – Baileys Harbor
Start the morning with the fire department pancake breakfast before enjoying arts and crafts vendors, Strawberry Fest, a community parade, live music, and an evening fireworks display.
July 4 – Sturgeon Bay
Visit Sunset Park for refreshments and live music by Glas Hamr beginning at 5 p.m., then stay for the fireworks at dusk.
The Best Seat in the House: Fireworks from a Kayak
Want an unforgettable view of the fireworks? Skip the crowds and watch them from the water!
July 3 – Egg Harbor Fireworks Kayak Tour
Experience Door County’s most popular fireworks show from the seat of your kayak. Meet your guide at Egg Harbor Village Beach before sunset, paddle out onto the bay, and enjoy incredible waterfront views as fireworks light up the night sky. Along the way you’ll enjoy music from the shore and an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.
July 4 – Sturgeon Bay Fireworks Kayak Tour
Celebrate Independence Day with a unique view of the Sturgeon Bay fireworks from Potawatomi State Park. Launch before sunset and enjoy a peaceful paddle before the sky comes alive with fireworks reflected across the water.
Both tours include professional guides, safety instruction, and all kayaking equipment. They are recommended for ages 10 and older.
End the Day with a Door County Sunset
Even if you’re not joining one of our fireworks tours, there’s nothing quite like ending a summer day on the water. Our Sunset Kayak Tours offer breathtaking views and a peaceful way to experience Door County as the sun dips below the horizon.
It’s the perfect way to relax, reconnect with nature, and make lasting summer memories.
Make This Fourth of July One to Remember
Whether you’re paddling through calm waters, ziplining through the sky, exploring Potawatomi State Park, enjoying one of Door County’s many community celebrations, or watching fireworks from your kayak, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day.
From all of us at Door County Adventure Center, we hope you have a safe, fun, and adventure-filled Fourth of July weekend. We can’t wait to see you on the water this summer!
Authored By: Kierah Hietala
