Where To See Firework Displays in the Driftless Area

Community firework displays are a big deal! According to Wallet Hub over 44% of Americans will attend a July 4th fireworks display. There are over 14,000 firework displays held each Fourth of July and the cost of hosting a municipal fireworks display ranges from $10,000 to $50,000.

Hailed as the best firework displays in the driftless region of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin, and northwest Illinois include:

June 29, 2024

Brownsville Days: Brownsville, MN, will celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks during the town’s annual Brownsville Days on Saturday, June 29. The fireworks are set to begin at dusk, at approximately 9:28 p.m. The fireworks are set to go off in the hi field behind the ballpark.

Onalaska, WI: Head to Onalaska on Saturday, June 29 to enjoy a full day of live music, the popular family fun zone for kids, a cornhole tournament, and the fireworks show at dusk.

July 3, 2024

Hesper, IA: This year’s event, Hesper Nite Lite Fireworks, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 3, in the quaint village of Hesper, IA. The town folk welcome visitors to enjoy the spectacular display of bright lights with them starting at dusk, at 9:27 p.m.

July 4, 2024

Eitzen, MN: The town’s popular Fourth of July celebration, July 2-4, culminates on Thursday evening with fireworks at dusk, scheduled for 9:26 p.m. The display, valued at over $10,000 will illuminate the sky from 307 Iowa Ave. The three-day celebration is hosted by the Eitzen Lion’s Club.

Festina, IA: Start your day off at Festina’s 4th of July parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by a drive-thru chicken dinner at the town’s community center, and enjoy the town’s firework at show at dusk/dark.

Galena, IL: The red, white, and blue comes alive on July 4 on the plaza and in the town’s park with food, live entertainment, and games. The annual Fourth of July parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. The fireworks show will light up the sky at dusk creating a chorus of ooh, ahh, and wow.

Harmony, MN

Harmony, MN: On Thursday, July 4, Harmony hosts its annual fireworks display at North Park, starting at dusk (9:26 p.m.)  Presented by the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department and sponsored by The City of Harmony, First Southeast Bank of Harmony and Canton, Harmony Fireman’s Relief Association, and Harmony Conservation Club. Check out the town’s chamber of commerce Facebook page for a complete list of activities during the city’s four-day event.

Harper’s Ferry, IA: Join the residents of Harper’s Ferry on the fourth for a roaring good time. Fireworks will go off at dusk (9:26 p.m.)

La Crosse, WI: On Thursday, July 4, La Crosse will shoot off fireworks during the town’s annual Riverfest celebration, 100 State Street, in downtown La Crosse. The fireworks will simultaneously light up the sky and the Mighty Mississippi River at dusk (9:26 p.m.).

Lansing, IA: The sky over Lansing lights up on July 4th at dusk (9:26 p.m.)

Monona, IA: Head to Monona on the 4th of July for their annual Family Fun Fest. Fireworks take place at dusk.

July 5, 2024

Cresco, IA: Don’t miss out on the fireworks display in Cresco on Friday, July 5 at the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center from 4:00–8:00 p.m. Plan on attending the Family Fun Night from 4:00–8:00 p.m.

July 6, 2024

Spillville, IA: On Saturday, July 6, the small Czech town of Spillville in northeast Iowa will hold its annual Fourth of July celebration at Riverside Park, 116 Bridge St. The festivities feature traditional 4th of July activities including a barbecue dinner, Little League tournament, 5K, bingo, kids’ games, and live entertainment. The day ends with the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Be safe out there!

Discover the Secrets of Wisconsin with Tom and Kristi Flick Manus

Join travel writers Tom and Kristi Flick Manus as they lead you on a journey through their home state of Wisconsin in a quest to find the “weird, wonderful, and obscure.”

Tom and Kristi share their excitement and love of travel with fellow adventure travelers in in Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.

The couple share 168 stories of some not-so-common attractions and some popular attractions that will drive road warriors to get out and explore the two-lane roads of Wisconsin.

You will have to read Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure more than once because it contains hundreds of tidbits about Wisconsin. Trivia players will not be disappointed with all the information in this book. There is plenty to add to their repository of knowledge.

Following are some questions, that the book answers.

What is the name of the school Laura Ingalls Wilder and her sisters attended when they returned to Pepin, WI in 1871?

Could this be Laura?

Where is the world’s largest musky fish hatchery located?

Millions of Fish Eggs

In what year did John Schrank shoot President Theodore Roosevelt in Milwaukee?

President Theodore Roosevelt

What Wisconsin city is home to the Riverside International Friendship Gardens?

Riverside International Friendship Gardens

Tidbits

The writers also included an additional tidbit of information for each of the 168 stories in the book which in itself is very interesting. For example, on page 110, readers will learn that the map used by Charles Lindbergh to plan his route for the 1927 flight from New York to Paris is located in the rare room at The American Geographic Society Library.

Pro Tips

Each story also includes a helpful summary of information to make visit’s convenience – what, where, and cost – for visitors. Tom and Kristi even share a pro tip with every story. For example, story number 158, A Lake Superior Treasure, the pro tip is Don’t worry about looking like a tourist. Bayfield’s motto is, “Real Tourists Eat Whitefish Livers.”

In addition to all the information, the book is filled with many pictures. Plan your trip on the back roads of Wisconsin now. Maybe you will cross paths with Tom and Kristi.

Where Can I Buy Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is one book in the Secret series, written by travel experts and published by Reedy Press. The softcover is 6” x 9” is 192 pages, and costs $19.95. The book can be purchased through Reedy Press, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, and independent book stores. ISBN 9781681064949

Small Town Plus Size

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting out on your journey, there is something for everyone in Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. For more travel adventures by Tom and Kristi, visit their website, www.smalltownplussize.com. Also follow Tom and Krisiti on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/smalltownplussize.