Where to Watch Firework Displays in the Driftless Region

Fourth of July fireworks displays are a big deal in the United States! According to Wallet Hub 44% of Americans will attended a Fourth of July fireworks display in 2026. There are over 16,000 fireworks shows 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 2026

Brownsville, Minnesota

Brownsville will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks during the town’s annual Brownsville Days celebration on Saturday, June 27. The fireworks are set to begin at dusk, approximately 9:28 p.m. The fireworks will be set off in the field behind the ballpark.

Onalaska, Wisconsin

Head to Onalaska on Saturday, June 27, to enjoy a full day of live music, the popular family fun zone for kids, a cornhole tournament, and the “Salute to the 4th of July” fireworks show from 9:45 to 10:05 p.m. Admission is free.

July 3, 2026

Clermont, Iowa

2026 Skip-A-Way Fireworks will be held on July 3 at dusk. The Skip-A-Way Resort, 3825 Harding Rd., Clermont, is hosting the annual fireworks display. The event is open to the public!

Bluffton, Iowa

The Bluffton Resort and Bar will host a fireworks show at dusk on July 3 at 9:30 p.m. over the scenic Upper Iowa River. The reflections of the fireworks over the river are spectacular.

Festina, Iowa

Festina’s 4th of July firework display will take place on Friday, July 3, at dusk/dark. On Saturday, July 4, the day starts with a parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by a delicious tasting chicken dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Rushford, Minnesota

Visit Rushford for their “Celebrate 250th” event at Creekside Park on Friday, July 3. The festivities begin at noon with activities and ending with fireworks at dusk.

July 4, 2026

Hesper, Iowa

Join approximately 100 Hesper residents as they shoot off fireworks on Saturday, July 4, at dusk. This spectacular display of bright colorful lights is said to be one, if not the best display, in the area.

Canton, Minnesota

Minnesota’s first parade is scheduled to take place at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, followed by fireworks in Canton.

Eitzen, Minnesota

Eitzen’s popular Fourth of July celebration, July 3-4, culminates on Saturday evening with fireworks at dusk. In celebration of the country’s 250th Anniversary the fireworks display will be bigger and better. The fireworks will illuminate the sky from 307 Iowa Ave. The well attended celebration is hosted by the Eitzen Lions Club.

Galena, Illinois

The red, white, and blue comes alive in Galena on July 4 from 2 – 10 p.m.with food, live entertainment, and games. The annual parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. The fireworks show will light up the sky at dusk creating a rounding chorus of oohs, ahhs, and wows.

Lansing, Iowa

The scenic town of Lansing is putting on a huge fireworks show on Saturday, July 4th at 10 p.m. in celebration of the 250th anniversary. The show will take place at Strub property, 2095 Main Street.

Harmony, Minnesota

On Saturday, July 4, Harmony will host its annual fireworks display at North Park, starting at dusk. 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, Iowa

Join the residents of Harper’s Ferry on July 4 for a rip-roaring good time. The excitement will start at dusk.

La Crosse, Wisconsin

On 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. Stay for the Chad Erickson Memorial Fireworks Extravaganza at Riverside Park for a major fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Monona, Iowa

The volunteer fire department puts on the fireworks show in Monona, the Garden City of Iowa. The popular fireworks show is 100% funded with public funds. The show starts at dusk/dark on the Fourth of July.

Spillville, Iowa

On Saturday, July 4, the small Czech town of Spillville in northeast Iowa is promoting its 2026 Fourth of July celebration as “Small Town, Big Spark! The annual event will take place at the historic Inwood Ballroom & 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 begins at 8 a.m. and ends with the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Other Firework Shows

On July 4 at dusk head over to Harvest Farms Campground, Cresco for a night of bright lights.

The fireworks show in Riceville, Iowa is on July 4 and there will be fireworks on the Fourth in Decorah at the Winneshiek Raceway after the races.

Highlandville, Iowa, firework display is scheduled on July 11 and LeRoy, Minnesota, will be shooting off fireworks on July 17 in celebration of the town’s 150th Anniversary and the 250th Anniversary of the USA.

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.