Celebrate the 4th of July in the 6-Million Acre Adirondack Park

Recommendations and tips for the best events, parades, fireworks, and festivities to commemorate Independence Day.

Celebrating the 4th of July in the Adirondacks is a uniquely enchanting experience that blends the grandeur of nature with the patriotic fervor of Independence Day. The Adirondack Mountains offer a picturesque backdrop for a day filled with festivities, adventure, and reflection.

The region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, dense forests, sparkling lakes, and majestic peaks. It also played a crucial role in American history during the colonial and revolutionary periods. Fort Ticonderoga, Lake George Battlefield, and Fort William Henry all played significant roles in the French and Indian Wars and the Revolutionary War, making the region a fitting and relevant place to celebrate America’s independence.

Immerse yourself in the Adirondacks’ incomparable beauty.

Many visitors and locals start their day over the July 4th weekend with an early morning hike.

Consider embarking on the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge, the perfect blend of nature and history.

For those who prefer a more leisurely morning, the Adirondack lakes are a prime spot for kayaking, canoeing, or simply lounging by the shore. Check out one of the more than 3,000 lakes across the Park.

Take an opportunity to go beyond the usual suspects — Lake George or Lake Placid — and visit Schoon Lake, Long Lake, Old Forge, or stunning Blue Mountain Lake. Paddling across the calm waters, one can often spot bald eagles soaring overhead, a fitting symbol of American freedom and resilience.

Celebrate the 4th of July in the Adirondack Tri-Lakes and High Peaks region.

During the bustling 4th of July weekend, visitors eagerly flock to the captivating destinations of the Adirondacks’ Tri-Lakes and High Peaks region, including stunning Lake Placid village, charming Saranac Lake, and the picturesque Tupper Lake, along with their quaint surrounding towns.

The energetic atmosphere is filled with the sounds of laughter and celebration as families and friends gather to enjoy breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and festive fireworks that illuminate the starry sky.

Known as the site of two Winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid offers guests a hometown 4th of July experience, as well as numerous other historic and cultural diversions.

On July 5, don’t miss the Star-Spangled Ski Jump competition at the Lake Placid Ski Jumping Complex.

Visitors to Tupper Lake can celebrate Independence Day with live music, a professional baseball game and fireworks. Meanwhile, in Saranac Lake, planned festivities include a spectacular fireworks display on July 4. Other weekend activities include a vintage boat show, the Runabout Rendezvous, and the thrilling Willard Hanmer Guideboat, Canoe, and Kayak race.

Enjoy festivities from Lake George to Lake Champlain.

The eastern Adirondacks, stretching from Lake George in the south to Lake Champlain in the north, played a significant role in colonial and Revolutionary War history. Historians consider the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 as the “first victory” in the American Revolution.

Further south, Lake George was a focal point of activity during the French and Indian War in colonial times. Fort William Henry also serves as the backdrop for James Fenimore Cooper’s epic novel, “The Last of the Mohicans.

So, it should come as no surprise that the region hosts numerous events commemorating Independence Day. The village of Ticonderoga hosts their annual Best 4th in the North from July 1 through 4, 2025, four days of fun and celebration on Lake Champlain.

Historic Fort Ticonderoga has scheduled numerous special events and programs throughout the holiday weekend, July 4-6, 2025.

Experience the early days of the Revolutionary War, where the first soldiers of the Continental Army fought for liberty. Guests will witness these citizen-soldiers preparing a range of weapons, both large and small, to defend Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain.

On July 3, the Town of Hague, located on the northwestern shore of Lake George, presents an evening filled with fireworks, live music, delicious food, and summer fun for the entire family.

Visit Schroon Lake on July 4 for a day of revelry, including family fun and entertainment, an Elvis Tribute Show, live music and concerts, and a gala fireworks display.

Celebrating the 4th of July in the lovely village of Bolton Landing on Lake George offers a unique blend of natural beauty and lively activities. Visitors are attracted to Bolton for its stunning lake views, refined style, and authentic Adirondack charm. On July 4, the town sponsors live music, magic shows, and a fireworks spectacular.

Fort William Henry in Lake George Village hosts a variety of events. Attend a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 pm on July 4, 5 and 6.

Visit the Fort on July 4 and enjoy giant yard games, live music and haunted history tours. Plus, have a front-row seat for Lake George’s spectacular Fireworks display.

Lake George’s annual 4th of July Fireworks display has become a cherished tradition for countless families and friends in the Southern Adirondacks. Each year, the night sky is transformed into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colors and dazzling patterns, captivating spectators of all ages.

Experience an old-fashioned 4th of July revelry in towns across the Central Adirondacks.

While some of the Adirondacks’ top destinations, like Lake Placid and Lake George, offer big Fourth of July events, small towns in places like the Central Adirondacks put on super-fun and entertaining celebrations.

Start your Independence Day holiday weekend with fireworks on Piseco Lake on July 3. Old Forge offers an all-day celebration, beginning with the Forge Festival of Art and Craft at View Arts Center, featuring more than 50 vendors selling a wide range of handcrafted products. The day continues with live music and fireworks on the lakefront.

Long Lake’s July 4th game is strong, with an all-American feast prepared by the Long Lake Fire Department and strawberry shortcake served up by the Lions Club. Live music, entertainment, and fireworks make for a truly memorable day.

For the Fourth of July weekend, the little town of Speculator goes BIG for Independence Day. Events take place on July 5 with a spirited parade. Special guests this year include DownBeat Percussion, the official drumline of the Buffalo Bills. The day includes a carnival and stunning fireworks.

No matter how you choose to observe Independence Day, there is no better place the celebrate than in the six-million acre Adirondack Park.