The public can watch fireworks at several Indiana State Park properties in recognition of Independence Day. Standard gate fees of $7 for in-state vehicles and $9 for out-of-state vehicles will apply for admission throughout the day at each site.
Social distancing is expected when visiting state park properties, and masks are recommended. Please enjoy your visit responsibly for the safety of other guests and DNR staff. Personal fireworks are prohibited at Indiana State Parks.
In the days before each event, watch individual state park Facebook pages for any updates or changes based on weather.
Sites currently scheduled to host fireworks shows and viewing are:
Clifty Falls State Park
The City of Madison’s fireworks, scheduled for 10 p.m. on July 4, can be viewed from Clifty Falls State Park. Additionally, Clifty Inn will host a viewing area for inn guests.
Patoka Lake
Enjoy the 15th annual “Thunder Over Patoka” fireworks display at Patoka Lake Beach on July 4. Fireworks will start around 10 p.m. Bring family and friends, lawn chairs, and blankets. The beach will be the primary viewing area.
Expect increased traffic. Anyone planning to attend the fireworks should plan to arrive early to the property and beach area. The staff recommends spending the entire day at Patoka Lake to ensure getting in for the show. While there, visit the Nature Center, have a family picnic, play a round of disc golf and enjoy the beach. Parking spots will be limited, and staff expects to meet parking capacity. Once that happens, vehicles will be let into Newtown-Stewart State Recreation Area, one by one, only as another vehicle leaves.
Campers who leave through the entrance gate anytime on July 4 should expect that they may not be able to re-enter the property very quickly. A special viewing section has been set up for fireworks viewing in the modern campground’s section C. If viewing fireworks from the beach, campers should follow the path past the camp store to the beach instead of driving. This will allow vehicle traffic at the beach for those entering the property on the day of the fireworks.
Pokagon State Park
The July 4 fireworks display presented on Lake James by the Lake James Association is currently continuing as planned; however, the traditional guest shuttle service will not be offered this year due to social distancing requirements. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Guests may park in designated paved lots throughout the park. Pokagon will provide a drop off only lane at the inn, but vehicles cannot be left at that location, and shuttles will not run to the parking lots. Guests are asked to please plan accordingly.
Raccoon SRA (Cecil M. Harden Lake)
Raccoon SRA’s fireworks show is scheduled for 10 p.m. on July 4, sponsored and provided by the Raccoon Lake Homeowners Association. The Bellmore Fire Department contracts the pyrotechnics company, and they will be collecting free-will donations in lieu of gate entrance fees from 4 to 10 p.m. The beach will serve as the primary viewing venue.
Postponed and canceled events
- Versailles State Park’s fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 11.
- Monroe Lake’s will host its fireworks on Sept. 6, the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.
- Fireworks at Indiana Dunes State Park and Mississinewa Lake have been canceled for this year.