Enjoy the Stars This July 4 When Celebrating at Huron-Manistee National Forests

Celebrating July 4 outdoors is a national tradition and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service welcomes visitors this Friday. But remember, fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands — every forest, every campsite, every day. 

As forests expect a record number of visitors, remember — leave fireworks and sparkly displays to your city and other professional organizations. 

Nationally, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. So, with a bit of planning, you can enjoy the starry skies while being outdoors smart. 

To ensure a safe, fun Independence Day: 

• Visit the Huron-Manistee National Forests for alerts on sites and trails.
• Have backup destinations in mind, in case an area is temporarily closed or too crowded.
• Stay water smart. Lots of people escape the heat by enjoying the water this holiday.
• Do not enter cold, rapid water and never enter the water to rescue a victim. Instead, throw something that floats to the victim and call 911.
• Swimming conditions change frequently on the Great Lakes. Check current Great Lakes conditions at Great Lakes Beach Hazards.
• To escape a rip current or undertow, stay calm, float and swim parallel to the shore, not against the current. If you can't swim out of it, float until the current weakens and then swim back to shore at an angle.
• Recreate Responsibly. Note any fire restrictions in place before starting a campfire, carry tools to extinguish a flame and report a fire by calling 911.  Remember, Drown, Stir, Feel, Repeat until your fire is dead out and cold to the touch.
• Finally, Know Before You Go. 

Please remember that all Huron-Manistee National Forests’ Offices will be closed on July 4, 2025, in recognition of the Independence Day federal holiday.