Paul B Johnson State Park A250

Celebrate America 250 on the water at Paul B. Johnson State Park during our  A250 Independence Celebration! From kayak races and live entertainment to patriotic displays, parades, and fireworks over the lake—this two-day event is packed with summer fun for the entire family.

Pack your lawn chairs, your kayak, and your red, white, and blue—Paul B. Johnson State Park is the place to celebrate Independence Day weekend on the water.

July 3 | Water Activities & Evening Entertainment ($5.00 Admission Per Person)

Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Food & Craft Vendors (Lodge Area)

• Food and items sold at vendors will require additional purchases.

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Open Kayaking & Paddle Activities (Pavilion 4 / No-Wake Zone Area)

• Guests are invited to bring their own kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized paddlecraft to enjoy the lake.
• There is no age limit and no pre-registration required.
• Limited kayak rentals will be available at 1st come 1st serve basis. Current rental rates are planned at approximately $20 for four hour rental and $30 for a eight hour rental. (Pay for your rentals and sign waivers at the Camp Store. See the Watercraft Liability Waiver you'll sign here.)
• Guests bringing their own equipment must follow all park boating regulations, and will pay the $9.00/day boat launch fee.
• All participants must wear a life jacket while participating in water activities.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Instructional Paddling Activities (Pavilion 4)

• Instructional activities may be available for guests needing assistance with water safety, paddling basics, or equipment use.
• There is no age limit and no registration required.
• Additional costs would include either equipment rentals or the daily boat launch fee.
• Guests are encouraged to bring their own equipment if possible, as rental availability will be limited.
• All participants must wear life jackets or proper personal protective equipment while participating.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Patriotic Kayak Competition (Pavilion 4 / Lake)

• The patriotic competition will focus on patriotic decorations and displays.
• Participants are encouraged to decorate their kayaks, paddleboards, or other non-motorized paddlecraft in patriotic themes.
• There is no age limit, no registration required, and no additional cost to participate.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Kayak Race (Pavilion 4 / Lake)

• Guests may bring their own kayaks or use a rented kayak if available.
• There is no pre-registration required.
• Participants should be present in the designated race area prior to the scheduled start time.
• Race categories will include Men's, Women's, and Youth divisions.
• Awards will be presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division.
• There is no additional cost to participate.

• All participants must wear a life jacket while participating.

  Important Boating Notice

• Motorized boat traffic will be restricted during morning event activities for participant safety.
• Motorized boats are expected to be allowed back on the water at approximately 1:00 PM.

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Live Entertainment (Lodge Back Deck)

• Jukebox Heroes will perform live on the back deck of the lodge.
• Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and tents for viewing.
• Additional lighting and smoke effects may be incorporated into the performance.

July 4 | Full Day Celebration ($5.00 Admission Per Person)

Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Food & Craft Vendors (Lodge Area)

• Food and items sold at vendors will require additional purchases.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Golf Cart Parade

• Included with park admission.
• There is no pre-registration required.
• Participants should arrive at the designated lineup area prior to the parade beginning.
• There are no awards or judging associated with the parade.
• There is no additional participation fee beyond standard park golf cart permit requirements.

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Patriotic Ceremony

• Included with park admission.
• A250 Flag Ceremony (Grass Area Behind Lodge)
• National Anthem & Pledge (Lodge Back Deck)
• The A250 Flag Ceremony and patriotic presentation will be conducted by MDWFP Honor Guard and MDWFP Law Enforcement personnel.

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Live Entertainment Continues

• Jukebox Heroes performing live on the Lodge Back Deck.
• Included with park admission.
• Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and tents for viewing.

8:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Boat Flag Display (Lake)

• Included with park admission.
• The Boat Flag Display is a longtime park tradition featuring a large American flag displayed around the lake area.
• The display requires specialized equipment and support vehicles to safely raise and secure the flag for viewing.

9:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Fireworks Over the Lake (Included with park admission.)

Make it a full holiday weekend—book a cabin or campsite and enjoy everything Paul B. Johnson State Park has to offer, including the lake, beach area, paddling opportunities, and family-friendly recreation throughout the park!

Plan your stay: www.reserve.mdwfp.com

For more America 250 celebrations: https://www.mdwfp.com/america250