Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday on Lake Hopatcong

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum invites the entire lake community to come together and celebrate America’s 250th birthday on New Jersey’s largest lake.

The day will feature:

• A patriotic motorboat parade departing from Nolan’s Point at 11:00 am
• An all-fleet sail from Bertrand Island toward Halsey Island at 11:30 am — winds willing!
• A paddler flotilla featuring kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards from Lakeshore Village (Bertrand Island) at 12:00 pm

Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats, wear red, white, and blue, and help create a spectacular scene on the water as the community celebrates America’s 250th together.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to celebrate from their shoreline properties — wave American and 250th anniversary flags, enjoy the parade as it passes by, and take part in the excitement from shore.

While public viewing areas around the lake are limited, the Brady Bridge and the River Styx Bridge will be temporarily closed for a short period during the event and will offer vantage points for viewing the parade. Plan to host a gathering with family, friends, and neighbors along the parade route to watch the boats pass and be part of the celebration from shore.

Participation in the celebration and parade is free. For more information, parade details, a route map, and to register your vessel, visit the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum website.