Fireworks in the Midwest: Here are 7 shows worth driving to from Springfield
Traveling or want to take a short drive for Independence Day?
The Midwest has some of the best fireworks shows in the nation.
Here are a few displays within an easy drive of Springfield this Fourth of July and beyond.
More: Springfield bars already bracing for end of 3 a.m. liquor licenses
Chicago
What: USA Today recently crowned Chicago’s Navy Pier the top destination to watch fireworks this summer. You can view the sky shows from most areas of the lakefront immediately north and south of Navy Pier, which is in the Streeterville neighborhood. Other prime viewing spots: hotel rooftops, Maggie Daley Park or along the Lakefront Trail.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
When: Every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and every Saturday at 10 p.m. through Labor Day. There is a special firework spectacular on July 2.
More: Visit navypier.org
St. Louis
What: Celebrate St. Louis, the former Fair St. Louis, has a parade, airshow and music by Lupe Fiasco and the Urge.
Where: Gateway Arch grounds, St. Louis
When: July 4. Fireworks at 9:40 p.m.
More: Visit celebratesaintlouis.org
Bloomington
What: Miller Park provides a pastoral setting for the annual sky concert, which you can follow along to on WJBC-AM 1230.
Where: Miller Park, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington
When: July 4. Fireworks approximately 9:15 p.m.
More: Visit bloomingtonparks.org
Normal
What: At Fairview Park, there are family friendly activities, like face painting and inflatables beginning at 5:30 p.m. and live music beginning at 6 p.m.
Where: Fairview Park, 801 N. Main St., Normal
When: July 4. Fireworks approximately 9:15 p.m.
More: Visit normalil.gov
Peoria
What: Enjoy Red, White and Boom fireworks launched from a barge in the middle of the Illinois River.
Where: Downtown Peoria along the riverfront, Water Street
When: July 4. 9:30 p.m.
More: Visit redwhiteandboom.us
More: Here's where to enjoy fireworks in the Springfield area throughout the summer
Indianapolis
What: Downtown Indy's Fourth Fest features live music, food trucks, ice cream stands, beverages and a kids zone on St. Clair Street and American Legion Mall. The best viewing areas are on the Indiana War Memorial grounds and American Legion Mall.
Where: Launch site is at 500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
When: July 4. Approximately 10 p.m. (EDT)
More: Visit downtownindy.org
Quad Cities
What: Red, White and Boom fireworks are shot off from two barges in the Mississippi River. Prime viewing areas include LeClaire Park, 400 Biederbeck Drive, Davenport, and Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island, both with live music and food vendors. You can also enjoy the view from Modern Woodmen Park, 209 Gaines St., Davenport, where the Class A Quad Cities River Bandits play the Cedar Rapids Kernels at 6 p.m.
Where: Mississippi River, Quad Cities
When: July 3. Approximately 9:30 p.m.
More: Visit redwhiteandboomqc.org
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; [email protected]; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Fireworks near Springfield: 7 places to drive to watch fireworks
