Chicago Fireworks Guide

Two-hundred and forty years ago this Monday, our Founding Fathers gathered together, joined hands in unison and declared the original #Brexit.

Then somewhere down the line, someone equally astute figured out that ambitious pyrotechnic displays are a great way to commemorate that occasion. And you will see one of said displays three days from now, over Lake Michigan.

The only question: whence should a discerning gent watch?

Our answer(s)? Right here, in the Chicago Fireworks Guide, a handy compendium of the seven best spots to catch the show come sundown.

Photo: Adler Planetarium/Flickr
Adler Planetarium
South Loop

When Navy Pier presumably reaches max capacity, you’ll wish you came to the front lawn of the Adler Planetarium first. It’s dark out here, meaning it’s prime for a fireworks show. Pick any spot for unobstructed cityscape views.

www.adlerplanetarium.org
Museum Campus (map)

Cindy’s
Thee Loop

Ah, Cindy’s. A modern classic. The terrace that Fourth of July fireworks shows were made for. And given this aerie offers crystal-clear views of the lake and it’s glass-enclosed, there will not be a bad seat in the house.

www.cindysrooftop.com
12 S. Michigan Ave. (map)

Seadog Cruises
Lake Michigan

One of the best places to catch fireworks? On the water. And our pick this year goes to Seadog Cruises. It’s the most casual and relaxed of the seafaring fireworks cruises, and there’s really no reason to get fancy.

www.seadogcruises.com
at Navy Pier (map)

Photo: Foster Beach/Flickr
Foster Beach
Edgewater

Every year, Saddle & Cycle Club offers their members a private fireworks display on July 4th. Luckily for everyone else, they can be seen for miles around. We suggest setting up a picnic at Foster Beach, which sits right in front of the property.

www.cpdbeaches.com
5200 N. Lake Shore Dr. (map)

LH Rooftop
The Loop

The newest toast of Downtown’s rooftop dining scene, LH Rooftop will offer a lovely vantage point of the explosions in the sky and the spectators below. We’ve said it before, but reservations are a must. Take note: it’s a two-hour reservation, so take a gander at Navy Pier’s fireworks schedule (10:15 p.m. on Saturday 7/2 and 9:30 p.m. on Monday 7/4) and book accordingly.

www.londonhousechicago.com/rooftop
85 E. Wacker Dr. (map)

Photo: Promontory Point/Flickr
Promontory Point
Hyde Park

When you’ve got a large group and need to splay out, you’d do well to head south to Promontory Point in Hyde Park. Like the Planetarium, it’s a straight-shot view of the main show.

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
5941 S. Shore Drive (map)

Photo: Clark Street Beach/Flickr
Clark Street Beach
Evanston

If you’re planning to avoid the city all together with family in tow, Evanston is always a safe bet. The lion’s share of the festivities are happening at Clark Street Beach, where the Palatine Concert Band will provide the patriotic soundtrack for your celebration.

www.cityofevanston.com
1811 Sheridan Rd. (map)