July 4th Weekend Downtown
May 28, 2009 | 9:22 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MSN
Programs: DL, AA, UA
Posts: 294
July 4th Weekend Downtown
I'll be staying at the Fairmont downtown July 3-5. I read in a past thread where someone recommended watching the NYE fireworks from the Museum Campus; does the same apply for July 4th (actually July 3rd)? We'll be at Taste of Chicago and have walked from the river down to Shedd in the past so the distance isn't an issue. Other suggestions on great places to watch the fireworks? Thanks!
Jun 7, 2009 | 1:34 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: United 1K, American EXP & 3 Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist & Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 2,387
July 3rd is a lot of fun, especially if you can walk back to your nice hotel. My wife and I live across from millenium park and walk across the street to enjoy the fireworks and then go back upstairs to our comfy place. This way we avoid waiting for hours of crowds.
Jun 7, 2009 | 7:29 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Northbrook, IL
Programs: AA Platinum 2 Mill - SPG Gold
Posts: 182
fireworks from the lake
my favorite place is a boat - several of the cruise operators offer July 3 fireworks cruises. There are different types - some have food and drink and on some you can bring a cooler usually 1-2 hrs depending on what's included I think the prices are about $40 for the no food / drink fireworks cruises
Jun 8, 2009 | 9:54 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, US
Posts: 2,210
I've found that most people are in a big hurry to get out, and loop/river north bars aren't too packed. Have a drink or two and wait for the crowds to die down.
Jun 8, 2009 | 10:26 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: United 1K, American EXP & 3 Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist & Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 2,387
By waiting for hours of crowds, I mean the people that camp out for a decent view of fireworks. Given that the Fairmont is so close to the action you can stay as long or short as you feel the evening of. Sometimes the crowd feeling is very positive, sometimes I am ready to go home. Enjoy, also make sure to check out the wine bar at the Fairmont.
Jun 30, 2009 | 11:13 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Florida
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,923
If you are looking to see the July 3rd fireworks in a little bit less crowded environment, you can try the lawn above DuSable Harbor. This is the area north of where Randolph St. ends at the lake. The fireworks are launched to the south so you will be viewing them over the boats docked in the harbor.
From the Fairmont, go to the river walk then walk east to the lake, then south just a bit. There will be people on the lawn by the harbor, but nowhere near the mob scene 3 blocks south of there.
If you will be there drop me a PM and I'll tell you which boat pier I will be on.
From the Fairmont, go to the river walk then walk east to the lake, then south just a bit. There will be people on the lawn by the harbor, but nowhere near the mob scene 3 blocks south of there.
If you will be there drop me a PM and I'll tell you which boat pier I will be on.