Chicago's July 3rd fireworks

Chicago's Independence Day fireworks show is, for some reason, on July 3rd. This show is truly extraordinary—this coming from a guy whose senses have been dulled by watching fireworks twice a week for a decade. Hundreds of thousands of people show up to watch the show. From the water, the two most popular locations are inside and outside Monroe Harbor.

Regardless of where you will be watching from, the key is to get out early. Very early. The Chicago Harbor Lock, the mouth of Monroe Harbor, and movement within Monroe Harbor will all shut down before the fireworks. The exact times are always in flux and appear to be up to the Coast Guard's whim. The fireworks themselves usually start between 9:00 and 9:45.

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