These Illinois Towns Throw Legendary 4th Of July Celebrations

Major US cities usually put on a big fireworks extravaganza, but for smaller towns, it can be difficult to pull a celebration together. First, fireworks are expensive, and small towns do not always have the funds or the businesses that can contribute. Plus, it takes a lot of volunteers to make everything go smoothly. Illinois, however, has many smaller towns that go all out to show their patriotic spirit. If your town doesn't have a celebration, here are some that do. While you're planning your visit, you might just want to stay awhile and enjoy all the other activities they have.

Alton, July 3

Kick off your Independence Day celebration a day early in Alton, because this town holds its Alton Fireworks Spectacular on July 3 each year. The party starts at 5 pm at the Alton Amphitheater in Riverfront Park, on the Mississippi River. Come hungry to sample offerings from the different food trucks and enjoy family-friendly activities. Live music takes the stage at 8 pm, followed by fireworks when night falls. The amphitheater hosts events all summer, including the Food Truck Festival on August 23 and the Jazz & Wine Festival on August 30.

Alton has another side, however, a dark side that you might want to explore. It is well known as a town that is...haunted. In fact, it is often called one of the most haunted small towns in America. McPike Mansion, built in 1869, seems to be the center of paranormal activity, and people who take photos say they see strange orbs or even figures in the photos that were not visible when the photos were taken. Grounds are open 10 am to 8 pm free of charge. To tour inside, register and pay online. Alton Hauntings offers a three-hour walking tour that takes you to other haunted spots in the town, and Alton Odyssey Tour covers the haunted spots by trolley.

Stockton, July 4

Claiming to have the largest and longest-running July 4th celebration in the region, the town of Stockton, in the northwest corner of the state, has been welcoming residents and visitors to its event for over 50 years. It has grown through the years, now starting at noon and going all day until 10 pm. Admission is free and includes bounce houses, a Kiddie Tractor Pull, games and contests, over 70 vendors to shop from, a three-on-three basketball tournament, a classic car show, BINGO, live entertainment, and, once it gets dark, a spectacular fireworks show. Order a one-quarter chicken BBQ dinner from the Lions Club ($10) to help fund community projects.

Giant murals throughout the downtown tell Stockton's story. As you walk through the streets viewing the murals, note the many buildings designed in the Queen Anne style of architecture, prominent from the 1880s to the early 1900s, with their turrets, gables, colorful facades, and intricate details inside and out. Stella's Cafe, on North Main Street, is in an 1890s building that is on the National Historic Registry. Apple River Canyon State Park in Stockton is a great place to see wildlife, hike the limestone cliffs, and view Apple River Canyon Falls.

Yorkville, July 4

About 60 miles west of Chicago, the town of Yorkville starts Independence Day early and goes all day. A parade begins at 9 am at Yorkville High School and ends at the water tower at Town Square Park. Floats do not need to pre-register; just line up at 7:30 am. Anyone can walk in the parade, too, as long as they can keep up the pace. After the parade, children's foot races will be organized by age, bounce houses, family activities, vendors selling food and drinks (with more vendors added throughout the day), and a special performance by the Yorkville Community Band. Stake out your viewing spot early for the fireworks, which begin at dusk.

Nicknamed the town "with a river in its heart," Yorkville offers many water activities along the Fox River. If you like to canoe or kayak, check out the Marge Cline Whitewater Course at Bicentennial Riverfront Park and the Fox River Trail. Raging Waves, the state's largest waterpark, is a fun afternoon excursion. For comfort food in a relaxed, rustic atmosphere, visit Southbank Original Barbecue for their slow-cooked pork and homemade sauces, plus gumbo, jambalaya, and meatloaf, with outdoor seating along the river.

Grafton, July 5

When you want to celebrate our nation's independence for more than one day, celebrate on the 4th and then head to Grafton, where fireworks light up the sky on July 5th, instead. The event is billed as Fireworks on the Riverfront, which you can watch from your car, rent a boat and watch from the water, or spread out blankets and lawn chairs right under the stars. The fireworks are scheduled from 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm, but get there early to secure your spot! If you stay at Aerie's Resort & Winery, you can watch the celebration from your elevated terrace.

Be sure to visit Grove Memorial Park and the Grafton Lighthouse, which were built to commemorate the Great Flood of 1993. All of the riverfront buildings were destroyed in the flood, and the park stands as testimony to the town's resilience. The unusual Grafton Lighthouse is located in the park. For great food with a view, try The Loading Dock Bar and Grill, housed in the old Grafton Boatworks, where boats were built from the 1700s through the Vietnam War.

Mundelein, July 3 to July 6

For the grandest, longest, all-encompassing Independence Day celebration in Illinois, plan to enjoy the four-day Mundelein Community Days from July 3 through July 6, 2025. Food is available daily from noon until closing, and a carnival runs from 2 pm to 11 pm daily (closing at 8 pm Sunday). During the four-day celebration, there will be arts and crafts, balloon twisting, face painting, magicians, a caricature artist, dancers, musicians, a DJ, Bingo, a 5K race, hot dog and wing eating contests, fire engine rides, pony rides, and much more.

While in Mundelein, make time to visit some of its many parks. Kracklauer Park recently unveiled its new inclusive, accessible playground for people of all abilities and ages. The park also has pickleball and boccia courts, a walking path, a pollinator garden, and a picnic area. Fishing is available at many parks, including Hanrahan Park, which also has biking, a fitness trail, and a walking trail. Diamond Lake Beach has a lake for swimming and boating, soft sand, and rentals of paddle boats, standup paddle boards, and kayaks.

Celebrate Your Way

Whether you want to celebrate the US Independence Day traditionally with fireworks on July 4th, get an early start on July 3rd, wait until July 5th, or enjoy a four-day extravaganza like no other, you have options in the state of Illinois. Some towns, like Alton and Grafton, have fireworks and festivities on the riverfront, their sparkling colors and flashes reflecting in the water. Others, like Stockton, put together a full day of activities for kids and adults, from bounce houses to Bingo. Few go as far as Mundelein, however, putting on a four-day party featuring musicians and magicians, eating contests, and an all-day, every-day carnival. Wherever you go in Illinois, chances are a spectacular July 4th celebration is nearby.