The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is just about ready for their Fourth of July fireworks show at Lake Shelbyville, and if you’re planning to head out, it’s worth knowing where to go before you load up the car. With it being America’s 250th birthday on top of limited parking at some access points to the lake, you’ll want to have a few backup plans up your sleeves!
Fireworks will launch around dusk on Saturday, July 4th, from Ramp Point in the Dam West Recreation Area. Lake Shelbyville has identified several prime viewing spots around the lake including: Dam West Recreation Area, Dam East Recreation Area, the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center, portions of the road across the dam, and Dam West Overlook.
There’s also plenty of room to watch from the water if you’ve got a boat! That night, several “on the water” viewing spots will be marked along the route too.
One important thing to plan around for the evening is at 8 p.m., Dam Road will close to traffic from the 9th Street intersection all the way to Dam East, so make sure you’re parked and settled in before then. If not, you will have to use one of the previously listed locations for a spot in sight of the fireworks.
Parking is limited around the main viewing areas, Spillway Recreation Area, Forest Park, and the Dam West High Water Boat Ramp are all good alternative parking options. If you park at the high-water ramp, you can walk to Dam West using the General Dacey Trail. Keep in mind, some of the alternate parking available will come with a walk so if that cooler is heavy or you’re loaded down with chairs, you will want something to make that walk easier.
A couple of reminders before you head out on Saturday; no outside fireworks of any kind are allowed on government property, and anyone caught in possession will face a citation. For more information, call the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at 217-774-3951.
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