Here are seven parks and rooftops where you can watch Milwaukee's July 3 fireworks
When it comes to Independence Day fireworks in the Milwaukee area, the display downtown on July 3 is the best.
The fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. and lasts about 45 minutes. Each year, it attracts tens of thousands of people to the lakefront to watch.
The fireworks are blasted off barges on Lake Michigan near Veterans Park.
Here are seven places you can watch the show, whether you want a popular spot or somewhere less crowded.
Related: Why Milwaukee's biggest fireworks happen July 3
Veterans Park
The park is the most natural place to go for firework viewing. It's where most people go to watch Milwaukee's firework show.
If you want to get a good spot, get there early. People will get there when the park opens at sunrise, around 5:30 a.m.
If you get there early, there will be ways to keep yourself entertained all day.
There are food vendors and a beer truck serving beer from four local breweries. There also will be a kite festival that day.
The park is at 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive.
The Blu at Pfister
Watch the fireworks in style by reserving a table at The Blu at Pfister.
The bar is on the 23rd floor of the Pfister Hotel and gives a clear view of fireworks. It's also probably the fanciest way you can view the fireworks.
Each reservation includes includes one bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, dessert and charcuterie display.
Reservation packages on July 3 are as follows:
“Blu” table: $500 table reservation next to a window for up to four guests.
“White” table: $300 per table for up to two guests with a partial window view.
“Red” table: $400 per table for up to four guests with partial window view.
Learn more details online at blumilwaukee.com or call (414) 273-8222 .
The Pfister Hotel is at 424 E Wisconsin Ave.
Summerfest grounds
Anywhere along the lakefront gives a good view of the fireworks, and the Summerfest grounds are no exception. Take a break from the show you're watching and head to the rocks on the east side of the venue.
The fireworks might make for an interesting background to venues on the north end of the grounds too.
Going to Summerfest that day could be as cheap as going to any other park (free!). Summerfest is offering free admission to the first 15,000 people who download the Summerfest app. General admission is normally $23.
Summerfest is at 639 East Summerfest Place.
Kadish Park
You don't have to go to a rooftop to get a bird's eye view. Go to Kadish Park off North Avenue in Riverwest for a park that overlooks the city.
The park is found on the south side of North Avenue as the road winds up a hill toward North Holton Street. There are no trees or buildings blocking the view from the park, giving a great landscape view.
Kadish Park is at 750 East North Ave.
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The View at TRIO
The View at TRIO on Old World Third Street will be throwing a rooftop party for the fireworks.
It will cost you $49 to go to the top of the building. The price includes an open bar from 6 to 9 p.m. along with appetizers. After 9 p.m. drink specials will continue until midnight.
Learn more details at eventbrite.com/e/july-3rd-rooftop-fireworks-viewing-at-trio-tickets or call (414) 800-6240.
Trio is located at 1023 N. Old World Third St. The View is on the third floor.
South Shore Park
Get away from the craziness of downtown and watch the fireworks from Bay View.
You won't be the only one there, but it will be less busy than downtown where the fireworks go off.
While you're waiting at South Shore Park, you'll be able to enjoy the South Shore Beer Garden, which will be open until 10 p.m.
South Shore Park is at 2900 S. Shore Drive.
North Point Tower
Go to the old water tower off Lake Drive and North Avenue for a close, but not too close, spot to catch fireworks.
The tower is about a mile north of all the excitement. You'll be able to see and hear the fireworks, but not be too crowded.
There's a green area good for sitting just south of the tower, and another green area just east of the tower.
North Point Tower is at 2288 N. Lake Drive.
Jordyn Noennig covers pop culture and entertainment in Milwaukee. Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-446-6601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.
RELATED: What you need to know about the July 3 fireworks in Milwaukee
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee fireworks: Where to watch July 3 display from parks and bars
