It’s almost the Fourth of July and many Illinois residents will be gearing up to view nearby fireworks displays.
But large-scale displays aren’t for everyone. Some spend the time just before the Fourth looking for nearby fireworks shops to cop their own DIY setup.
For those looking to celebrate Independence Day with their own flash of bright colors, here’s a breakdown of where to find the closest fireworks.
Are fireworks legal in Illinois?
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall urges residents to remember that in most cases consumer fireworks are illegal for personal use in Illinois. This includes handheld fireworks, bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers.
Consumer fireworks displays are only legally allowed in certain villages, counties and municipalities. Residents of these areas must adhere to requirements for use and only utilize approved types.
Otherwise, Illinois residents may travel across the state border to participate in personal displays in neighboring states like Missouri, Indiana and Wisconsin.
Where to buy fireworks near Chicago
Just past the Indiana border are a boatload of fireworks stores, with the closest likely being Krazy Kaplans and Smokeshop Fireworks in Whiting.
Both are about a 25 minute drive and less than 17 miles from downtown Chicago.
Those heading north out of the city can head about 60 miles to Black Bull Fireworks or Freedom Fireworks LLC near Trevor, though that’ll likely take closer to an hour and a half depending on traffic.
Where to buy fireworks near Peoria
The closest fireworks shop for Peoria residents is likely Super Dave’s Fireworks Super Store in Sperry, Iowa. The shop is about two hours and 110 miles west depending on the route.
Also two hours and about 135 miles in the opposite direction is Shelton Fireworks in Covington, Indiana.
Where to buy fireworks near Springfield
Springfield residents can drive about an hour and 40 minutes west to Noni’s Fireworks, TNT Fireworks or Fireworks City. The shops are all located about 90 miles away in Louisiana, Missouri.
Two and a half hours and about 135 miles in the opposite direction are Sky Thunder Fireworks, Boomer’s Fireworks Superstore and Phil’s Phireworks in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Where to buy fireworks near Champaign
Champaign is just a short 45 minute drive and less than 50 miles from Shelton Fireworks in Covington, Indiana.
Where to buy fireworks near Bloomington
Like Peoria and Champaign, Bloomington residents’ closest bet is Shelton Fireworks in Covington, Indiana. The shop is about an hour and a half and 95 miles southeast.
About two hours and 20 minutes and 130 miles in the opposite direction is Castle Fireworks LLC in Burlington, Iowa.
Where to buy fireworks near Rockford
Rockford residents are extremely close to a handful of fireworks shops across the Wisconsin border.
The closest is Cornellier Fireworks, which is right across the state border in Beloit. The shop is just 30 minutes and about 17 miles directly north of Rockford.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Fireworks are illegal in Illinois. Where to get them when you’re out of state
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
