HOLIDAY

Celebrating the 4th of July: Here are 5 things to do in Galesburg this holiday weekend

Jay Redfern
Galesburg Register-Mail

GALESBURG — Looking for Fourth of July activities in Galesburg this holiday weekend? Here are a few things you can do:

Fireworks

Fireworks explode around an illuminated American Flag during the annual Big Bang Boom 4th of July fireworks show at Lake Storey Park.

Galesburg Parks and Recreation will celebrate Big Bang Boom at Lake Storey Park on Monday along with WGIL and The LASER. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk. The fireworks launch site will be on the south side of the lake on the edge of the campground, and residents can find the best viewing locations on the lake's north bank.

July 4th celebrations:Where to see fireworks in Galesburg, Monmouth, Abingdon, Knoxville

Swimming at Lake Storey Beach

Throughout the day, patrons can enjoy free swimming at Lake Storey Beach. The designated swimming area is a "swim at your own risk" facility, with no lifeguards on site. The lakefront provides a beautiful sandy beach, and locker room facilities for the convenience of patrons visiting the park and beach.  

Boat, kayak and canoe rentals

Adult and youth kayaks are available to rent at Lake Storey Park.

Lake Storey boat rentals are open from noon to 7 p.m., weather permitting. The last boat goes out at 5:45 p m. Boat rentals are available and include adult and youth kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, paddle boats and canoes. Rental fees are $10 per hour, per boat and include the use of PFD life jackets and paddles.

Kayak launches are available at the beach dock and east boat ramp off Rt. 150, allowing free accessibility to Lake Storey for public use. Lake Storey Beach also offers a free sand volleyball court to add to the fun in the sun. Participants can check out a volleyball at the boat rental as well.

Please help keep the parks and aquatic facilities clean and safe by taking back or throwing away items you bring in with you. The City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation Division wants to help make this Fourth of July safe and enjoyable for everyone using the parks and recreational facilities. All fireworks and alcohol are prohibited in public parks and facilities. 

What's new at Lakeside Water Park?:Three body flume water slides for starters

Swimming, pool fun at Lakeside Water Park

Kids cool off in the new water attraction at Lakeside Water Park, 1033 S. Lake Storey Rd., on Thursday, June 16, 2022.

In addition to Lake Storey, nearby Lakeside Water Park is open from noon to 7 p.m. on the Fourth of July holiday, with daily admission being $7. New this year at Lakeside is an interactive water play feature, including three-body flume water slides for added aquatic adventure. There is now a 122 ft. water slide, 30 ft. enclosed water slide and an 8 ft. kiddie racer water slide. 

More:Heat up the grill, but you'll pay more for this year's July 4th cookout. Here's a breakdown

Free water play facilities at local parks

Adalea Juarez, 4, of Galesburg giggles as she runs through a sprinkler at the Rotary Park Splashpad on Friday, June 4, 2021.

Citizens can also cool off at the many free aquatic facilities in the local parks. Wading pools are free and located at Lincoln Park, H.T. Custer Park and O.N. Custer Park with a different water feature at each one. Free Splash Pads are located at Kiwanis Park and Rotary Park. Guests to these facilities can also enjoy picnicking, walking trails and playgrounds.  

More information on Galesburg Parks and Recreation options can be found on the City of Galesburg website.