There are few better times of the year than Independence Day in Champaign-Urbana. If you are looking for information on Fourth of July celebrations or other things to do on the holiday with your family, check out our Fourth of July events guide and our Fourth of July fireworks guide.
What else do you need to know about the Fourth of July in Champaign-Urbana? Independence Day is a federal and state holiday, as well as state and university holiday, meaning that it is one of those rare days where all government entities close in Champaign-Urbana. Of course, this year the 4th falls on a Thursday. So let’s review what’s open and closed this year on the 4th:
Here’s what we know to be open:
Grocery stores, most major big box stores, many national retailers and chain restaurants/fast food. Some grocery stores may have altered hours.
Market Place Shopping Center is open (11 a.m.-7 p.m.).
Swimming pools: Some may have special events or hours — check out the fun at Sholem Aquatic Center and Crystal Lake Aquatic Center.
Other open attractions: Prairie Farm in Champaign. Allerton Park in Monticello. And Clinton Lake Beach. Movie theaters, in case you want some A/C.
Lake of the Woods boating: open, weather permitting. Other local boating and canoeing options (The Lake House at Crystal Lake Park, Kickapoo Adventures in Oakwood, Clinton Marina) are open as well — see our list here.
We’ve listed what we know to be CLOSED on the 4th:
Government offices: Federal, state, county and city administrative offices closed.
Postal service: All post offices will be closed. No mail will be delivered.
Courts: Federal, state and county closed.
Banks: Closed. The New York Stock Exchange also closed.
Libraries: All are closed.
Transit: No CUMTD bus service. Amtrak operates as usual.
University of Illinois: “Closed.” (Well, as closed as it gets.)
Parking: As a city and University of Illinois holiday, metered parking in Champaign and Urbana is free on July 4; the parking decks in downtown Champaign and Urbana are also free. Beware that parking might be restricted due to fireworks (or on parade routes in towns holding them).
Museums: All are closed on July 4.