Lake George Village is known for its spectacular Independence Day fireworks. The display is shot off from two barges positioned on the lake, and the fireworks are viewable from spots all along the Southern Basin. The 2018 Lake George July 4th fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Village officials are expecting several thousand spectators at this year’s show, which can create traffic and parking headaches for the unprepared.
Getting into and out of Lake George Village for the 4th of July fireworks
Village Mayor Robert Blais recommends that those who wish to drive into the Village for the fireworks arrive before 6 p.m. to avoid the worst of the traffic. While Shepard Park and the Lakefront Walkway are popular spots to view the show, spots just outside the Village, including Usher Park on Route 9L and the Village Recreation Center on Transfer Road (just West of Northway Exit 21 on Route 9N) also offer excellent views.
After the show, drivers should plan for a 1 – 1½ hour delay exiting the Village (time to grab an ice cream and play some arcade games.) Southbound traffic tends to be stop-and-go along Canada Street. Drivers who are parked on the Village back streets may avoid complete gridlock by entering Canada Street from streets regulated by traffic lights — McGillis, Montcalm and Amherst.
The Mayor suggests southbound drivers take Route 9L along the lake’s East Side to pick up Bloody Pond Road or Bay Road as an alternative to Route 9. Another option is to head north and pick up the Adirondack Northway (I-87) at Exit 22.
Related: Fireworks and New York State Law — what is legal?
Fireworks cruises on Lake George
The Lake George Steamboat Company is running all three ships during the 4th of July fireworks. Also, tickets are still available for Lake George Shoreline’s Family Fireworks Cruise aboard the Horicon and the Fireworks Dinner Cruise aboard the Adirondac.
Where to park and how much it will cost
Metered parking on Village streets is $1.00 per hour. Public parking lots in the Village — Beach Road, James Street and the Quirk Lot on Canada Street (three buildings north of Sewell Street) are $2 per hour. Private parking lots generally charge daily rates between $10 and $20. Village residents are permitted to open their property for parking on July 4 until 11 p.m. The state parking lot at Lake George Beach (Million Dollar Beach) normally closes at 9 p.m. but stays open late on nights the Village holds fireworks. The charge per car is $10, and the site offers a quick exit to Route 9L. The Village of Lake George also notes parking is available at the Lake George Forum and the Village parking lot off Exit 22 of the Adirondack Northway, I-87.
The Greater Glens Falls Transit runs a trolley from points south to Beach Road and is a good option for those that want to park their vehicle at the Lake George outlets and ride into the Village. Visit the GGFT website for a schedule.
The Village of Lake George’s weekly Thursday night fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 12.
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