Rhythm & Booms, Madison’s annual celebration of Independence Day at Warner Park, complete with live music, a carnival, a baseball game and one of the largest fireworks displays in the area, takes place on Saturday (rain date: Monday, July 5). I’ve gone several times to Warner Park, and while it’s a fun time for all ages, the traffic nightmares after the event keep me from going more regularly.

For example, I’ve sat in traffic for two hours only to move a few hundred yards, and I’ve feared for my safety on a bike as pedestrians and cars continue to block your way. That’s why I appreciate the alternate locations to watch Rhythm & Booms, and here’s my favorite:

Governor Nelson State Park, which is situated on the north side of Lake Mendota, off County Highway M. The vehicle fee is only $7 for state residents, or you can buy the annual pass for $25.

The advantages of Governor Nelson over Warner Park include:

• Ease in exiting. With far fewer people here, the traffic moves at a better pace. Plus, the park is just two miles west of State Highway 113 and less than five miles east of U.S. Highway 12.
• Time. Unlike Warner Park, where you have to get there fairly early to find parking even remotely close, you can arrive after 5-6 p.m. and still find plenty of parking and space in the park to place your blanket.
• The park itself. You can spend all day on the beach, swim, throw a Frisbee, grill out, hike, etc.

The main disadvantage of Gov. Nelson is that it’s somewhat difficult to see the lower fireworks. But the view makes up for that, as you look across the lake to see downtown on the right and the (higher) fireworks on the left. Don’t forget the bug spray!