Grant Park
Chicago - Illinois
About the park
Grant Park incorporates several parks that have been connected to the actual park over the years. Because of its numerous attractions, the park attracts several million people every year and thus serves as a year-round recreation area in the middle of the city.
Millenium Park
Description: Millennium Park is a public park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Originally planned at the turn of the millennium, it was not opened until 2004 due to several difficulties. The construction costs amounted to 475 million dollars.
Our rating: The park is huge and has a lot of attractions to offer. Everywhere are works of art and sculptures that want to be discovered. Fountains and benches invite you to linger. We liked the park very much. Also the contrast to the modern skyscrapers offers very nice photo motifs. We had a lot of fun exploring the park and can definitely recommend a visit.
The Crown Fountain
Description: The fountain was donated by Lester Crown and opened simultaneously with the millenium park in 2004. The two 15m high columns were designed by the Spanish action artist Jaume Plenesa. On them are the portraits of 1000 Chicago citizens projected. At the end of the projections, they pucker their lips and spit water.
For the GPS: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Our rating: The fountain is a really great installation. We considered it very creative and unusual. With each projection, you wait anxiously for when the water finally splashes. We definitely recommend a visit.
The Pritzker Pavilion
Description: The Pritzker Pavilion is a concert shell and forms the heart of the millennium park. It can accommodate over 10000 people. All kinds of outdoor events are held here on a regular basis. The Pavilion was designed by Frank Gehry and donated by Jan Pritzker, after whom it is named. Besides everything else, with the skyscrapers in the background, it also provides a great photo motif.
For the GPS: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Our rating: The curved steel pipes immediately catch the eye when you are walking in the park. The whole complex is very pretty to look at. Unfortunately, there was no concert during the time we were there. That would have certainly been fun.
cloud Gate
Description: Cloud Gate is a steel sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor. It consists of 168 stainless steel plates assembled together and weighs 100 tons. It cost 23 million dollars. Because of its shape, the sculpture is called The Bean . It's always busy here, because the bean offers great photo opportunities.
For the GPS: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Our rating: The Bean was definitely what I wanted to see at Millennium Park. The sculpture is just awesome. Since the surface is reflective, there are countless opportunities for cool photos. With the skyscrapers in the background, we thought it was well worth seeing. In our opinion, this one should definitely not be missed on a Chicago visit.
Buckingham Fountain
Description: The central fountain of Grant Park was designed by Edward H. Bennet and dedicated in 1927. The fountain became known to a worldwide audience when it was featured in the opening credits of the popular series Married... with Children in the early 1990s.
Since the fountain is especially beautiful when it is in operation, you should definitely check out on the official webpage when the fountains spit water.
For the GPS: 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Our rating: Whether the fountain is well known or not, it is simply beautiful to look at. Especially when it is in operation, it offers a picturesque and atmospheric sight with Lake Michigan in the background.
