Things to Do in Chicago's Grant Park & Millennium Park
Right in the heart of Chicago where the tall buildings meet the shore of Lake Michigan, Grant Park invites locals and visitors alike to explore its many sites, attractions, and activities. Grant Park is very large, and within it is the Millennium Park area which has plenty of things to do itself. From gardens to playgrounds to bike trails to fountains to art exhibits to outdoor concert venues, it's easy to find something amazing to do in this very popular area of Chicago.
This planetarium and museum focuses on the study of astronomy and astrophysics. It was established in 1930, making it the first planetarium in the country. It is also part of Chicago's Museum Campus. From outside of the museum you can enjoy a skyline view of the city, and when the weather is calm you might even catch it's reflection in the water.
Shedd Aquarium is Chicago's indoor aquarium with more than 32,000 animals. It's located on Museum Campus and has a number of exhibits that include fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and more.
Crown Fountain is a video sculpture and work of art that's located in Chicago's Millennium Park. It opened in 2004 and has a black granite reflecting pool between two glass brick towers that display digital videos. The water is turned on between the months of May and October.
The Art Institute of Chicago dates back to 1879 and is found in Chicago's Grant Park. It's home to one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country where it houses a large collection of more than 300,000 works including Pablo Picasso's The Old Guitarist and Grant Wood's American Gothic.
"The Bean" is a 110 ton stainless steel sculpture that was designed by Anish Kapoor. It's surface is a mirror and the shape of the structure was inspired by a drop of liquid mercury. During the winter months, there is a public ice skating rink surrounding The Bean.
Maggie Daley Park is an impressive park with a 1/4 mile long ice skating/roller skating ribbon. There's also a 40 ft tall climbing wall and a play garden for kids. The playground includes a pirate ship play structure with slides, rope bridges, and climbing areas. There's also a 18 hole mini golf course in the park.
This beautiful fountain, dating back to 1927, is one of the largest in the world. Every hour between 8am and 11pm the fountain comes to life shooting 15,000 gallons of water through the air in a dramatic and impressive show. As the day turns dark, lights are added to the show. This is a highlight of a visit to Chicago's famed Grant Park
Adler Planetarium
1300 South Lake Shore Drive, South Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive, South Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
If you're looking for more information about Chicago, read Chicago's Best Neighborhoods for Architecture Lovers and What to Do in South Shore, Chicago.
Crown Fountain
Crown Fountain, Loop, Chicago, Illinois
Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue, Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60604
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
201 E Randolph St, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, 60602
Maggie Daley Park
337 E Randolph St, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, 60601
Buckingham Fountain
301 S Columbus Dr, Grant Park, Chicago, IL, 60605
Boeing Galleries
The Boeing Galleries, which include North Boeing Gallery and South Boeing Gallery, are a pair of outdoor exhibits located in Millennium Park. The galleries display a series of contemporary and modern art works.
Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60601
Interested in more travel advice for Chicago? Check out Places to Bike in Chicago and The Best Places to Run in Chicago.
Chase Promenade
Chase Promenade is a tree-lined pedestrian walkway in Millennium Park. It spans 8 acres and hosts regular exhibitions and festivals.
Chase Promenade Central, Loop, Chicago, Illinois
Lurie Garden
Lurie Garden is a 2.5 acre garden in Millennium Park. It has a number of plants including perennials, bulbs, shrubs, and trees. It's also notable for being the location of the world's largest green roof.
Loop, Chicago, Illinois
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a stage in Millennium Park that hosts regular concerts and events including the Grant Park Orchestra during the summer months (a series of free concerts). The Chicago Jazz Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and Grant Park Music Festival are all held here as well.
201 E Randolph St, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, 60601
Lakefront Trail
The Chicago Lakefront Trail is a 18.5-mile long trail that is great for running, walking, biking, and even skateboarding. It runs alone the western shore of Lake Michigan and it's popular with locals, tourists, athletes, and commuters. From the trail you can access the lake at different points and the trail passes by a number of different recreational areas including Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Burnham Park, and Jackson Park.
Chicago, IL
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Interested in more travel advice for Chicago? Check out A Fashion-Lovers Guide To Chicago and A Nature Lover's Guide to Chicago and A Train Lover's Guide to Chicago and Activities and Things to Do in the Fall in Chicago and An Art Lover's Guide to Chicago and Best Places To Enjoy A Picnic In Chicago.
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