Grant Park & Buckingham Fountain

Grant Park & Buckingham Fountain Review

Two of Chicago's greatest treasures reside in Grant Park—the Art Institute and Buckingham Fountain. Bordered by Lake Michigan to the east, a spectacular skyline to the west, and the Museum Campus to the south, the ever-popular Grant Park serves as the city's front yard and unofficial gathering place. This pristine open space is decked out with walking paths, a stand of stately elm trees, and formal rose gardens, where Loop dwellers and 9-to-5-ers take refuge from the concrete and steel. The park also hosts many of the city's largest outdoor events, including the annual Taste of Chicago, a vast picnic featuring foods from more than 70 restaurants. The event precedes a fireworks show around July Fourth. The fountain is a wonderful place to people-watch.The centerpiece of Grant Park is the gorgeous, tiered Buckingham Fountain (Between Columbus and Lake Shore Drs. east of Congress Plaza), which has intricate designs of pink-marble seashells, water-spouting fish, and bronze sculptures of sea horses. Built in 1927, it was patterned after a fountain at Versailles but is about twice the size of its model. See it in all its glory between May 1 and October 1, when it's elaborately illuminated at night and sprays colorfully lighted waters. Linger long enough to experience the spectacular water display that takes place every hour on the hour, and you'll see the center jet of water shoot 150 feet into the air. In late spring and summer, Buckingham Fountain Friday Tours are offered each Friday at noon and 12:30. The 30-minute tours, led by Julia Bachrach, Chicago Park District Historian, cost $50 and include a Buckingham Fountain restoration project commemorative poster. For reservations or more information contact the Parkways Foundation (312/742-5368 rsvpparkways.org). All proceeds benefit the fountain's restoration