Grant Park

Located between the Loop and Lake Michigan, Grant Park is known as Chicago’s front yard.  It covers 319 acres.  The park was built after the 1871 Great Chicago Fire on landfill and the 1893 Columbian Exhibition was held here.  It is named for former president/Civil War general and Chicago-area native Ulysses S. Grant.  The recently completed Millennium Park is at the northwest corner of the park, and acts as a gateway.

Grant Park was designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm and is modeled after parks of the French Renaissance.  It is highlighted by gardens and wide walkways.  The centerpiece is Buckingham Fountain, one of the largest in the world.  A gift from philanthropist Kate Sturges Buckingham, the fountain was dedicated in 1927 and is set apart by the Beaux Arts design and finely wrought bronze sculpture.  Be sure to stop by in the evenings from April through October.  Every hour between dusk and 22:00 a spectacular light and water show is held.

Come to Grant Park for a respite from the hustle and bustle of Chicago.  The manicured lawns and gardens are in stark contrast to the downtown skyline across the street.  Grab a book and watch the natives as the enjoy their lunch breaks or a jog.  No trip to Chicago is complete without a stroll down the lakefront either.  The Chicago Museum Campus is located at the southern end of the park.

Telephone: (312) 742 7648

Train: Randolph/Wabash, Harrison, Adams
Admission: Free admission.