Grant Park

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most loved and diverse public parks, with a host of family-friendly attractions and activities. It spreads across 319 acres (129 hectares) between Michigan Avenue and the banks of Lake Michigan. Grant Park is a scenic area blessed with everything from concert venues and museums to public art, statues and well-groomed lawns. Walk along wide tree-lined promenades dissecting the park.

Admire the park’s collection of statues. In the geographical heart is the beautiful Buckingham Fountain, which displays an hourly 20-minute water show from April to late October, with lights and music after dusk. A short walk from here, see a monument of a seated Abraham Lincoln and an equestrian statue of General John Logan. Wander through the different gardens to appreciate geometric designs, colorful rose bushes, orderly flowerbeds and seasonal vegetables.

Visit the park’s southwest corner to see Agora, a display of 106 headless torso sculptures inspired by the layout of a Greek plaza. Watch baseball and softball matches at the diamonds in Hutchinson Field. Enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline from the Lakefront Trail. Ice-skating is possible from November to March at the Skating Ribbon in the Maggie Daley Park area.

Browse exhibits from the 300,000 pieces of global art at the Art Institute of Chicago. To the south, the park incorporates the entertaining attractions of the Museum Campus. Among these are Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum. Catch an NFL game at Soldier Field, the home stadium of the Chicago Bears.

Time your visit to coincide with a busy schedule of summer cultural events. The Petrillo Music Shell is a stage for regular blues, country, jazz and other concerts. Sample mouthwatering dishes at July’s Taste of Chicago food festival. June’s Chicago Blues Festival and July’s Lollapalooza welcome some of the biggest names in world music.

Grant Park is just a short walk from the Printers Row and Loop – Downtown districts. Get here easily via public buses and the L train from other areas of the city. Restrooms are located throughout the park.