Chicago's Millennium Park, IL Travel Guide
Chicago's Millennium Park, IL Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
There are so many things to do in Chicago's Millennium Park that it's worth planning ahead, even though the park itself is completely free.
None of the main landmarks require advance tickets, though the nearby Art Institute of Chicago sells timed entry online if you plan to visit. The Millennium Park Garage sits right beneath the park, with several other public garages nearby if it's full.
Bring comfortable shoes, water, and sunscreen, plus a swimsuit or towel if you're visiting Crown Fountain with kids in summer.
Here's a pro tip: Crown Fountain gets busy with splashing kids by mid-morning in summer, so arrive early if you want a quieter look, and in winter, McCormick Tribune Plaza transforms into an ice rink right next to Cloud Gate.
Top Things to Do
1. Cloud Gate ("The Bean")—Anish Kapoor's giant mirrored sculpture, made from 168 stainless steel plates and weighing about 110 tons.
2. Crown Fountain—Jaume Plensa's playful fountain featuring the faces of over a thousand real Chicagoans.
3. Lurie Garden—a living garden of more than 240 perennial species, honoring Chicago's motto "City in a Garden."
4. Nichols Bridgeway—a sweeping footbridge by architect Renzo Piano, connecting the park to the Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing.
5. Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain—a grand Art Deco fountain inspired by Versailles, shooting water 150 feet into the air.
6. Maggie Daley Park—named for Chicago's beloved First Lady, a joyful park built for kids to play, learn, and grow.
7. Millennium Monument at Wrigley Square—a tribute to the founders who each gave at least a million dollars to help build the park.
8. Queen's Landing—the lakefront spot where Queen Elizabeth II stepped ashore in Chicago in 1959.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
-
✓ Complete travel guide
-
✓ Printable map
-
✓ One-day itinerary
-
✓ Hidden gems
-
✓ Travel tips
-
✓ Offline access
-
✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Want these stories playing automatically as you walk?
Take our Chicago's Millennium Park Walking Tour. It's a self-guided, location-aware audio tour that starts at the Millennium Park Welcome Center and ends at Queen's Landing, weaving art, history, and a little royal intrigue into one walk.
Free Things to Do
1. Cloud Gate ("The Bean")—free to visit and photograph any time of day.
2. Crown Fountain—free to splash in during summer, with no admission fee.
3. Lurie Garden—free to wander through more than 240 species of perennials.
4. Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain—free to watch the hourly water shows.
5. Maggie Daley Park—free to explore, including its play garden and skating ribbon.
6. Millennium Monument at Wrigley Square—free to visit and read the park's founding story.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES
1. Art Institute of Chicago—about thirty-two dollars for non-resident adults, cheaper for Chicago residents.
Food!
The Gage
An upscale American gastropub just steps from Millennium Park, known for European-influenced dishes and an award-winning wine list.
Cindy's Rooftop
A rooftop restaurant atop the Chicago Athletic Association hotel with sweeping views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
Billy Goat Tavern
A historic Chicago grill famous for its cheeseburgers, a short walk from the park.
Where to Stay
Budget
Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago-Downtown and Best Western Grant Park Hotel both offer reliable rooms within walking distance of Millennium Park, generally $150 to $220 a night.
Moderate
Hyatt Regency Chicago and Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown combine central locations with comfortable, updated rooms, generally $220 to $320 a night.
Luxury
The Peninsula Chicago and Four Seasons Hotel Chicago offer five-star service and skyline views close to the park, generally $500 a night and up.
1 Day Itinerary
1-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start at the Millennium Park Welcome Center, then visit the Millennium Monument and Cloud Gate.
Afternoon: Explore Crown Fountain, Nichols Bridgeway, and Lurie Garden.
Evening: Watch the water show at Buckingham Fountain, then walk to Queen's Landing for sunset over the lake.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 2: Spend the morning at the Art Institute of Chicago, then explore Maggie Daley Park's play garden and climbing walls.
Extra Time: Visit the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, or take an architecture boat tour along the Chicago River.
FAQ's
1. How long does the Millennium Park walking tour take?
Most visitors complete the full route in about one to one and a half hours, longer if you linger at the fountains and gardens.
2. Is Millennium Park free to visit?
Yes, the park and every landmark on this tour, including Cloud Gate and Buckingham Fountain, are free and open to the public.
3. Is Millennium Park good for kids?
Yes. Crown Fountain, Maggie Daley Park, and the winter ice rink at McCormick Tribune Plaza are all favorites with families.
4. Do I need a car to see Millennium Park?
No. The park is walkable from most downtown hotels, and the Millennium Park Garage offers convenient parking if you do drive.
5. What is the best time of year to visit Millennium Park?
Summer brings the fountains and gardens to life, while winter transforms McCormick Tribune Plaza into an ice rink, so the park has something special in every season.
6. Where does the self-guided walking tour start and end?
It starts at the Millennium Park Welcome Center and ends at Queen's Landing on the lakefront.
7. Why is Cloud Gate called "The Bean"?
Its smooth, curved shape resembles a giant silver bean, and the nickname stuck so well that most locals use it instead of the sculpture's official name.
8. Is the Art Institute of Chicago included in this tour?
The tour passes Nichols Bridgeway with a view of the Art Institute, but admission to the museum itself is separate and not included.
9. How much walking is involved?
The route covers under a mile through Millennium Park, all on paved paths.
10. What is Queen's Landing?
It's the lakefront spot where Queen Elizabeth II came ashore during her historic 1959 visit to Chicago, marking the first time a reigning British monarch visited the city.
Recommended Tours
More Resources
