Chicago is a really popular city to visit, and there are plenty of reasons why. The Windy City has been attracting people from all over the country, and the world, for ages. 

Between amazing shopping along the Miracle Mile to Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza to taking in one of the many championship sports teams, this city has it all. 

But if you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago without leaving downtown, look no further than Millennium Park.

In this post, we’re going to highlight why this park needs to be a stop on your next visit to Chicago.

About Millennium Park

Millennium Park is so popular with locals you’d think it’s been around forever. The truth is different. The park was first conceived in 1997 and opened in 2004. Today, it’s among the most popular tourist attractions in both Chicago and the entire Midwest!

The park is located in The Loop, which is a community area right in downtown Chicago. It’s part of Grant Park, which covers over 300 acres right at the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Millennium Park is a 24-acre segment that abuts Michigan Avenue. 

Things to Do

Even though Millennium Park is relatively small, it’s packed with things to do and see.

The most famous is probably The Bean, a shiny sculpture that’s actually called Cloud Gate. But, since it looks like a bean, the name stuck. This is a very popular selfie spot. 

In the summer, people love to splash around in Crown Fountain. It’s a public art installation that’s interactive and you won’t find many like it in the rest of the world. During the warmer months, from May to October, LED lights shine from the fountain and display images of famous Chicago residents. 

Don’t worry the park is open in the winter months too. In fact, you can strap on a pair of skates and head to the rink at McCormick Tribune Plaza.

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is another hot spot. It was designed by famous architect Frank Gehry and created to perfectly project acoustic sound. Here, you’ll find all sorts of live shows and events going on. Every year there are movie and music events, plus festivals, and other concerts.

So grab a spot on the grass, sit back, and enjoy.

If you’re looking for more greenery, check out the Lurie Garden. This small garden is filled with wildflowers and prairie grasses for you to enjoy. Plus, there’s a wide walkway dotted with benches, so you can sit down for a few minutes and relax or just enjoy the view.

Getting There

If you have a car, there’s parking at and around Millennium Park. For those who want to use public transportation, bus routes are available along Michigan Avenue and East Randolph Street. There’s also a Chicago Transit Authority subway stop right at the park, conveniently called Millennium Station.

On your next trip to Chicago, be sure to spend some time at Millennium Park, you won’t regret it