Grant Park, Across the Street: A Guide to Chicago’s Front Yard
Buckingham Fountain, the bronze horsemen of Congress Plaza, and 313 acres of gardens and paths, all starting at our front door.
Grant Park runs along the lake from Randolph Street to Roosevelt Road, and the Congress Plaza Hotel’s front door faces it. It’s free and open from 6 AM to 11 PM every day, with gardens, fountains, and museums all within walking distance.
Start at Congress Plaza
Across Michigan Avenue from the hotel, two bronze horsemen, the Bowman and the Spearman, guard the stairs into the park. Walk between them and follow the gardens to the fountain.
Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain was dedicated in 1927 by Kate Buckingham in memory of her brother Clarence, with sculptures by Marcel François Loyau. It is one of the largest fountains in the world.
In the warm months the fountain puts on water shows through the day, and after dark the jets are lit in color with music. The center jet can climb about 150 feet.
North to Millennium Park
About a 20-minute walk north along Michigan Avenue or through the gardens, Millennium Park is home to:
- Cloud Gate, the mirrored sculpture most people call the Bean
- The Pritzker Pavilion
- The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in winter
Festivals and Gardens
Grant Park hosts some of Chicago’s best-loved events, including Taste of Chicago and the Grant Park Music Festival. Between them, there are gardens, tennis courts, playgrounds, and long paths along the lake.
