Millennium Park

There’s a lot to see and do in Millennium Park. Visitors can check out their reflection in the Cloud Gate—a steel sculpture affectionately nicknamed “The Bean” by Chicago locals; catch a live show in Harris Theater or Jay Pritzker Pavilion; visit the curvy, columned Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square; take a stroll down Chase Promenade; watch giant projected videos of facial expressions on the Crown Fountain tower blocks; and explore numerous other outdoor attractions. On sunny days, the Great Lawn and 100-foot (30-meter) Running Table are ideal picnicking spots.

Millennium Park is a true Chicago highlight, so most guided city tours stop there. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore at your own pace, or see the park on an electric bike, segway, or bus tour. Visitors can also admire Millennium Park’s dramatic nighttime lighting on a sunset or evening excursion, or head to the top of Willis Tower’s Skydeck to see the park from above.

• There are several concession stands in the park, as well as Park Grill—a 300-seat eatery located in McCormick Tribune Plaza.

• Rollerblading and skateboarding are not allowed in the park.

• The park is fully wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the Millennium Park Welcome Center.

Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago’s Loop district, on the northwest side of Grant Park. It is bordered by North Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, Randolph Street, and Monroe Drive. The easiest way to reach the park is by public transit—multiple city buses stop nearby, as does Chicago’s elevated train.

Millennium Park is open year-round, but Chicago’s weather is most pleasant in spring, summer, and fall. Summer visitors can enjoy the park’s concert series and cool off at the Crown Fountain splash park, while winter visitors can skate at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.

Millennium Park is part of Chicago’s larger Grant Park. Nearby attractions include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, John G. Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the adjacent downtown area.

If you have a free morning or afternoon, Millennium Park is an ideal stop. On a sunny day, you can fill four hours by taking selfies by the Cloud Gate, strolling around Lurie Garden, and eating at food trucks or picnic spots that dot the park.

Entry to the Millennium Park in Chicago is free, although—as with most visits to city parks—you’ll have ample chances to spend on other things such as parking, coffee, and food. Free tours sometimes take place in the park, usually offered by the Chicago Cultural Center’s Greeter Service.

Visitors to Millennium Park tend to stay there for half a day, although there are plenty of temptations to linger longer, especially when the weather is good. A visit to the park’s Harris Theater or the Boeing Galleries can add another couple of hours.

Millennium Park is a special place for Chicagoans and visitors due to its downtown lakefront location, green spaces, and free admission. It also showcases lots of public art and thought-provoking architecture, along with activities such as rock climbing and ice skating.

Yes, Millennium Park is a great place to walk, with lots of trails that are open to walkers and bikers. All park entranceways and walkways have been designed to be wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, making it a walkable place for everybody. (Except maybe dog owners, as only service dogs are allowed.)