Millennium Park Must-See Attractions for Chicago First-Timers

Millennium Park is a must-do for anyone visiting Chicago. It is the city’s treasured green space with more than 25 acres of landscape, architecture and public art. You can experience events and activities all year at this iconic destination.

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MILLENNIUM PARK ATTRACTIONS:

JAY PRITZKER PAVILION
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is one of Chicago’s greatest gifts. Besides being a beautifully designed Park that is at the centerpiece of Millenium Park, it is the is the home of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the Grant Park Music Festival. This pavilion is the only remaining free outdoor classical music series. Live shows range from rock bands to classical musicians. Besides providing live music, during the summer there is a film series that take place. The films are usually shown on a Tuesday or Thursday but sometimes they do have a Wednesday show. Most events are BYOB so it’s a popular place to picnic. Across the street, you will find Giordano’s Pizza and Mariano’s grocery store where you can pick up food and drinks.

McCORMICK ICE RINK
McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink is a multi-purpose venue. In the winter it is a public ice rink. You can skate for free there if you bring your own ice skates, otherwise, it’s $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays. The rink attracts more than 100,000 skaters each year, so it’s best to go on off-times like a Wednesday to avoid waiting a long time in line.

PARK GRILL
Park Grill is an award-winning restaurant in the at McCormick Tribune Plaza. It is an outdoor space and takes the place of the ice rink during the warmer months. You can enjoy American cuisine in soak in the hustle and busy of the city.

THE BEAN
Cloud Gate or “The Bean” is one of the most famous structures in America and it’s at the centerpiece of Millenium Park. It was designed by Anish Kapoor and it reflects the Chicago skyline. Tourists from around the world visit this sculpture where many take photos in front it or take a photo when you walk under it.

CROWN FOUNTAIN
Crown Fountain is a fun to experience especially in nice weather. Crown Fountain is two block towers that show video images on its wall. It’s a summer favorite because the towers are on the reflective pool and have fountains, one which comes out of the wall itself. The fountain is seasonal when the images are shown all year round.

LURIE GARDEN
Lurie Garden is nice when you just want to take a walk to relax and yet surround yourself with nature. A 15-foot shoulder hedge that surrounds the garden. The 15-foot hedge comes from Carl Sandburg’s famous description of the “City of Big Shoulders”. This garden is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm.

FREE GUIDED WALKS
It’s easy to explore the park on your own, but you are welcome to take a free guided tour with a volunteer. Millennium Park Greeters can share the history, art, and architecture of the park. There is no need to register to join a free guided tour. Just meet at the Visitor Information Center located across from Millennium Park in the Chicago Cultural Center 77 E. Randolph Street. Walks begin at 11:30am and 1pm every day between May and October.


Thanks to Karina Montelongo and Choose Chicago for help creating this content!
Karina's website: https://karinamontelongo.wixsite.com/...

Thumbnail photo: Choose Chicago Photo Courtesy of Abel Arciniega