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Things to do in Chicago, Illinois (IL): The Best Fountains
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Buckingham Fountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,362 reviews
Chicago's landmark is considered one of America's finest fountains due to its Beaux-Arts-style landscape design, finely wrought bronze sculpture and innovative use of technology.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
If you have visited and viewed and marveled at Buckingham Fountain this summer, you are running out of time. Located in the center of Grant Park, between Queen's Landing and Congress Parkway, near the intersection of Columbus Drive and Ida B. Wells Drive, off Lake Shore Drive, overlooking Lake Michigan, the Chicago Landmark is one of the largest fountains in the world. Dedicated in 1927, it is built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles in France. It operates daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. from mid-April to mid-October. Water shows occur every hour on the hour and last 20 minutes. During shows, the center jet shoots up vertically to 150 feet. After dusk, shows are choreographed with lights and music. The fountain represents Lake Michigan with four sets of sea horses symbolizing the four states that border the lake--Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. The fountain was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. It remains one of downtown Chicago's most popular tourist attractions, along with Navy Pier and Cloud Gate or the "Bean" in Millennium Park. It is constructed of Georgia pink marble and contains 1.5 million gallons of water. During a display, more than 14,000 gallons per minute are pushed through its 193 jets. The bottom pool of the fountain is 280 feet in diameter. Another trivia item: The fountain's security system is monitored from Arlington Heights, a northwest Chicago suburb.
2. Crown Fountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,118 reviews
Reviewed By Dreamduck - Portland, United States
The fountain, found in the Millennium Park is a true delight, even when it isn't sweltering outside. Composed of black granite between a pair of glass brick towers, folks are invited to splash in the reflecting pool. LED videos of Chicago residents are displayed on the front-facing towers. The big surprise came when water spouted through a nozzle cleverly placed in the mouth of the person who was displayed. This is certainly a stop to make as you tour Millennium Park.
3. Centennial Fountain and Water Arc
4. Pioneer Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By 490irinag - Illinois, United States
The location of Pioneer Court can't be beat - it is a central plaza between N Michigan Avenue, Tribune Tower, Equitable Life Assurance of America Building (a skyscraper at 401 N Michigan Ave), a new Apple Store (opened in 2017) and Michigan Ave Bridge. Pioneer Court is not that large, but now it's decorated for holidays, plus it opens to some fantastic views of major central landmarks and attraction sites of the city, including Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Chicago River, and London Guarantee Building across Michigan Avenue Bridge. Great place.
5. Vietnam Veterans Fountain
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 38 reviews
