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Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago Landmark in the center of Grant Park, between Queen's Landing and Ida B. Wells Drive. Dedicated in 1927 and donated to the city by philanthropist Kate S. Buckingham, it is one of the largest fountains in the world. Built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, its design allegorically represents nearby Lake Michigan. The fountain operates from May to mid-October, with regular water shows and evening colored-light shows. During the winter, the fountain is decorated with festival lights.
The fountain area is considered Chicago's front door, since it is located in the center of Grant Park, the city's front yard near the intersection of Columbus Drive and Ida B. Wells Drive. The fountain itself represents Lake Michigan, with four sets of sea horses (two per set) symbolizing the four states—Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana—that border the lake. The fountain was designed by beaux arts architect Edward H. Bennett. The statues were created by the French sculptor Marcel F. Loyau. The design of the fountain was inspired by the Bassin de Latone and modeled after Latona Fountain at Versailles.
Beautifully preserved, historical Chicago landmark! The fountain is on view all year but the fountain is only operational during the warm seasons, usually end of April through mid-October. Chicago Police often patrols the area, keeping it safe for visitors. At night, the fountain lights up and music plays in the immediate area. Again, this is only during the warm seasons. It's a nice place to just chill out. Please keep Chicago clean & utilize the garbage cans when visiting, thanks! Quick Story: When I was little, I first saw Buckingham Fountain on the show "Married With Children" and told my dad that I wanted to move from Los Angeles and live in Chicago! He laughed at me and said, "Kid, you don't know what you're talking about!" Several years later, after my time in the military, I stayed true to my childhood wish and moved to Illinois. Who's laughing now? ;) LOL
Sumy GuzmanFeb 20, 2018
Beautiful fountain with city skyline view as background. Fountain has a nice architectural work, very artistic. Nice place for photo ops. Good for visit with family and friends. Gets quite crowded due to tourists. Quite a walk from grant park so look for nearby parking or take a cab.
Shine HaridasFeb 1, 2018
Historical fountain along Chicago's lake Michigan. It's usually lit up at night in the summer months. Great place to take a walk or relax on a bench. Be careful on those sunny hot days because there's no shade.
SidlanthropistJan 16, 2018
Beautiful musical and colorful fountain in the evenings. except for in winter. the michigan lake opposite to it makes it even more scenic. Huge parks by the side of the fountain.
Meena CsFeb 18, 2018
Really peaceful and great view of the city. We came in winter so it was also full of snow but the fountain was drained out. We were also the only ones around so that was alright. Could see how this would be beautiful outside of winter though
Jack HillDec 28, 2017
Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago landmark in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world. Built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, it is meant to allegorically represent Lake Michigan. It operates from April to October, with regular water shows and evening color-light shows. During the winter, the fountain is decorated with festival lights.
Giant CatbassMar 7, 2018
Beautiful fountain. It’s a wonderful place to sit in the city and people watch, eat a snack, and take some pictures.
A CallendineMar 29, 2018
Definitely worth seeing if in Chicago. The whole park is amazing! If you go early enough, there aren't any crowds.
Tomas StrouhalApr 26, 2018
We have visited this fountain many times but we really like it at night when the lights are on. You can sit in one of the many benches and just relax and enjoy the light show for about 20 minutes. I only wish that they didn't shut it down until the weather gets bad not just on a certain day in Oct. Sometimes Nov has some wonderful weather.
Gary KeckApr 29, 2018
Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago landmark in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world. Built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, it is meant to allegorically represent Lake Michigan. It operates from April to October, with regular water shows and evening color-light shows. During the winter, the fountain is decorated with festival lights.
Abhay YadavApr 21, 2018
This is a true historic landmark of Chicago and a must visit place if you are in town! I'm not sure how long it's been there but it is quite magnificent! Every time we go there are a lot of people but if you stay later at night there are quite a few less people there. Hard to get pictures without people in it but if you can then the pictures are absolutely amazing!
Brandon TaylorApr 12, 2018
Not so popular but a must see attraction in downtown Chicago. The beautiful fountain overlooking the Lake Michigan is a great photo spot. The background high rises give extra charm to this site. The fountains look even more charming evening into night when the light display starts. Not too much food options around and its not too crowded. The hop on hop off bus tour has a stop for it . So make sure to stop for some memorable photos
Prajakta SukhatmeMay 29, 2018
I love the Buckingham Fountain! This place e very dear to me because it holds so many memories! From when I was a child and even now the Buckingham Fountain will help create new everlasting moments in your life. This beauty is located perfectly in the Grant Park area, surrounded by the skyline and Lake Michigan. It's a perfect location for photo shoots too!
Julzy ChiJun 9, 2018
This is a such a beautiful place. On multiple sunny days, I've loved just grabbing a bench and sitting around the perimeter. It's picturesque and a nice place to people watch, but still more low-key, unlike the bean which was far too crowded. If you're patient at Buckingham Fountain, you can get a pretty good photo without people being in the shot
John ObeidJun 8, 2018
This is a Chicago landmark and a must see summer stop for tourists. Play in the fountains hourly waterspout when it's warm out or sit by with friends or a lover as the sun goes down and watch an amazing light show that lasts for what feels like hours. There are also many ice cream vendors and a gorgeous hedge garden nearby if you want to escape the crowds.
Ian McMahanJun 9, 2018
I was so exited when i visited the fountain. I had seen the fountain on Married with Children and i always wanted to visit it. My first time was a bit disappointed since the fountain was being fixed and all i got to see was the sign that said closed. I had the opportunity to go again a few years ago and i was happy to see it as i thought it was going to be. Even though it may not be much but i actually enjoyed to see it and have one item on my bucket list checked out.
louis MoranJun 11, 2018
plan your visit to get there at night time so you can enjoy the light and music show. there are very nice parks all around the fountain and then there is walk along the lake. when you are the Buckingham fountain, it feels like you are not in Chicago, this area is so open and green (unlike the jungle of high rises which is like 2 blocks away). great place to relax and unwind.
Surya JhajhriaJun 15, 2018
Taste of Chicago, very pricey. 14 food tickets for $10 and just taste not full meals cost 5-6 tickets, full meals 12-16 tickets. Alcohol, soda and water purchase by credit card only. Free water in designated areas, restrooms, live entertainment. Entrance free but parking cost $15/3 hours or $30/8 hours at the Millennium parking 1 block away. Heavy police presence and heavy fire/emt presence.
windy bagJul 15, 2018
Beautifully preserved, historical Chicago landmark! The fountain is on view all year but the fountain is only operational during the warm seasons, usually end of April through mid-October. Chicago Police often patrols the area, keeping it safe for visitors. At night, the fountain lights up and music plays in the immediate area. Again, this is only during the warm seasons. It's a nice place to just chill out. Please keep Chicago clean & utilize the garbage cans when visiting, thanks! Quick Story: When I was little, I first saw Buckingham Fountain on the show "Married With Children" and told my dad that I wanted to move from Los Angeles and live in Chicago! He laughed at me and said, "Kid, you don't know what you're talking about!" Several years later, after my time in the military, I stayed true to my childhood wish and moved to Illinois. Who's laughing now? ;) LOL
Sumy GuzmanFeb 20, 2018
Beautiful fountain with city skyline view as background. Fountain has a nice architectural work, very artistic. Nice place for photo ops. Good for visit with family and friends. Gets quite crowded due to tourists. Quite a walk from grant park so look for nearby parking or take a cab.
Shine HaridasFeb 1, 2018
Historical fountain along Chicago's lake Michigan. It's usually lit up at night in the summer months. Great place to take a walk or relax on a bench. Be careful on those sunny hot days because there's no shade.
SidlanthropistJan 16, 2018
Beautiful musical and colorful fountain in the evenings. except for in winter. the michigan lake opposite to it makes it even more scenic. Huge parks by the side of the fountain.
Meena CsFeb 18, 2018
Really peaceful and great view of the city. We came in winter so it was also full of snow but the fountain was drained out. We were also the only ones around so that was alright. Could see how this would be beautiful outside of winter though
Jack HillDec 28, 2017
Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago landmark in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world. Built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, it is meant to allegorically represent Lake Michigan. It operates from April to October, with regular water shows and evening color-light shows. During the winter, the fountain is decorated with festival lights.
Giant CatbassMar 7, 2018
Beautiful fountain. It’s a wonderful place to sit in the city and people watch, eat a snack, and take some pictures.
A CallendineMar 29, 2018
Definitely worth seeing if in Chicago. The whole park is amazing! If you go early enough, there aren't any crowds.
Tomas StrouhalApr 26, 2018
We have visited this fountain many times but we really like it at night when the lights are on. You can sit in one of the many benches and just relax and enjoy the light show for about 20 minutes. I only wish that they didn't shut it down until the weather gets bad not just on a certain day in Oct. Sometimes Nov has some wonderful weather.
Gary KeckApr 29, 2018
Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago landmark in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world. Built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, it is meant to allegorically represent Lake Michigan. It operates from April to October, with regular water shows and evening color-light shows. During the winter, the fountain is decorated with festival lights.
Abhay YadavApr 21, 2018
This is a true historic landmark of Chicago and a must visit place if you are in town! I'm not sure how long it's been there but it is quite magnificent! Every time we go there are a lot of people but if you stay later at night there are quite a few less people there. Hard to get pictures without people in it but if you can then the pictures are absolutely amazing!
Brandon TaylorApr 12, 2018
Not so popular but a must see attraction in downtown Chicago. The beautiful fountain overlooking the Lake Michigan is a great photo spot. The background high rises give extra charm to this site. The fountains look even more charming evening into night when the light display starts. Not too much food options around and its not too crowded. The hop on hop off bus tour has a stop for it . So make sure to stop for some memorable photos
Prajakta SukhatmeMay 29, 2018
I love the Buckingham Fountain! This place e very dear to me because it holds so many memories! From when I was a child and even now the Buckingham Fountain will help create new everlasting moments in your life. This beauty is located perfectly in the Grant Park area, surrounded by the skyline and Lake Michigan. It's a perfect location for photo shoots too!
Julzy ChiJun 9, 2018
This is a such a beautiful place. On multiple sunny days, I've loved just grabbing a bench and sitting around the perimeter. It's picturesque and a nice place to people watch, but still more low-key, unlike the bean which was far too crowded. If you're patient at Buckingham Fountain, you can get a pretty good photo without people being in the shot
John ObeidJun 8, 2018
This is a Chicago landmark and a must see summer stop for tourists. Play in the fountains hourly waterspout when it's warm out or sit by with friends or a lover as the sun goes down and watch an amazing light show that lasts for what feels like hours. There are also many ice cream vendors and a gorgeous hedge garden nearby if you want to escape the crowds.
Ian McMahanJun 9, 2018
I was so exited when i visited the fountain. I had seen the fountain on Married with Children and i always wanted to visit it. My first time was a bit disappointed since the fountain was being fixed and all i got to see was the sign that said closed. I had the opportunity to go again a few years ago and i was happy to see it as i thought it was going to be. Even though it may not be much but i actually enjoyed to see it and have one item on my bucket list checked out.
louis MoranJun 11, 2018
plan your visit to get there at night time so you can enjoy the light and music show. there are very nice parks all around the fountain and then there is walk along the lake. when you are the Buckingham fountain, it feels like you are not in Chicago, this area is so open and green (unlike the jungle of high rises which is like 2 blocks away). great place to relax and unwind.
Surya JhajhriaJun 15, 2018
Taste of Chicago, very pricey. 14 food tickets for $10 and just taste not full meals cost 5-6 tickets, full meals 12-16 tickets. Alcohol, soda and water purchase by credit card only. Free water in designated areas, restrooms, live entertainment. Entrance free but parking cost $15/3 hours or $30/8 hours at the Millennium parking 1 block away. Heavy police presence and heavy fire/emt presence.
windy bagJul 15, 2018
Beautifully preserved, historical Chicago landmark! The fountain is on view all year but the fountain is only operational during the warm seasons, usually end of April through mid-October. Chicago Police often patrols the area, keeping it safe for visitors. At night, the fountain lights up and music plays in the immediate area. Again, this is only during the warm seasons. It's a nice place to just chill out. Please keep Chicago clean & utilize the garbage cans when visiting, thanks! Quick Story: When I was little, I first saw Buckingham Fountain on the show "Married With Children" and told my dad that I wanted to move from Los Angeles and live in Chicago! He laughed at me and said, "Kid, you don't know what you're talking about!" Several years later, after my time in the military, I stayed true to my childhood wish and moved to Illinois. Who's laughing now? ;) LOL
Sumy GuzmanFeb 20, 2018
Beautiful fountain with city skyline view as background. Fountain has a nice architectural work, very artistic. Nice place for photo ops. Good for visit with family and friends. Gets quite crowded due to tourists. Quite a walk from grant park so look for nearby parking or take a cab.
Shine HaridasFeb 1, 2018
Historical fountain along Chicago's lake Michigan. It's usually lit up at night in the summer months. Great place to take a walk or relax on a bench. Be careful on those sunny hot days because there's no shade.
SidlanthropistJan 16, 2018
Beautiful musical and colorful fountain in the evenings. except for in winter. the michigan lake opposite to it makes it even more scenic. Huge parks by the side of the fountain.
Meena CsFeb 18, 2018
Really peaceful and great view of the city. We came in winter so it was also full of snow but the fountain was drained out. We were also the only ones around so that was alright. Could see how this would be beautiful outside of winter though
Jack HillDec 28, 2017
Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago landmark in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world. Built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, it is meant to allegorically represent Lake Michigan. It operates from April to October, with regular water shows and evening color-light shows. During the winter, the fountain is decorated with festival lights.
Giant CatbassMar 7, 2018
Beautiful fountain. It’s a wonderful place to sit in the city and people watch, eat a snack, and take some pictures.
A CallendineMar 29, 2018
Definitely worth seeing if in Chicago. The whole park is amazing! If you go early enough, there aren't any crowds.
Tomas StrouhalApr 26, 2018
We have visited this fountain many times but we really like it at night when the lights are on. You can sit in one of the many benches and just relax and enjoy the light show for about 20 minutes. I only wish that they didn't shut it down until the weather gets bad not just on a certain day in Oct. Sometimes Nov has some wonderful weather.
Gary KeckApr 29, 2018
Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago landmark in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world. Built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, it is meant to allegorically represent Lake Michigan. It operates from April to October, with regular water shows and evening color-light shows. During the winter, the fountain is decorated with festival lights.
Abhay YadavApr 21, 2018
This is a true historic landmark of Chicago and a must visit place if you are in town! I'm not sure how long it's been there but it is quite magnificent! Every time we go there are a lot of people but if you stay later at night there are quite a few less people there. Hard to get pictures without people in it but if you can then the pictures are absolutely amazing!
Brandon TaylorApr 12, 2018
Not so popular but a must see attraction in downtown Chicago. The beautiful fountain overlooking the Lake Michigan is a great photo spot. The background high rises give extra charm to this site. The fountains look even more charming evening into night when the light display starts. Not too much food options around and its not too crowded. The hop on hop off bus tour has a stop for it . So make sure to stop for some memorable photos
Prajakta SukhatmeMay 29, 2018
I love the Buckingham Fountain! This place e very dear to me because it holds so many memories! From when I was a child and even now the Buckingham Fountain will help create new everlasting moments in your life. This beauty is located perfectly in the Grant Park area, surrounded by the skyline and Lake Michigan. It's a perfect location for photo shoots too!
Julzy ChiJun 9, 2018
This is a such a beautiful place. On multiple sunny days, I've loved just grabbing a bench and sitting around the perimeter. It's picturesque and a nice place to people watch, but still more low-key, unlike the bean which was far too crowded. If you're patient at Buckingham Fountain, you can get a pretty good photo without people being in the shot
John ObeidJun 8, 2018
This is a Chicago landmark and a must see summer stop for tourists. Play in the fountains hourly waterspout when it's warm out or sit by with friends or a lover as the sun goes down and watch an amazing light show that lasts for what feels like hours. There are also many ice cream vendors and a gorgeous hedge garden nearby if you want to escape the crowds.
Ian McMahanJun 9, 2018
I was so exited when i visited the fountain. I had seen the fountain on Married with Children and i always wanted to visit it. My first time was a bit disappointed since the fountain was being fixed and all i got to see was the sign that said closed. I had the opportunity to go again a few years ago and i was happy to see it as i thought it was going to be. Even though it may not be much but i actually enjoyed to see it and have one item on my bucket list checked out.
louis MoranJun 11, 2018
plan your visit to get there at night time so you can enjoy the light and music show. there are very nice parks all around the fountain and then there is walk along the lake. when you are the Buckingham fountain, it feels like you are not in Chicago, this area is so open and green (unlike the jungle of high rises which is like 2 blocks away). great place to relax and unwind.
Surya JhajhriaJun 15, 2018
Taste of Chicago, very pricey. 14 food tickets for $10 and just taste not full meals cost 5-6 tickets, full meals 12-16 tickets. Alcohol, soda and water purchase by credit card only. Free water in designated areas, restrooms, live entertainment. Entrance free but parking cost $15/3 hours or $30/8 hours at the Millennium parking 1 block away. Heavy police presence and heavy fire/emt presence.
windy bagJul 15, 2018
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