Trip ideas while visiting Chicago in Illinois
When you visit Chicago for the first time, make sure to include Millennium Park in your itinerary. This park, located in the Loop near the Art Institute of Chicago, spans 25 acres and offers a delightful blend of art, architecture, and beautiful landscaping. It’s also a hub for concerts and festivals, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
One of the main attractions in Millennium Park is the Crown Fountain, a creation by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. Standing tall in this fountain are two 50-foot towers, facing each other across a shallow reflecting pool. What makes this fountain unique is the use of LED screens on the towers, projecting the faces of 1,000 different Chicago residents. These faces align perfectly with spouts, creating an illusion of water being spat out at passersby. You can enjoy this captivating display during the mid-spring through mid-fall seasons, while the projected faces remain visible all year round.
Another iconic feature of Millennium Park is Cloud Gate, commonly known as “The Bean.” This magnificent sculpture, designed by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor, takes the shape of a 110-ton bean made from stainless steel. The elliptical form of The Bean offers a reflective surface that beautifully mirrors the Chicago skyline. Don’t forget to capture a quintessential Chicago moment by taking a photo of yourself reflected in The Bean—a cherished souvenir of your visit.
Millennium Park truly embodies the spirit of Chicago with its fascinating blend of modern art, stunning architecture, and natural beauty.
There are many reasons to visit Millennium Park. You have the opportunity to attend concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which was designed by Frank Gehry. The pavilion has a unique “headdress” made of steel ribbons that surround the stage. The sound system is state-of-the-art and ensures that the music is evenly distributed throughout the seating area and lawn. If you’re interested in art, you can explore the Lurie Garden and the Boeing Galleries, where contemporary sculptures are displayed outdoors. For those who enjoy biking, you can join a bicycle tour or rent a bike at the HUB312 - McDonald’s Cycle Center. Don’t miss the chance to walk across the BP Pedestrian Bridge, which spans 925 feet and is made of stainless steel. This bridge connects Millennium Park to Maggie Daley Park. And in the winter, visitors can enjoy ice skating on the Maggie Daley ribbon and the ice rink in Millennium Park.