Buckingham Fountain
5.0
- 500 S. Lake Shore Drive
- Chicago, IL 60605
- 312-742-7529
Grant Park's Buckingham Fountain, a Beaux Arts vision in Georgia pink marble embellished with four bronze seahorses, was presented to the city in 1927, a gift from Kate Buckingham in honor of her brother, Clarence. It's still a show-stopper--and traffic stopper, as motorists on Lake Shore and Columbus Drives brake to enjoy the sight of its 150-foot plume of water, from May 1 (earlier if weather allows) till mid-October. Nearby beds of rosebushes add to the romantic aura on summer evenings, when the fountain is lit with 780 colored lights that interact with music recorded by the Grant Park Symphony and Chorus. There are four pavilions in the fountain area: two serve food and two contain restrooms. Numerous private boat tours leave from neaby Monroe Harbor. (The fountain sits at the approximate origination point for former U.S. Route 66.)
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Congress and Columbus.
- Parking:
- Paid Lot and Street
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 1-Indiana/Hyde Park, 3-King, 4-Cottage Grove, 6-Jeffery, 7-Harrison, 126-Jackson, 145,146,147,151
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Although the gravel paving around the fountain may cause a rough ride. Pavilion restrooms are accessible.
The Basics
- Audience:
- Families
- Recreation Facilities:
- Garden Fountain, Nature Trails, and Park
Features
- Food:
- Two warm-weather restaurant pavilions include a Gino's East pizzeria and a cafe.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Architecture
- Features:
- Scenic View. Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
- Facilities:
- Pets Allowed
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes. Each restaurant has about 30 tables.
Be the first to review
Rate Buckingham Fountain
Calendar of Events
Buckingham Fountain
-
Second Annual Ride to Pierogi Fest
7/26/2008 - 11:00 AM
