Categories: Chicago On a Budget Family-Friendly Chicago Architecture
Millennium Park
Author: Jody Robbins
Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players.
Overview
Since its inception in 1997, Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. Paying homage to the City of Chicago, this unique outdoor venue offers an array of aesthetics for residents and visitors alike. The sights and sounds of Millennium Park are year-round and can accommodate any range of interests.
Shopping
From the fashionable textiles and home goods available at Macy's to the take-home-and-savor product that is Garrett's Popcorn, many top retailers call the Loop home.
Dining/Nightlife
On the Magnificent Mile, shopping is an experience to be had, offering visitors everything from their favorite retailers to interactive shopping spaces and no shortage of the best high-end brands fashion has to offer. The always-popular Park Grill specializes in classic American cuisine both comforting and sophisticated.It's a versatile venue with an equally broad menu. Park Grill features different events throughout the year, and boasts stellar outdoor dining during the summer months. In the winter, watch the skaters do their thing at the ice rink.
Culture & Attractions
What visit to downtown Chicago would be complete without a stop at Millennium Park? Among Millennium Park’s many attractions are Gehry's flower-shaped Jay Pritzker Pavilion, London artist Anish Kapoor's jelly bean-shaped Cloud Gate sculpture (a.k.a. “The Bean”), and Barcelona artist Jaume Plensa's twin towers of illuminated glass—the Crown Fountain.
Wrigley Square & Millennium Monument: At the northern end of Millennium Park sits a spectacle whose significance goes far beyond its architectural design. A replica of the original Peristyle that stood in its place during1917 and 1953, this monument signifies the journey of the Millennium Park creation from its original visionaries to today’s founders, serving as a link between past and present.
Jay Pritzer Pavilion: Home to the Grant Park Music Festival (June-August) and free concert events throughout the summer season, this 120-ft. high arena is the first of its kind in musical experience. With seating for 11,000 listeners, the Pavilion was designed to replicate the acoustics of an indoor venue, making every seat in the house a good one.
Cloud Gate: More commonly referred to as “the bean,” this 110-ton elliptical sculpture is quite possibly Millennium Park’s most infamous attraction. Designed by British artist, Anish Kapoor, the inspiration for the 33-ft high monument was liquid mercury. Sitting pretty in the Park’s upper level, SBC Plaza, Cloud Gate mirrors Chicago’s trademark skyline and allows viewers to get up close and personal to see their own reflections.
McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink: During the winter months, sharpen your skates for Millennium Park’s own outdoor rink. With the city as your backdrop, the ice is a perfect spot for a Saturday afternoon retreat with the family or a romantic outing with your loved one. When the weather begins to change, the rink is transformed into an outdoor bar and grill, complete with eats from the Park Grill restaurant and live entertainment.
The Crown Fountain: This is perhaps one of the most unique displays of public art, these dueling 50-ft.-high fountains stand like bookends to a small reflecting pool at the Park’s south end. The towers personify the diversity of Chicago’s people by projecting changing facial images to accompany its water features.
The Low Down
The design elements at Millennium Park are world-class, and you can visit different corners of the park and receive different experience on a daily basis. There's a lot to cover, so we recommend spending part of the day at the park, then moving on to one of the other many nearby attractions. Also, we're prone to using:
Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Bus Co. Stop
Almost all the lines stop at Millennium Park except for the Brown trolley line which only for Lincoln Park. Pretty much all the lines go there after the Oglivie station, except for the yellow star line which goes to Millennium Park after the Hyatt.
Check out places of interest near Millennium Park:
312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St.,
Chicago, IL 60602
This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.
Make a Reservation
Blackbird
619 W. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60661
One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Chicago, Blackbird has been named one of the 50 best restaurants in the country by Gourmet magazine. Contemporary American dining reaches its zenith here.
Custom House
500 S. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60605
Custom House, led by Shawn McClain, named Best Chef Midwest by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, focuses on offering the finest artisanal meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unlike most classic steak houses, Custom House allows carnivores to savor their meat raw, cured, marinated, braised, roasted and slow-cooked.
Elephant & Castle
160 E. Huron St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw.
Elephant & Castle
185 North Wabash,
Chicago, Illinois 60601
At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw
Elephant & Castle
111 W. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw
Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.
Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60602
Specializing in classic American cuisine with a hint of sophistication, Park Grill is versatile venue with an equally broad menu.
Tavern at the Park
130 E. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60601
Trying to give off that neighborhood tavern feel, while serving up fine dining dishes right across from Millennium Park.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
Walnut Room
111 N State Street,
Chicago, IL 60602
The historic Walnut Room, located on Macy's seventh floor, has been a premier Chicago dining destination since 1907.
Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60602
Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.
Macy's
835 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Part of Water Tower Place, this is a second downtown location of this famed department store.
Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St,
Chicago, IL 60602
Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.
312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St.,
Chicago, IL 60602
This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.
Make a Reservation
Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.
Potter's
17 E Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
Located inside the Palmer House Hilton, Potter's offers unique retro cocktails and delicious small plates in a classically elegant setting.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60602
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a 88 different tours in total. You can explore the city by bus, boat, bike on foot or even via a segway.
Chicago Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins. Group rates available, and tickets available online.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60604
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St,
Chicago, IL 60602
Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St,
Chicago, IL 60610
Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. ,
Chicago, IL 60605
Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!
Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd.,
Highland Park, IL 60035
A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.
Soldier Field
1410 South Museum Campus Drive,
Chicago, IL 60605
Historic home of the Chicago Bears, Soldier Field is sacred space to Chicago's legions of Bears fans.
The Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E. Randolph Dr,
Chicago, IL 60601
Chicago's newest theater venue features music and dance performances. Call for schedule and tickets.>
The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Highway 53,
Lisle, IL 60532
A top Chicago nature site, The Morton Arboretum boasts more than 3,000 trees, shrubs, and other vegetation across its 1,700-acre site.
Chicago Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins. Group rates available, and tickets available online.
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
65 E. Lake St.,
Chicago, IL 60601
Stop in at the many Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations if you need a Chicago rental car; they will even pick you up.
