Millennium Park is a can’t-miss attraction for any Chicago visit. The lakefront campus, located in the heart of downtown, is home to the iconic Cloud Gate statue (aka “The Bean”), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space. Come explore everything Chicago’s Millennium Park has to offer.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion & The Great Lawn
Frank Gehry’s one-of-a-kind bandshell soars 120 feet in the air, with a flowing crown of stainless steel ribbons and curving steel plates that make it a stunning place to see live entertainment.
The pavilion features a state-of-the-art sound system designed to mimic the acoustics of an indoor theatre. Grab a seat or sprawl out on the Great Lawn with a picnic as you take in Millennium Park’s free events like the annual Summer Music Series and Summer Film Series, and a host of summer festivals, including the Grant Park Music Festival, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and the Chicago Jazz Festival.
Cloud Gate aka “The Bean”
You can’t come to Chicago and not visit The Bean, one of the city’s most famous icons. Unveiled in 2005, this is famed artist Anish Kapoor’s first outdoor public sculpture in the United States, and one of the largest sculptures of its kind in the world. See yourself and the city skyline reflected on Cloud Gate’s shiny surfaces and snap the ultimate Chicago photo opp.
Crown Fountain
Conceptual artist Jaume Plensa’s interactive video sculpture is composed of a black granite reflecting pool positioned between a pair of 50-foot glass brick towers. The towers include LED video screens that display larger-than-life faces of Chicago locals. In the summer, the towers cascade with water, making them the perfect place to splash around and cool off.
Lurie Garden
Lurie Garden is an award-winning masterpiece of botanical landscaping. Throughout the year, and for every season, native perennials and bulbs give the garden great diversity, creating a haven for wildlife, birds, and insects. Located in the southeast corner of Millennium Park, Lurie Garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling downtown.
Maggie Daley Park
The spectacular Maggie Daley Park is a kid’s fantasyland. The fun Play Garden is fashioned in the spirit of Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with suspension bridges, tube slides, and a big ship to explore. Older kids flock to the 40-foot climbing wall and 18-hole mini golf course, putting through Chicago-themed obstacles.
In the summer, the curvy Skating Ribbon becomes a rollerblading and scootering path (rentals are available). And in winter, the Ribbon is paved with ice to create a whimsical ice skating wonderland.
Adults love the park, too, with tennis courts and picnic groves for a little recreation and relaxation. Take a walk along the spectacular stainless steel BP Bridge to reach Maggie Daley from neighboring Millennium Park.
McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink
The McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink is a year-round attraction along Michigan Avenue. Over the summer, it’s a picturesque alfresco dining space featuring casual bites and cocktails. In winter, it’s a charming ice rink, with Cloud Gate and the city skyline as its backdrop. The rink is always free, skate rentals are available.
Explore more: Get the full scoop on winter ice skating in Millennium Park.
Millennium Park events
Millennium Park offers a busy calendar of public events all year round. Don’t miss the beloved Summer Music Series and Summer Film Series, when you can grab a seat on the Great Lawn and enjoy a free show under the stars. The park also is also home to annual festivals, including the Grant Park Music Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and Chicago Gourmet.
In the summer, the park also hosts outdoor workouts, including free yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and tai chi classes.
During the winter, the park is home to the official City of Chicago Christmas Tree, along with fun and festive events like a holiday artisan market.
Millennium Park restaurants
If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat, Millennium Park offers great dining options that offer something for everyone.
- Napolita is an authentic brick-oven Neapolitan pizzeria (11 N. Michigan Ave.).
- Double Clutch Brewing Company features the city’s largest beer garden (McCormick Tribune Plaza).
- Casa Bonita is a casual spot serving Mexican fare and frozen margaritas with views of The Bean (next to Cloud Gate).
Boeing Galleries
The Boeing Galleries comprise two paved outdoor spaces located on the mid-level terraces. Designed for public exhibitions and furnished with seating for park visitors, these free, open-air galleries are home to modern and contemporary art installations that rotate throughout the year.
Getting to Millennium Park
‘L’ train
The Washington & Wabash ‘L’ stop serves the CTA Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines. Find more information and plan your route.
Metra train
Millennium Park is located directly above the Millennium Park Station at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, with access to the Metra Electric District and South Shore Line trains and the downtown pedway system. Find schedules, fares, and a map of downtown stations.
By car
Convenient parking is located in the Millennium Park Garage, Grant Park North, Grant Park South, and East Monroe Garages. Find information and pre-purchase parking.
