Buckingham Fountain
A grand 1927 Beaux-Arts fountain in Grant Park with timed water-and-light shows.
The call
Worth it if you care about the visual experience.
Why
- 01
A handsome 1927 Beaux-Arts landmark and one of the world's largest fountains — and, for a certain generation, instantly familiar as the fountain in the opening credits of 'Married...
Our read - 02
with Children.' The real move is timing: stay for the major water display on the hour (jets to ~150 feet) and, after dusk in season, the synchronized water-and-light show.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to Chicago
An easy landmark tick, just don't expect to linger.
You care about the visual experience
Buckingham Fountain rewards a trip built around beauty & photography.
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
Buckingham Fountain can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Buckingham Fountain only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Buckingham Fountain needs the right timing and tolerance.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Buckingham Fountain needs the right timing and tolerance.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free
- Timing
- Warm season for the displays; stay after dark for the hourly evening light show.
- Allow
- 20–40 min
- Accessibility
- Flat, paved approach; fully accessible.
- Getting there
- Center of Grant Park; a short walk from the Loop and lakefront transit.