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Buckingham Fountain

Grant Park's grand 1927 fountain fires its center jet skyward every hour, with music-and-lights shows after dusk.

301 S Columbus Dr · Chicago, IL

Plan your visit

Price: No admission fee
When it runs: Fountain runs early May–mid-Oct
Good for: First-time visitors
Public transit nearby: Balbo & ColumbusBus 2, 6, 10, 26, 28, J14 · 0.2 mi away
Van Buren St.Train ME · 0.2 mi away
Adams & WabashSubway and Bus 1, 7, 28, 126, 148, 151, Brown Line, Green Line and 3 more · 0.4 mi away
Stops and lines from the USDOT National Transit Map. Check times with the agency before you go.
Flying in: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is about 9 miles away.
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About Buckingham Fountain

One of the largest fountains in the world, Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain has been the rococo centerpiece of Grant Park since 1927, its bronze seahorses representing the four states bordering Lake Michigan. During the season it runs daily from morning until 11 pm, erupting into a 20-minute major water display at the top of every hour; after dusk the show adds choreographed lights and music. It famously starred in the opening credits of Married... with Children.

#fountain
#grant park
#photo spot
#lakefront
#free

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Buckingham Fountain, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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Transit: reachable by public transit
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