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Buckingham Fountain

301 S Columbus Dr · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

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

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

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.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Big Bus Tours Chicago

    $25–$50

    Open-top, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tours looping past Chicago's downtown landmarks.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Quirky Fun

    Chicago Prime Tours

    $25–$50

    Narrated bus tours covering Chicago's true crime, gangster history, and general sightseeing highlights.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Iconic

    The Art Institute of Chicago

    $25–$50

    Home of American Gothic and a world-famous Impressionist collection, guarded by two bronze lions.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Chicago Riverwalk

    Free

    A 1.25-mile waterfront promenade of patios, wine bars, and skyline views along the Chicago River.

    0.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

    $25–$50

    Lake-and-skyline views from 1,000 feet up, plus TILT, the glass ledge that leans you over Michigan Avenue.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Chicago

    Free

    Illinois' lakefront metropolis, home to world-class museums, architecture, and neighborhoods along Lake Michigan.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this