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Sport & OutdoorIconicFamily Favorite

Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (The Bean)

201 E Randolph St · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

No Chicago trip is complete without a selfie in Cloud Gate's mirror-polished curves, but stick around for Crown Fountain's splashing video sculptures, the Lurie Garden, and free summer concerts at Pritzker Pavilion. It's the city's front lawn, and it costs nothing. Winter brings a beloved ice rink.

  • #the bean
  • #public art
  • #free
  • #photo op
  • #concerts

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

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

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (The Bean), ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Iconic

    The Art Institute of Chicago

    $25–$50

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

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    The Chicago Theatre

    $25–$50

    The marquee that means Chicago, catch a show or tour the gilded 1921 movie palace.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

    $50+

    Expert docents narrate the skyline's greatest hits on the beloved river cruise aboard First Lady.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Lincoln Park Zoo

    Free

    One of America's last free zoos, lions, gorillas, and gardens minutes from downtown.

    2.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Garfield Park Conservatory

    Under $25

    "Landscape art under glass", two acres of palms, ferns, and desert plants inside one of the nation's largest conservatories.

    4.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Villa Olivia

    $25–$50

    Family ski, tubing and golf destination in Bartlett with a quad chairlift, six rope tows and an 18-hole golf course.

    32 mi awayMore like this