Grant Park, Chicago

Nestled between the majestic Lake Michigan to the east and the striking city skyline to the west, with the Museum Campus to the south, Grant Park proudly serves as Chicago's front yard and unofficial gathering spot.

This pristine expanse offers serene walking paths, a graceful grove of stately elm trees, and well-maintained rose gardens. The rest of the park remains largely unembellished, patiently awaiting picnickers and the throngs of summertime visitors who come to unwind with a good book or indulge in a leisurely nap. Additionally, the park plays host to some of the city's grandest outdoor events, including the renowned 'Lollapalooza' music festival and the expansive 'Taste of Chicago', a culinary extravaganza featuring dishes from over 70 restaurants.

The park's crowning jewel is the magnificent Buckingham Fountain, an opulent multi-tiered marvel surrounded by colonnades of trees and thousands of blooming rose bushes. You'll also find a few hot dog and ice cream stands sprinkled throughout, serving up beer and wine for those in need of refreshment.

Reserved as undeveloped land back in 1836, long before Chicago's official incorporation, Grant Park has upheld this commitment ever since. Its walkways were constructed upon rubble from the Great Chicago Fire, and the park's design embodies the Beaux Arts style from the early 1900s.

While the park witnessed notorious clashes between antiwar protesters and police during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, it experienced a starkly different scene on November 4, 2008. On that unusually warm night, an unprecedented 125,000 jubilant spectators, including notable locals Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey, as well as countless TV viewers, gathered here to witness Barack Obama's historic election-night party, as he accepted the presidency of the United States.

Why You Should Visit:
Ideal for a date, leisurely stroll, jog, bike ride, or family outing.
Abundant spots to lay down a picnic blanket and enjoy some peaceful, relaxing moments.
Throughout the summer and even in the winter, the park hosts hundreds of events.

Tip:
Bring a towel or blanket for concerts and for taking a break under the shade of a tree.
If you enjoy biking, try the lakeside route – it's fantastic!