Millennium Park
Time Needed: half-day
Experience Type: offbeat & fun, photo op
Millennium Park is Chicago’s crown jewel—a vibrant blend of art, architecture, gardens, and green space in the city’s heart. From its reflective sculptures to free summer concerts, this downtown destination captures the creative spirit and energy that define the Windy City.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- See Your Reflection in Cloud Gate – Snap photos at “The Bean,” the gleaming sculpture that mirrors Chicago’s skyline in ever-changing, Instagram-worthy curves.
- Play in Crown Fountain – Watch digital faces spout water between twin glass towers, turning this interactive artwork into a splash-filled playground.
- Catch a Show at Jay Pritzker Pavilion – Enjoy free concerts or movies under the sweeping steel architecture and open-air acoustics of this striking bandshell.
- Wander Through Lurie Garden – Escape the bustle in this lush, 2.5-acre urban oasis filled with native plants and seasonal blooms.
- Play City Mini Golf – Within Maggie Daley Park, putt your way through Chicago landmarks, including a six-foot-tall Willis Tower and a giant Portillo’s hot dog.
Itinerary Idea: Start your Chicago getaway in Millennium Park. Book a guided segway tour to glide past top landmarks, see skyscrapers from a unique perspective, and hear fun Windy City stories along the way.
Photo Credit: Dulcey Lima/Unsplash