One of the world's largest fountains, a 1927 landmark in Grant Park with water displays and evening light shows in season.
Buckingham Fountain at 301 S Columbus Dr stands in the center of Grant Park in The Loop of Chicago, Illinois, between the lakefront and Michigan Avenue. Dedicated in 1927 and given to the city by Kate Buckingham in memory of her brother Clarence, it is one of the largest ornamental fountains in the world. The design is inspired by the Latona Fountain at Versailles, built in pink Georgia marble in a tiered wedding-cake form, with four pairs of bronze sea horses representing the four states bordering Lake Michigan.
During the season, which generally runs from mid-April to mid-October, the fountain operates daily with water shows. The central jet can rise well over 100 feet, and the display cycles through patterns of water jets. After dark, colored lights and music accompany the shows, with an evening light-and-water display that draws visitors until late in the evening. The surrounding plaza has benches and a ring of gardens, and the fountain makes a natural stop between the lakefront, the Art Institute and Millennium Park. Outside the season, the basin is drained and the fountain is dormant, though the structure is still visible.
Most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes. The surrounding park is typically open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and the fountain is free to view. Evenings after dark are the best time for the light show, while mornings and midday are quieter and give clean daytime photographs of the marble and sea horses with the skyline behind. Summer weekends and festival days in Grant Park are the busiest times. Photographers often stand on the plaza's east side to include the skyline or take the long view from the lakeside paths. The fountain is a short walk east from the CTA Red Line Harrison or Roosevelt stations, or from Metra Electric at Roosevelt Road. Visitors should check the Chicago Park District website for the exact operating dates and show times, as the season is weather dependent.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Park daily 6:00AM-11:00PM; fountain runs roughly mid-April to mid-October |
| Typical visit | 30-60 minutes |
| Best time | Evenings after dark for the light show |
| Getting there | CTA Red Line to Harrison or Roosevelt and walk east; Metra Electric to Roosevelt Road |
| Address | 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 |
Location
301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
41.8739, -87.6192 View on map
Highlights
- Tiered pink marble fountain from 1927 in Grant Park
- Central jet and choreographed water shows in season
- Evening light-and-water display after dark
- Four pairs of bronze sea horses
- Skyline backdrop on the lakefront
Tips for visiting
- Visit after dark between spring and fall for the light show.
- Check the Chicago Park District website for operating dates, as the season is weather dependent.
- Come in the morning for quieter daytime photographs.
- Walk east from Harrison or Roosevelt on the Red Line.
- Combine with the Art Institute and Millennium Park, both a short walk away.
When to visit
Evenings after dark for the light show; mornings for fewer people and clean daytime photos.
Accessibility
The plaza around the fountain has paved, level paths and is generally wheelchair accessible. Grant Park paths connect to nearby streets and transit.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Buckingham Fountain take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes, longer if they wait for the evening light show.
Is Buckingham Fountain worth it for kids?
Yes. The water jets and lights appeal to children, and the surrounding lawns of Grant Park give room to move. Supervise them near the basin.
Is photography allowed?
Yes. Photography is welcome in the public park, with good views of the fountain and skyline.
When does the fountain run?
It generally operates from about mid-April to mid-October, with evening light shows after dark.