Crown Fountain - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The McCormick Tribune Plaza, is a modern forty-story skyscraper that was completed in 1991 and is now a landmark for the region. Visitors to this popular destination can enjoy an array of amenities such as an open-air plaza, an ice rink for public skating and the McCormick Tribune Bridge. The Plaza also has luxury stores on its ground level, allowing visitors to shop throughout their visit. At its top are two observation decks where people can take in unparalleled views of the city skyline.

Cloud Gate, is an iconic sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor. The stainless steel bean-like structure was created to be a modernist revelry to Chicago's skyline and has become beloved among locals and tourists alike. Its 110 ton form rises 12 metres from the ground and is 33 metres wide making it the largest public sculpture in the world. Visitors can walk around, touch and take pictures with the sculpture as it captures reflections of the cityscape surrounding it.

Lurie Garden is a magnificent 5 acre public garden, which boasts a wide array of perennial and annual plants, shrubs, trees, and grasses that bloom throughout the Spring and Summer months. The garden allows visitors to view native plants while appreciating the beauty of the prairie landscape. Natural sand dunes are featured throughout the garden – creating a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Garden also houses several art pieces that compliment nature’s scenery.

Millennium Park, a stunning landscape spanning 24.5 acres opened in 2004 to commemorate the turn of the millennium, this spectacular public park features stunningly designed gardens and sculptures, inspiring architecture, and an array of interactive exhibits and landscapes. From the mesmerizing reflective Crown Fountain and the underground BP Pedestrian Bridge to the stirring Lurie Garden and serene Pritzker Pavilion known for its impressive acoustics and world-renowned performances.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see landmark that has been an integral part of the city’s culture since it opened in 1879. As one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, this sprawling museum houses more than 300,000 works of art spanning over five millennia of history. The collection includes masterpieces from around the world. Notable exhibits include Impressionist paintings by Manet and Monet, to Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Chagall’s America Windows.

The Historic Route 66 Begin Sign, Illinois is an iconic landmark, representing the unique and colorful history of Route 66. The two-lane highway was first established in 1926 and ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through eight states. The local entrance point to the route was marked with a large sign featuring an arrow pointing straight ahead with a background of a midwestern dawn sky. It was the gateway to countless memories and adventures for travelers.