Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: fountain (69) Chicago (36) beautiful (28) Fountain (27) Buckingham (25) water (22) visit (20) skyline (18) Park (18) Grant (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 PS 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely Majestic Fountain , spent 1-2 hrs there looking at its beauty and how as night approaches, lights all lit up , it looks more stunning…. The Chicago Skyscrapers and beautiful skyline make it the most perfect backdrop….. loved it’s openness and huge gardens surrounding it ….and the beautiful Lake Michigan on the other side makes it’s even more beautiful
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruth R. 8 months ago on Google • 35 reviews
    A TOP tourist attraction in the city. I highly recommend going at night to see the light & music show plus all the little carts that are lit up with fun colors, driving around the fountain. With the city lights in the background, over all it’s a great place to walk around or just sit and watch. Lots of great sitting options. There also is several snack carts set up as well as food trucks. Bathrooms available too. As my 1st experience, it was wonderful.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James H. 5 months ago on Google • 609 reviews
    Very nice fountain. A good scene to experiment with different photographic/video techniques such as slow-motion and others.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie G. 2 years ago on Google
    So beautiful. The fountain lights up at night. It used to coordinate with music, but it did not tonight. The restaurant was closed, so I'm not sure if there's any food for sale there, or if it was just closed when we went. The city lights up in the background, tonight it was all red, white and blue. They have super cool light up carts that can take you for rides between the attractions. Or it's not too long of a walk to Navy pier and millennium park.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leah B. 1 year ago on Google
    This. Was. Amazing! It’s free and beautiful!! This fountain has a “show” every hour during the summer months. Luckily for us, we unknowingly timed our visit with the summer fireworks to make it even more special! It was romantic and I’ll never forget our time visiting this landmark!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cheyenne D. 2 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous fountain and views of Lake Michigan await visitors of this must-see in Chicago. Easily accessible on foot from nearby Michigan Avenue. We walked from Grant Park and enjoyed passing runners, walkers, and bicyclists of all ages. Makes for a great spot for family photos and even a picnic.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Localizer 6 months ago on Google • 94 reviews
    This iconic fountain is such a much visit while in Chicago. The location is prime, right in Grant Park and very close to the Millennium Park and west of the shores of the Lake Michigan. The fountain itself is majestic, one of the largest fountains in the World. It has four sets of Seahorses representing each of the four states of Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana that border Lake Michigan. Just a 360 walk around the fountain can be entertaining as you can catch various angles of the fountain against the different backdrop of the city and the skyline and the Lake, just magnificent! The water shoots up the fountains so high that on a windy day you could have a nice light shower standing even a good 50 feet away or farther from the edge, depending on the direction of the wind. There are Some food carts around the fountain and nearby and there are facilities by it. You can spend a good hour if not longer at this location just admiring the fountain and the surroundings.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jamaica L. 6 months ago on Google • 66 reviews
    What can I say? Besides its beautiful, classic, & an icon for the City of Chicago ⛲️🌃 I've driven past here a hundred times on Lake Shore Drive, & have always marveled at the beauty of the fountain, but none of that prepared me for the upclose experience. The Buckingham Fountain ⛲️ is something you want to experience in your lifetime. I felt as if I was transported to a past time.. the sheer beauty of it in the daytime is only magnified 10x by the view of it at night. With the iconic Chicago skyline as its backdrop, this truly is a sight that NEEDS to be seen in person. It was absolutely breathtaking.✨️ It's located in Grant Park, which also has a beautiful rose garden🌹 and other photo worthy attractions. It's a must-see, in person, for both visitors and locals like myself. When you live so close to a big city, you tend to take the magnitude of it for granted. You really do have to stop, smell the roses 🌹, & appreciate what an absolute treasure you have 30 minutes away from home ⛲️🌃🤍
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander C. 1 year ago on Google
    A very nice place to enjoy the beautiful fountain with splendid Chicago skyscrapers. If you walked a little you can get the lake front trail. The only pity is that the fountain is not dancing with music.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Greg S. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited in September, 2022. Buckingham Fountain is one of the most magnificent fountains I have ever experienced. It is very huge and beautiful. Visit Grant Park to see this fountain. This is a nice place to meditate or people watch. There is plenty of parking nearby. This is an excellent spot for taking pictures of the Chicago skyline and incorporating it into photos with the fountain.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a must for anyone visiting Chicago. This is an impressive Fountain that changes its water activities on a regular basis so you can sometimes see high rising water fountains or more decorative lower water fountains. It’s free and has a beautiful backdrop onto the skyline of Chicago. There are also some amenities in the area such as toilets, and vendors for food and drink.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Casey T. 2 years ago on Google
    Buckingham Fountain is definitely worth the visit, as is the rest of Grant Park! It’s much larger and even more beautiful in person! At night the fountain lights up and you can see an awesome view of the city skyline.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Saiprabhu B. 1 year ago on Google
    Majestic fountain with the majestic Chicago skyline in its backdrop. The best part is it's totally free. This is one of the largest fountains in the world. Can easily spend an hour here taking a leisurely stroll and observing the fountain from all the directions. This should be the starting point of your visit to Chicago.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Demar M. 1 month ago on Google • 58 reviews New
    Love and Marriage, Love and Marriage, go together like a horse and carriage, this I tell ya brother, you can’t have one without the other…” If you have ever watched the classic show Married with Children, then you have seen Buckingham Fountain. Stunning sight to behold, especially during its choreographed water shows.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martinez 2 years ago on Google
    The Buckingham Fountain is beautiful! Being from Chicago I have seen this beautiful fountain many times and I totally recommend it! My favorite time to visit the fountain is at night when it’s turned on and it changes colors. I also enjoy walking around.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vivian L. 2 years ago on Google
    I’m sure this is very pretty in the summertime, but since it’s off season, the fountain is off. The surrounding area is a huge wide open space, and it makes it very nice to see the skyscrapers and sky line. Even better for the lights at night.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashok P. 1 year ago on Google
    Buckingham Fountain one of the largest in the world, is located within the Grant Park in Chicago. When we visited the fountain in early May morning, one of the most beautiful fountains of America was not operational. I was eager to visit the Buckingham Fountain as I had read many reviews about the fountain and it’s spectacular light and music displays, but unfortunately we couldn’t see it as it was not open for the season yet. I learnt that the major fountain display stays for 20 minutes during every hour. The fountain is made of pink Georgia marble and granite and bronze sculptures. The fountain was installed in 1927 but interestingly the original pumps are still operational. Beautiful garden surrounding the fountain in the backdrop of Lake Michigan and skyscrapers of Chicago downtown makes it so grand. We took leisurely stroll in the garden and around the fountain and enjoyed the beautiful experience. Though, it would have been much better if the actual fountain was operating and alive with lights and music on!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander P. 2 years ago on Google
    To say this place is amazing is too little. Magnificent! The fountain is breathtaking, the views of the city around and manumental Chicago skyline complete the impression. You will make here the pictures that will accompany you for the rest of your life.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donald h. 1 year ago on Google
    Buckingham Fountain is a Chicano Landmark in the middle of Grant Park and is one of the largest fountains in the world. The fountain operates from May to mid-October, with regular water shows and evening colored-light shows. It is also a short walk from here to Lake Michigan and is a spot to get some great photos.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D J. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful fountain in the middle of Grant Park Chicago. No entrance fee! Easy walk from Michigan Ave, We walked to the fountain from the Art institute within 10 minutes. You can also hop on a rental bike or there are many bikers that have carriage rides available for you along the waterfront and fountain areas you can hop on and get a ride if needed. It has a beautiful view of the lakefront on one side and the city buildings as a back drop on the other sides. The fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world donated by Kate Buckingham. The fountain has a beautiful night light show that has 820 lights that are meant to convey soft moonlight. It has three pumps pushing over 14,000 gallons of water per minute through 134 jets. It's a definite must do when in Chicago!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dr. Ratna C. 2 years ago on Google
    Post Covid and lockdowns I visited the fountain again. Thank Goodness its up and about but enclosed in iron railing enclosures. Also the fountain is not at its best. We walked from Lake shore towards the fountain and passed by this lovely Rose garden steps away from the fountain. Rows and rows if Rises and lively gazebos. Total gram worthy place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nupur G. 6 months ago on Google • 290 reviews
    Was going to riverwalk and saw this place crowded so headed towards it and was amazed to see the beauty of this place. Fountain is so so good and lightings are awesome. We clicked some pictures of us and took and ride in RIKSHAW 😀 although we have already took ride in india on rikshaw but in chicago it was a whole different experience

  • 5/5 PL 3 months ago on Google • 114 reviews New
    One of the best fountains in America. Seeing this fountain and the Chicago skyline in the background is pretty interesting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Chetan M. 6 months ago on Google • 203 reviews
    Very large fountain located in Grant Park walkable distance from famous Millennium Park. Fountain is good with lights and music show happens every hour in the evening. Overall good to visit on a leisure day but not a must visit place.

  • 5/5 Samin P. 8 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    Buckingham Fountain, an iconic landmark nestled in Grant Park, is a mesmerizing testament to Chicago's grandeur and beauty. Standing as one of the largest fountains in the world, it exudes a timeless elegance and captivates visitors with its grandeur. The fountain's exquisite design features intricately carved seahorses, mythical sea creatures, and cascading tiers that create a symphony of water and light. Its central jet shoots water up to 150 feet in the air, while the surrounding basins showcase graceful water patterns that dance in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Buckingham Fountain serves as a focal point for gatherings and celebrations in the city. Its dynamic water displays, set to the backdrop of Chicago's iconic skyline, create a spectacle that delights visitors of all ages. The fountain's water shows, accompanied by music and vibrant lights, are particularly enchanting during the summer evenings. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Buckingham Fountain holds historical significance for Chicago. Dedicated in 1927, it was a gift to the city from philanthropist Kate Sturges Buckingham as a tribute to her late brother. Today, it stands as a symbol of civic pride and a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists. Visitors to Buckingham Fountain can enjoy leisurely strolls along its surrounding promenade, take in the panoramic views of Lake Michigan, and capture memorable photos against its grand backdrop. Whether in daylight or illuminated at night, Buckingham Fountain is a true Chicago icon, evoking a sense of wonder and delight that embodies the city's spirit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jainish D. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place. Evening view is really good. Must visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Naresh V. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful fountain at the prime location where you can see beautiful skyline at one side and the lake at the other end. If you are planning to visit then park ur car near millennium park. It’s walkable distance. If you visit in evening you can see beautiful fountain in lights 😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk & take pictures! It is clean & well maintained, I do recommend this lovely; must see place, tourist attraction. It is an open area where there is some bike's that offer to take you around but charge you (it's not necessary).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katarína K. 2 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous place with a fantastic view of the Chicago skyline. It is refreshing to sit next to it and have a lunch in the shade. There are lots of other nice places around. Seagulls always watch you! ;)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nasir I. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place to visit with friends and family Location: Buckingham Fountain is located in Grant Park, which is in the downtown area of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Design: The fountain was designed by Edward H. Bennett and dedicated in 1927. Its design is inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles in France. Size: The Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world. It stands at 49 feet tall and spans 280 feet in diameter. Water Display: The fountain operates from April to October, and it has a water display with a central jet shooting water up to 150 feet in the air. Light and Music Show: In the evenings, the fountain comes alive with a stunning light and music show. Colorful lights illuminate the water display, synchronized with music, creating a beautiful spectacle. Iconic Symbol: The Buckingham Fountain has become an iconic symbol of Chicago and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Grant Park: The fountain is situated within Grant Park, one of Chicago's premier public spaces, offering beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the city's skyline.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr. B. 9 months ago on Google
    Gateway to Chicago if you come here you must stop here first day long enough to see all the fountain shoot. They shoot even higher every so often. So stay long enough. Make sure you walk around inside to see every aspect of not just the fountain but the background. The skyline the harbor all the above and just enjoy your time
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Makani J. 2 years ago on Google
    We have visited this place multiple times and every time you go it looks amazing. The night view is particularly beautiful along with the lights. Also the view of downtown Chicago is beautiful from here so it adds extra beauty to this place. If you are in Chicago you must visit this place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gabriel Alcantara M. 10 months ago on Google • 135 reviews
    The place is surrounded by a beautiful green. The city on the background landscape creates a very interesting contrast and the pictures are amazing. The place is very clean and quiet. Unfortunately on my first visit the fountain was not on. But I'll be back there soon. Anyway they still had the fountain' water where you could see the birds having fun.

  • 5/5 Tanya G. 7 months ago on Google • 113 reviews
    The place and vibe was awesome!! Top 3 places in Chicago, in my opinion! I drove past this place in the nighttime, through the Lake shore drive and the skyline was visible, which was absolutely stunning! Must visit place

  • 5/5 JINXED M. 2 years ago on Google
    Most FAVORITE place in downtown! Very picturesque, especially at nights.. it is however closed during the winter. Be sure to check hours of operation before planning the visit and try to catch the light show (every 20 mins). Street parking is tough, but any of the millennium park garages are a comfortable walk to the fountain.

  • 5/5 Ashwin Sathya R. 7 months ago on Google
    Buckingham Fountain in Chicago is an iconic landmark that truly captivates visitors with its grandeur and beauty. I recently had the pleasure of visiting this magnificent fountain, and it was an experience I will cherish for a long time. As you approach the fountain, its sheer size and intricate design immediately command attention. The majestic centerpiece, surrounded by four beautiful sea-horse sculptures, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and dedication to creating stunning public spaces. The fountain's water display is a sight to behold, especially during its hourly water shows. The cascading water jets, reaching heights of up to 150 feet, are set to the backdrop of the stunning Chicago skyline. The combination of water, light, and music during the evening displays creates a magical atmosphere that leaves visitors in awe. The surrounding Grant Park provides a perfect setting for leisurely strolls and picnics, offering ample green spaces and beautiful gardens. The fountain serves as a focal point within the park, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to gather and enjoy the vibrant energy of the city. What impressed me the most was the attention to detail and the careful preservation of Buckingham Fountain's historical significance. The recent restoration efforts have ensured that this architectural masterpiece remains in pristine condition for generations to come. The dedication to maintaining the fountain's beauty and historical value is evident in every aspect of its upkeep. During my visit, I noticed that the fountain attracts a diverse crowd, from families with children running gleefully through the water to couples taking romantic strolls by the fountain's edge. The sight of people from different walks of life coming together to appreciate this iconic landmark adds a sense of community and connectedness. The Buckingham Fountain is not just a beautiful sight but also a symbol of the city's spirit and resilience. It has stood the test of time, enduring decades of changing seasons and weather, yet it continues to be a symbol of Chicago's vibrant culture and enduring charm. If you're planning a trip to Chicago, Buckingham Fountain is an absolute must-visit destination. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy the city's beauty, this iconic landmark will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind. Don't forget to catch the hourly water shows, as they are truly a spectacle that shouldn't be missed. Buckingham Fountain is undoubtedly one of the city's most treasured gems, and it will undoubtedly make your visit to Chicago a memorable one.

  • 5/5 James S. 2 years ago on Google
    The fountain is so incredible! It is so big! You will got two choices to have a photo! One side is having a gorgeous Chicago skyline or a huge lake and making the place look like near the beach! The fountain will close at every year winter and spring, since the weather will be too cold and make the watch become ice. This fountain is also known as it is one of the biggest fountain in the state. So coming to Chicago don’t forget to visit it.

  • 5/5 Ankita B. 1 year ago on Google
    Really stunning fountain in the heart of Downtown Chicago. I would suggest to go at night especially so you can watch the light show as it really looks spectacular along with the Chicago skyline towering in the backyard. A really nice and serene place. They have food trucks and rental carriage rides to get the full experience. The light show goes on for 20 mins every hour. You can get the bus or subway across the street directly and walk the rest of the way. Its pretty conveniently located. Remember to get some nice shots on the way to the fountain on top of the rail yard.

  • 5/5 Ever S. 1 year ago on Google
    Really beautiful fountain! U can take photos of it with backgrounds of the enormous lake that can be mistaken for the ocean, or the city skyscrapers behind the fountain. Really pretty especially if u catch it when the waters really tall. I attached photos to show the difference

  • 5/5 Addison C. 2 years ago on Google
    Pretty cool place to visit! I stopped here on my walk along the lake trail, and had to get a few pictures. There were a few groups of dancers practicing which was fun to watch. This would be a great spot to have lunch, as there are park benches nearby and steps that lead down to where you can cross the street to access the lakefront trail.

  • 5/5 Joshua D. 1 year ago on Google
    Review Date: June 23rd, 2012 “Love and Marriage, Love and Marriage, go together like a horse and carriage, this I tell ya brother, you can’t have one without the other…” If you have ever watched the classic show Married with Children, then you have seen Buckingham Fountain. The iconic fountain in the opening credits is located in Chicago, IL and it is quite easily accessible via the park there. Besides that, not much to say about it. It is a giant fountain in the middle of the park. I went during the day, so maybe they have some cool light shows at night? The area is nice and it was really cool to see an iconic landmark from a TV show in person. If you are in the area, you’ll be near Millennium Park, so check out Cloud Gate while you are in the area. (Edit: Buckingham Fountain is not in Millennium Park, like I previously thought. Whoops!)

  • 5/5 Sheila S. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice park and fountain. Great place for special event photos. I saw three weddings and 4 quinceaneras being photographed and not interfere with each other due to the size of the fountain.


Call (312) 742-7529 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Millennium Park image
1
Millennium Park
Park
24.5-acre green space with a video display, the reflective "Bean" sculpture & an outdoor theater.
4.70 (79.2K reviews)
Navy Pier image
2
Navy Pier
Tourist attraction
Former Navy training center draws crowds with carnival rides, restaurants, shops & fireworks.
4.60 (73.8K reviews)
Lincoln Park Zoo image
3
Lincoln Park Zoo
Zoo
Small, free zoo with lions, primates, reptiles, a children's area & an interactive farm exhibit.
4.60 (32K reviews)
The Art Institute of Chicago image
4
The Art Institute of Chicago
Museum
Renowned art museum holding nearly 300,000 works from all over the world, spanning many centuries.
$$$ $
4.80 (31.6K reviews)
Wrigley Field image
5
Wrigley Field
Stadium
Ivy-clad walls & manual scoreboard add retro charm to the 2nd oldest baseball stadium in the majors.
4.80 (31.3K reviews)
Last updated:
()