Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
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City LandmarkPhoto Spot
Overview
Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago Landmark in the center of Grant Park, between Queen's Landing and the end of Ida B. Wells Drive. Dedicated in 1927 and donated to the city by philanthropist Kate S. Buckingham, it is one of the largest fountains in the world. Built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, its design allegorically represents nearby Lake Michigan.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 hour
Best TimeThe fountain only operates from early May through mid-October. The ultimate time to visit is between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM when spectacular light and music water shows run every hour on the hour. The center jet shoots water 150 feet into the night sky, framed symmetrically by the illuminated downtown skyline.
Getting ThereLocated centrally within Grant Park. Take the CTA Red or Blue Line to the Jackson station, then enjoy a pleasant 10 to 12-minute stroll east along Jackson Boulevard straight to the fountain plaza. Street parking is severely restricted, but underground garages along Columbus Drive are available if you drive.
Travel Tips
- The fountain operates seasonally from mid-May to mid-October; breathtaking 150-foot vertical major water displays launch precisely on the hour for 20 minutes, concluding nightly at 22:50.
- Situated in an expansive, flat clearance, this open plain carries lightning strike vectors during summer squalls; evacuate immediately to subterranean garages upon audible warning sirens.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Nightly light/music spectacles run from 20:00 to 23:00; avoid setting up tripods on the eastern lakefront perimeter to shield camera elements from heavy mist downwinds.
Reviews
Positive
- One of the world's largest fountains; its Rococo wedding-cake design against massive skyscrapers delivers grand visuals and looks incredibly photogenic.
- Completely free and situated in the core of Grant Park with spacious flat walkways and benches; highly accessible by transit, it offers a peaceful urban escape.
- Every hour on the dot features a spectacular 20-minute water show, shooting a central geyser up to 150 feet high with immense, thrilling power.
- Nighttime color light and music shows are ethereal and dazzling, offering a sharp, artistic contrast to its daytime classical elegance.
Heads up
- It has strict seasonal limitations, operating only from May to mid-October; winter visits find it completely drained and shuttered, destroying the view.
- During windy summer days, heavy airborne mist from the high geyser blows directly onto the plaza, easily soaking passersby due to a lack of shelters.
- Public restrooms and trash bins are spaced quite far away, and as a vast open plaza, it suffers from zero tree canopy or shaded umbrellas during midday heat.
- During major city events like the Lollapalooza festival or street races, the entire fountain perimeter is fenced off, blocking ordinary tourists entirely.