The wife and I visited "The Bean" and the surrounding area for a bit. The mirrored bean is cool and drew a hefty crowd on this Saturday afternoon. It is pretty massive and iconic for this city. I captured some fun "funhouse" type reflection images of us in it. This area with the river makes for a nice walk and visual architecture splendor on full display. There were some huge mural water fountain art displays nearby. During the summertime water runs vertically down them. read more

My friend and I were recently traveling to Chicago, and we stayed along Michigan Avenue. We didn't realize until arriving that it was so close to Millennium Park, which we spent part of one afternoon exploring. Like every other tourist, we took photo after photo at Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean." We wandered through the rest of the Millennium Park Campus and found the entire area to be quite delightful. It was hard to believe that only yards away were busy streets and hotels and buildings. I was impressed with the level of security in place at each of the two park entrances. There are metal detectors in place and bag searches for a variety of prohibited items from weapons, explosives, fireworks, and open flames to noise makers, narcotics, drugs, and animals (other than service animals). The lines moved quite quickly. The officers were friendly but clearly focused on keeping everyone entering the park safe. Millennium Park is a world leader of art and architecture in a public, outdoor, urban setting. The Millennium Park Campus includes the Lurie Garden, the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Harris Theater. The Lurie Garden is the Millennium Park's 'secret garden'. This naturalistic garden is a place of rest and renewal for humans and wildlife alike. There are also many events from summer workouts, summer music series, and summer film series to a variety of different festivals. The Millennium Park is open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM, and there is no cost for admission. The Welcome Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. The Lurie Garden will be closed through early July though. There is nearby parking in the Grant Park Garages (North & South) and the Millennium Park and Millennium Lakeside Garage. You can pay in person at each garage or pre-pay online. You can also take the CTA to Millennium Park where $5 will cover your entire trip. You can learn more about the Millennium Park at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html. If you're in Chicago, you need to visit the Millennium Park! read more

See all

Visiting Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean") in Chicago is a must! It's even cooler in person--the reflection of the skyline and people all around makes for some amazing photo ops. Super unique and iconic, and the park around it is beautiful to walk through. Definitely one of those spots you have to see at least once when you're in Chicago! read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Kind of a bummer when people are always walking around and asking for money. But it's nice to go in the spring and fall and be able to get a drink and something to eat downstairs. read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great place to chill but parking underground minimum of $36.00 be sure to take out a loan or prepare to walk far. read more

Millennium Park - Frijol cromado - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a spacious and beautiful park which is a big tourist attraction and a nice area to walk around. It is home of the amazing Cloud Gate better know as "the bean" in Chicago. This is an awesome sight and so cool to see. It's an easy walk to get to. If you are in Chicago check out the bean. It's fun and mesmerizing and I loved staring at it. read more

See all

I came here during the winter storm in late January (sorry super late review!) and some parks were off limits. I was afraid that The Bean was going to be closed off, but it wasn't, much to our surprise! The Bean has some ice on the top and we were able to walked around and under it. There were quite a few people there, but we were able to take some good pics. It was super cold and because of that, we had to get some hot chocolate at the Dog House. I got the Chicago Style Hotdog and the Specialty S'mores Hot Chocolate. Both were delicious! Since it was super cold, we stayed as long as we could. Definitely gorgeous as the night started to come in. read more

See all

Millennium Park is a one of a kind park offering amazing views during the day or at night. There are lots of people during the day not as many at night or later times. read more

See all

I got to take my guy around Chicago and, of course, we came to Millennium Park. Sadly, due to the winter festivities, the actual park was closed, but it was really nice getting to see all the lights and skating and I got to tell him stories of all the great events they have during the summer. I'm a sucker for this part of Chicago and for good reason! There's always something to do around here no matter the season. read more

See all

I couldn't leave Chicago without making a stop at Millennium Park to see the famous Bean--and it definitely lived up to the moment. Seeing it up close was actually really cool. The reflection captures so much of the city, and it's fun to walk around and see the skyline from different angles right on the surface. While I was there, I grabbed a hot chocolate from a nearby stand and took some time to just enjoy the view and take in the architecture surrounding the park. It was the perfect way to slow down and really appreciate the beauty of the city. If you're visiting Chicago, Millennium Park (and the Bean) is definitely a must-see. read more

See all

Obviously a must see when in Chicago! It's a beautiful park to walk around and of course the home to the iconic Cloud Gate. When we were there a lot of areas were blocked off for what looked like construction, but it was also pretty cold so we were not spending a ton of time there. The other thing I found a little unsettling was having to go through a security checkpoint to enter and then in the part there was security everywhere. I definitely understand it is a crowded destination but was quite surprising since I'd never seen so much security at a park. Cloud Gate was crowded but very cool to see even with all of the people and the view of the city is stunning from here! read more

See all

A must see if in Chicago and if you catch it in early morning you could definitely get some great shots of the Bean and the City Scapes it provides. Very popular attraction with large crowds coming and going all day and into the evening. We had limited time while in town and was able to walk from our hotel to visit. Spent about and hour getting photos and watching the crowds. read more

See all

Millennium Park was one of my go-to spots while visiting Chicago, and it absolutely lived up to the hype! It's such a well-known park especially for "The Bean" and you can instantly see why. Everyone is taking pictures, smiling, and just enjoying the atmosphere. The area is clean, vibrant, and surrounded by Chicago's incredible skyline, which makes every photo look like a postcard. Whether you're there to relax, people-watch, or just take in the energy of the city, Millennium Park delivers. It's one of those places that truly captures the spirit of Chicago lively, artistic, and welcoming. Definitely worth a visit if you're in town! read more

See all

If you want a good lighting go around 2 or 3! Lol we got the best photos around thus time. read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love Millennium Park! So beautiful! Monuments, the Bean, art installations, fountains, and more. I love seeing it at night too, lit up and not as crowded. Free movie screenings during the summer and ice skating in the winter, and many more things in between. Such a great variety of events! read more

See all

Millennium park has a lot of things to offer, so plan your day accordingly. They do publish schedules on their website, so check for activities aligning with your interest and plan your day. On a hot summer day, you are better off going there early in the morning or evening. This has a beautiful trail walk, cloud gate a k a bean, amphitheatre, beautiful trails, adjacent crown fountain. There are plenty of food stalls to get some food or beverage of your choice. Lot of ice cream stalls in the area. You can do bicycle, grab a book have a relaxed raading, or pickup a camera to sharpen your photography skills or take a natural walk. Vibe in this park is excellent. I'm highly recommended while visiting Chicago. Don't miss this place.Add it to your list and you won't be disappointed !! read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Features several notable attractions [Chicago IL] From the Big Bus Tour we hopped off Stop #3 at the Millennium Park in Chicago's Loop on the east side of downtown. From there we walked towards Chicago's most popular sight, the iconic Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean"). This is a huge space where seasonal events occur including interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space. There is a souvenir shop and bathrooms in the premises and also an outdoor restaurant/bar. That thing... flowing crown of stainless steel ribbons and curving steel plates across a grassy area is a pavilion where they host free musical events. We walked towards the Crown Fountain where lots of kids and some adults were having fun splashing around and cooling off from the cascading water. Can't-miss attraction for any Chicago visit... Review #3823 read more

See all

Brought the family and what a great place to visit. Would come again. Lots to do. And love the playground in the park as well. It was my kid's favorite part about the trip read more

See all

Tons of great history here. Nice way to feel and see some greenery and things other than tall buildings. Short walk from going underground to the first city. But let's be honest... it's a tourist trap. Doesn't mean you can't appreciate it but be ready for people selling you things, dodging people, and just overall just higher energy and noise. Nice thing about it is that they have theatres, plays, shows, concerts and festivals in the amphitheater as well as places surrounding the area. It makes for a very dope atmosphere and backdrop for photos. There's also a video installation there with water so children can jump in or if you get a nice breeze you can cool yourself down. read more

See all

This was my first time doing a solo trip and my first time in Chicago. I initially was coming to Millennium Park just to take a picture with the bean which I did. side note: if you're coming for the bean picture and you think it won't be crowded that is not the case lol. I also found out that they were having a free Chicago jazz festival, which was absolutely amazing. I ended up staying for a few hours. Everyone looks so pleasant., and to be as crowded as it was, it was exceptionally clean there, including the bathrooms at the time that I went. Highly recommend if you are ever visiting Chicago. read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

It's a classic Chicago sight you gotta see at least once! In the summer time, they also do a full line up of fitness events here. I had a blast participating in Zumba in the park - soooo fun and a great workout! read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very cool park especially during the Winter and Xmas time due to the ice skating rink and a giant Christmas Tree. Also home of Cloud Gate a/k/a "Da Bean," the ultimate Chicagoan tourist trap. There is also this disturbing art piece featuring giant faces periodically projected on obelisks nearby. Very nice! read more

See all

Well, of course, it's Millenium Park. I remember when Cloud Gate dropped, but everyone just called it the Bean. It's shiny and reflective, much like most of the other architectural elements of the park. If you haven't seen the Bean, and want a nice Bean pic, go early. Otherwise, the tourist crowds will get you. The ice skating rink is set just west of the Bean, but if you don't mind walking, you can also try out the ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park, over yonder, which snakes around some rock climbing walls. Just take the Dragon Pedestrian Bridge eastwards towards the lake. The bridge is shiny too, like most of the other architectural elements of the park. And if you're at just the right angle, sunlight reflecting off the metallic panels can hit your eye. But the good news is, you get to cross Columbus Drive, and near the mid-point / top, there are some nice views. But to get there from the Bean, you'll likely mosey 'round the Great Lawn and that cool looking pavilion thing, the one where they show movies on certain nights during the summer. If you wanna see one of those movies, bring a blanket or a lawn chair and chill on the lawn. And yes, the design of the pavillion consists of large curved shiny metallic beams overhead. And lots of metallic backing the stage of the pavillion itself. Very shiny. If you want to play with some water, there are those interactive screens south of the Bean. The Crown Fountain. The screens play faces through a variety of emotions, and at some points, water exits through a tube aligned with a person's mouth. Also, there is a relatively recent development of the bridge walkway entrance to the Art Institute. It's on the south end of the park, and it brings you over Monroe (while providing a nice view of both lake and city skyline) and up to the second level (third level?) of the Art Institute (where if you enter, you'll have to take the escalators down past the smiley face wall). As for what's under Millenium Park? There are two parking garages: the Grant Park North Garage (with vehicle entrances on Michigan Ave, pedestrian exits on the west side Michigan Ave) and Millenium Park Garage (with vehicle entraces on Columbus, and pedestrian exits at the north and south perimeter of the park). They are managed by Millennium Parking. A couple of the Metra commuter rails also pass underneath the park too. And, if you're attending a conference at the McCormick Place, there's the McCormick Place Busway for buses (for shuttling to/from certain hotels and the conference center). But if you're looking for the bathrooms, make sure you head over the pavillion area, to the left the stage, and walk down a very and wide concrete corridor, to where you'll find, well bathrooms. There may be other bathroom options around in the park, but they happened to be closed when we were there; security does patrol around the bathroom corridors. read more

See all

Sightseeing in Chicago and this park is a must. Where The Bean lies and just a cool place to walk around, we went on a snowy Sunday morning and couldn't believe how many people were there. Surrounded by lots to see and stores and restaurants. Great photo op place for sure. At least the bean was as big as I had thought it would be. We had a Funtime taking pics and soaking in the snow ! Great people watching place too. read more

See all

Great food. Great diverse atmosphere. Love getting out and enjoying the city. Highly recommended.

People everywhere in the frosty Chicago elements braving the wind for a moment alongside or under "The Bean" for a photo OP! read more

See all

Great park! The bean was actually really cool. Before going I was like ehh it's just a bean but when we got there we loved it! read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The BEST public park in the US by far. Millennium Park is gigantic with a ton of features and special events that is beyond impressive. It's so expansive it can even host the Lollapalooza music festival. Sign up for community email to stay in the know or check out their website for calendar and events, there's so much to enjoy! Features: - Cloud Gate "the Bean" - McDonald's Cycle Center - Free Park Summer Workouts bring own mat - Summer music series - Chicago Jazz Festival - Outdoor Public Art Walking Tour sign up on site - Private events & weddings read more

Millennium Park - Map - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ah yes, Millennium Park, home of The Bean (which I've reviewed separately). I was initially going to ding them for not having an abundance of benches. However, after some thought, I realized: "it's not that kind of park." I had in my mind a vision of something like Central Park in NYC, but again, this is not that kind of park. Okay, so what kind of park is it? It is a park with CULTURE. Here you'll find some of Chicago's greatest gems: The Bean: This is perhaps more iconic Chicago than deep-dish pizza! The Crown Fountain: Offering a place for children to cool down and splash around, it's also a public art installation containing projections of Chicagoans' faces. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the Great Lawn: Not only an area with awesome architecture, but also a place to catch a concert during the warmer months. For some events, tickets get you a seat up front, but laying on the lawn is free! Lurie Gardens: A small botanical garden right downtown, perfect for smelling the flowers (but please don't touch the grass - ha!). Millennium Monument: Beautiful by day and by night, this monument celebrates those who made this phenomenal park possible. Beyond these cultural treasures, the park is safe with plenty of "eyes on the street" and a heavy security presence (complete with metal detectors) during peak tourist season. The park is also kept very clean, and public restrooms are available The only thing I can quip about is the aforementioned lack of abundant seating. Don't get me wrong, it's not scarce, just what I would call "ample." Final Verdict: Millennium Park is not the kind of park where one can stroll for hours and take a seat whenever one pleases. It is, however, a place with many of Chicago's gems and should not be missed! read more

All decked out for the Holidays. Hike/walk, skate, eat/drink and enjoy the the many things to see and do. Visit the Art Instute of Chicago read more

See all

This is Chicago's showpiece a trove of free artsy sights. Pritzker Pavilion, Frank Gehry's swooping silver band sheet hosts free weekly concerts. The bean or Cloud Gate and the Crown Fountain are all here. There is new construction and lots of beautiful plantings, flowers were everywhere. It was a beautiful evening and everybody was out and about. read more

See all

Great time. I saw my trees in different fall colors and skaters at the ice rink. I took lots of photos at The Bean on a great winter day and caught a view of Chicago's nice architectural skyline. You can also catch a glimpse of the El , which is a typical part of Chicago scenery. read more

See all

Ended up going to Millennium Park over the summer for Movies in the Park series. Loves of space and honestly further back offered better views and less heads in the way. Definitely bring a picnic spread to enjoy with your movie read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A touristy spot to check off on your visit to Chicago. Very crowded, but great for pictures! read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

One of the most drawn attractions to downtown Chicago is the Bean. The Bean is here at Millennium Park. I find it so impressive that the Bean garners thousands of people daily to view its massive display. While being there, some people may come up to you requesting to take a photo in exchange for a "tip". Don't be surprised but this is a money grab tactic that's targeted on tourists. Outside of that the view of the Bean is amazing! No matter what time of the year you decide to come. read more

See all

Came to the park to checkout the bean but looks like plenty of other stuff goes down here. Very clean park that seems to be well maintained. Tons of cicadas chirping around on the trees. read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a tourist attraction. There were a ton of people here, especially around the "Bean." They have a nice fountain area where the faces change on the structures. A lot of kids were in the water area. There are multiple areas and it's a pretty big area. It is a nice area to walk around and there are plenty of businesses that are in walking distance. Admissions is completely free. read more

See all

Great park to explore--more than just the bean to see. There's even great play structures for the kiddos. It's a great place to people and bird watch. Gorgeous grounds to roam. Surprisingly of all the places to take my kiddos in Chicago, millennium park was my favorite spot. read more

Millennium Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice spot to walk around, people watch, and take in the sights! Visited the various landmarks located here and had a good time. I came around 930AM so it wasn't too crowded and I was able to get nice pictures and see things more intimately. Would definitely recommend visiting! read more

See all

Chicago staple, and I am so so glad that I went to experience this. Great for pictures, great for being with friends, meeting people near the area, getting some work done with some scenery, etc. Just an overall good spot to come to to experience. read more