Grant Park

04/08/04

First stop for Chicago's summer festivals, concerts and other big events.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Experience
Named for General Ulysses S. Grant, this 319-acre park is the chosen location for civic events big enough to accommodate the entire city of Chicago. Though it's bordered on two sides by towering skyscrapers, quiet and solitude reign after only a few steps in the park--unless, of course, you happen to be there during Taste of Chicago, when solace gives way to mouthwatering mayhem.

The Appeal
There are a dozen tennis courts and 16 softball fields. The park's Bicentennial Plaza (open 7am-10pm Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday), at the north end of the park off Randolph Street, has free locker rooms. Reservations for courts and fields should be made there and in advance; call (312) 742-7650. Of course, you can always just relax near the cool spray of historic Buckingham Fountain.

08/15/02

Old-World beauty

by jkf118 at Citysearch

Grant Park stands out among other Chicago parks for its design, which is reminiscent of the great parks throughout Europe. Especially unique to this park are its pebble-covered walks, ample tree coverage, and of course, the spectacular Buckingham Fountain. A quiet place to walk (when it's not Taste of Chicago), Grant Park is an asset to the city.

08/08/02

grant is great!

by jank at Citysearch

this is the place to go for one of the best view's of the city's great skyline-and, easy to get to via public transportation-another place i recommend highly to all my family and friends!

• Pros: accessable
• Cons: parking

08/02/02

One word, Zoo.

by zakwmu at Citysearch

Beautiful lakefront. Wonderful Zoo. Amazing scenery. Wonderful place for a bike ride or just pull up a blanket and enjoy the sun and sites.

06/11/02

Where it all happens

by nathanstull_citysearch at Citysearch

Taste of Chicago, Blues Festival, Grant Park Music Fest--and many more events all happen here. Why? It's because it's a hub of a park. Buckingham fountain and the Lake Michigan view just add to the fact that it's easy to get to, close to the prime museums and not to mention the Lake Shore Trail. If you go to one of the festivals, bring a blanket and sunscreen. There's plenty of shade, but you will still be in the sun a lot.

06/11/02

Home to the big summer events

by peterbehle_citysearch at Citysearch

Grant Park is the place to be all summer long -- there's stuff going on here virtually every week from May through September. And the park is so huge that even during Taste of Chicago, it's possible to find some quiet spots to chill out. Plus, there's Buckingham Fountain -- a must-see for tourists. And the Museum Campus at the south end.

• Pros: Greenery in the city
• Cons: Crowded big events

05/31/02

Chicago Front lawn

by spoung45 at Citysearch

right in the Central area of a major city would you expect a large park? nope but chicago has one free and open forever thyanks to Mr Mongomery Ward.

05/31/02

Nice place to snooze

by jaye_shaw at Citysearch

Or bring a picnic. A lot of walking area. Bring the dog (leashed and scoop). Always perfect landscaping.

• Pros: Clean
• Cons: meter parking

05/28/02

summer in the city

by jpanderson_citysearch at Citysearch

this is the place to be during summer in chicago. on any given weekend, chances are there's a festival of some sort going on here--bluesfest, taste of chicago, whatever. good stuff!