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Buckingham Fountain
Rating Details »
Categories: Local Flavor, Parks [Edit]
Neighborhood: South LoopGrant Park
S Columbus Dr & E Congress Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 742-7529
- Nearest Transit:
-
Harrison (Red)
Adams/Wabash (Orange, Brown, Purple Express, Green, Pink)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
74 reviews for Buckingham Fountain
Reading all of the reviews from people who live in Chicago, I cannot help but become a bit sad; maybe it is the humdrum feeling that some might get from living so near to such an historic landmark that they simply take its presence for granted. I won't pretend to know, but I have to tell you that I miss it.
Hell, I miss all of Chicago - don't get me wrong, Portland is a great city, but how can I not miss my hometown? Buckingham Fountain is one of many symbols that have come to embody Chicago's spirit - after all, how many other cities in the nation have such a massive, sculpted masterpiece of water on display for all to enjoy?
Not many.
Yeah, it doesn't do much other than shoot really high in the air, and the light show may be a bit dated, but who cares? There is such a groundless push to modernize everything in our cities that we lose track of what made them great in the first place. This fountain is a blessing for the city, and should be celebrated.
The fountain is truly magnificent - when I think back to Chicago, it is on the forefront of my memories.
It's nice.
If you're a tourist, you should probably check it out. And you probably will. I mean it is in Grant Park, and Grant Park is a big draw--with good reason. Some great stuff, especially up in the Millennium Park area (which IS still part of Grant Park). And if you live in Chicago, there's really no excuse for not visiting one of your city's most iconic landmarks.
But I'm sorry, the "light show" is lame. The fountain looks lovely all lit up, but it's not in any way a "show." It's the fountain lit up like it is in the evening... with music playing as its central jet shoots up. Not synchronized. Nothing special going on fountain-wise. Just some music, with selections like "America the Beautiful," a John Sousa number, and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." I genuinely feel bad for people expecting to see an actual "light show."
There's a cafe on the north side, ice cream on the south side, and restrooms on both. They going to be expensive? Um, let's think... tourist location... in downtown Chicago... you tell me.
Don't you almost always got to go when driving by, I can never figure out just why, especially at the half hours.
Anyway, what's the deal with the funny looking colored gravel around old faithful yogi? Gee, I'm surprised we don't see more drunk'n joy rides spinning their wheels around or crashing into it. Oops, I don't want to give anyone any ideas, silly me.
Why did they have to close the walk across LSD, why? Stupid people ruin it for everybody. Maybe it will be an excuse to build an over budget bridge, makes union sense. And what the heck happened to the water taxi?
It is amazing that this fountain continues to survive in the city that works, wink.
Next time I come here, I'm going to load up that "Love and Marriage" song on my Zune and play it while I stare in awe.
Jacksonville has a colored fountain, too, but it isn't as magnificent as this one.
Buckingham Fountain is a beautiful fountain, indeed. Only thing I regret is coming here around 10:15 pm and missing the hourly show. They really should make it a semi-hourly show so that we could have caught it at 10:30 or something. Oh well. It was still pretty cool, though.
Pretty cool place for a quick jaunt if you're down Mich Ave this way... Granted it took me a number of years to walk east off Mich Ave over this way, but it was nice and the ice cream store isn't bad either.
I know it's just a big o' fountain right? But it's the whole experience that I loved. On our way to the fountain around 7:00pm, we got caught in one of the shortest midwest rainstorm ever. We were coming from the north side and had to take cover under some white art structure in the Millennium Park. So after the storm clears through, we walked through Grant Park, where my son was having a great time hopping from one puddle to another.
At first we're unaware of where this marvelous fountain is located, but after we pass the little rose garden they had, we look up to see the most beautiful found we've ever seen. By the time we reached the fountain, it was about 8:00 pm. Just in time for the sunset. I would recommend going in the evening, when you could see the fountain' lights changes colors every 5-10 minutes. Very romantic and sweet.
I think I'm reviewer number 58, which means much has already been said about Chicago's landmark lakefront fountain.
I grew up in Chicago & lived there for most of my life. My mother is still there. My maternal grandparents moved to Chi before my mother was even born, so my family has roots in this city.
My father's offices were in the Wrigley Building, and I hung out there when I was a kid, like his little groupie, haha.
So Buckingham Fountain brings back memories for me. I'll share a couple.
Before the ropes existed, to keep people at a distance, we kids used to freely wade in the water. It was like a water park and we got soaked, had a ball. No wonder it's cordoned off now.......
And my mother ended up with Kate Buckingham's dress.
Nothing to do with getting wet in the fountain, haha......
It seems Kate, who commissioned the fountain in 1927 to honor her brother, gave the dress to my great-aunt Anna, my mother's mother's sister. I don't know how or why Aunt Anna ended up with the dress, I just remember it hanging in my grandparent's closet in Beverly when I was a kid. I knew it was not a dress I could use to play dress-up, it was special.
My mother held on to the dress for decades. Then several years ago she began to clean her attic and closets in a serious way. I guess she didn't realize that the Buckingham dress (it was a long, formal, sequined gown, btw) would have collectible value.......because she ended up giving it to a lady who sells vintage dolls. To be cut up for doll dresses!
Mom, what were you thinking?! Haha, after the fact my mother did realize the error of her ways.
I like to think that the doll lady was ripping off the dress for resale, and did not actually dismember that gown.
Next time I'm at Buckingham Fountain, I will make a wish that somewhere Kate's dress is alive and well.
I might also wish for one more opportunity to dip my toes in the water......
How can you not love Buckingham Fountain. It is one of the largest fountains in the world. It is in the middle of beautiful Grant Park, Its steps to the lake shore, and it is one of those iconic Chicago symbols. I still get excited anytime I'm driving by the Fountain and see that huge jet of water flying into the air. Glad to hear they are getting rid of those annoying little pink rocks.
I like water.... plus it makes me remember going there with my family. I really can't remember why we went there, but I know we did.
It also makes me think of "Married with Children"
My dad used to take me here when I was little. I loved to watch the light show and today it's still a great landmark to check out. You can get ice cream or Chicago style hot dogs during the day and people watch.
This was one of my favorite landmarks in Chicago. It was nice after visiting some other tourist attractions. We came here around noon on Friday. There weren't a lot of other tourists so it was peaceful.
Yes, yes, I know. Fifty something other people have reviewed Buckingham Fountain. What new could I possibly say? Probably nothing.
But, Buckingham Fountain is so special because it is for everyone, tourist or local. That's why it's so cool, I think. I love that I work across the street, and have recently spent time reading here while preparing for work. It's hard to tire of this engineering and design marvel. Plus, as Chicago has grown up around this fountain, the surrounding views have changed.
Check out this southerly view with a South Loop tower looming behind the fountain - a sight it's designers never would have anticipated, I bet:
http://www.yelp.com/us...
You can call me a geek, dork or a nerd or whatever comes to mind but sounds that water makes calms me. It doesn't matter if it is waves on a lake, a gurgling creek, or the churning sounds made by a fountain.
Not only can I sit here and listen to Buckingham Fountain, it is also very visually stimulating and beautifully designed. When I am sitting here, I can drown out the sounds of the city and the noisy tourists and just relax and drift off into my calm, relaxing place.
On a side note, whenever I see it from the road, I get Sinatra's Love and Marriage running through my head. Bonus points for you if you know what I am referring to. Extra bonus points for you if the same phenomenon happens to you.
Ok location when you are walking in Grant Park. When I went though it was out of commission, nothing sadder than a fountain without water.
Here it is in action: http://www.youtube.com...
This is one of my very favorite landmarks of my hometown Chicago.
I never get sick of seeing it, almost rear-ended a few vehicles in front of me on Lake Shore Drive, but never have become sick of the view.
So nice strolling Grant Park on a hot summer day, and getting "misted" by the fountain courtesy of a lake breeze.
A "must see" for every visitor to "our" city!
Beautiful!
Featured in the intro credits of one of my favorite TV shows, Married with Children.
I love my hometown of Chicago and always will.
I remember watching Married with Children back in the good old days and their intro featured this lovely fountain. Oh Buck, how you've been there for all the summer mists during the hot and humid days of the Taste. Bring non-suede close-toed shoes if you're going to come here because the gravel will be a pain and ruin your nice gymshoes. =)
The stairs here remind me of stairs of Union Square how they're shallow and long. Don't forget to swing by Millennium Park and Grant Park while you're here if you're from out of town. The view of Lake Michigan is great and best of all it's free!
At Grant Park, you can find this lovely tower of water and watch it fade from color to color. I could seriously sit there and watch it over a nice chat for HOURS, as I have. On hot summer days, the sprinkle that sprays you from the Chicago winds is wonderful!
This is definitely something cool to check out if you're visiting chicago..its pretty close to millenium park too! I never knew until recently that its the same fountain that appears in the opening credits of "married with children"
Its a nice spot for pictures. I didn't get a chance to check it out at night but I heard there's a light show in the fountain. When we went they were setting up for taste of chicago and I'd definitely want to come back and check it out.
Ooh and the best part about checkin out the fountain is that its for freezies, you can't beat that! :-p
This magnificent Chicago landmark is being turned on tomorrow Saturday April 22.
Signs of the beginning of Summer
1 Previous Review:
-
4/6/2006
She's being turned on tomorrow 11:00 am 04/22/06
A must see in Chicago. A Grande Ole' Dame.
Some fountains were made for decoration.
Some fountains were made for wishing.
Others for drinking or cleansing.
Only one was created to symbolize the unity of brotherhood between four states (Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan) that share Lake Michigan.
This historical landmark was worth more than taking 4" x 6" pictures. I must have taken over 30 shots on my digital camera. Somehow the sound of water crashing has a distress feel especially when it's massive like this. I forgot about my tired legs and feet for moment as I absorbed one of Chicago's own.
Engineering Facts (from the official website):
. The water displays are powered by three pumps:
- Pump 3: 75 horsepowers for 1,600 gallons of water a minute.
- Pump 2: 190 horsepowers for 5,500 gallons of water a minute.
- Pump 1: 250 horsepowers for 7,000 gallons of water a minute.
. The fountain has 134 jets in the following configurations:
- 36 jets point upwards from the top basin, including a central jet to produce a 150-foot geyser.
- 34 jets at the consoles.
- 12 jets in the upper trough that arc into the top bowl.
- 12 jets in the inner trough that arc into the upper trough.
- 12 jets in the lower trough that arc into the inner trough.
- 8 jets spout from the sea horses' mouths.
- 20 isolated jets.
That's a lot of water, power, and energy. But it's one of man's many creations so I cherish it not only as a work of art, but as extreme engineering. I've built a pond in my backyard once. Now I have the inspiration to build a better one.
Every time I see it I hear "Love and Marriage" in my mind accompanied with images of Ed O'Neil and Katy Segal but I still love this fountain.
It's beautiful and is another site that makes Chicago oh-so-special. :)
A gorgeous fountain and Chicago landmark. A very cool sight to see. From the fountain you will also have a great view of the sailboats on Lake Michigan.
My only dislike is the gravel on the ground surrounding the fountain. Those rocks hurt if they get in your sandals.
I can't believe that of all places to review we all picked a fountain!
Anyways, this is my favorite spot during festival time. It is far enough away from the chaos, that the washrooms are still some what descent. When you have been in the heat for hours and need a little cooling off just get close enough for a fine misting, or even closer for a real cool down, and you get instant relief.
At night it is beautiful with the lights on it!
Must see and totally free.
Growing up, I had it in my head that this was called "Bucket Lake," but I think I was just confused because you are right on the beautiful lake while you visit this beautiful fountain (OK, that doesn't explain bucket). And then there is the view of one of the most beautiful skylines in the world, not just according to me (because I'd say it's *the* best) but also according to surveys of this kind of thing.
On summer nights you get a little light and water show that is really incredible. There will always be tons of people milling around, but it's still magical and is something everyone should see at least once.
Oh, and it's free (unless you buy stfuff like those light necklace thingies or something else you won't actually keep). I really like free.
Yes, yes, the fountain is very nice.. but its the public bathrooms that really sold me!
I cringed the first time I needed to use bathroom while in this area; I've found that most public washrooms leave MUCH to be desired, but not these babies! Running water! Toilet paper! Not much waste/garbage strewn about!
And once your needs are taken care of, its great to relax for a bit by a beeautiful fountain sandwiched between the lake and the skyline.
A true Icon of Chicago. A beutiful place to sit and rest, and a great photo op.
I love B Fountain. It's so beautiful. I agree, it's even more romantic at night with all of the lights and such. It almost makes me think I'm back in Europe for a minute.
Hahahaha.....Buckingham Fountain does remind me of Married With Children at the opening scene as pointed out by Yelper Bryan R.
The fountain is beautiful though and even more so with it's full on water pressure in the summer time! Taste of Chicago runs around the fountain every summer and it's a great place to chill or walk by enroute from Michigan Avenue to the Field Museum area. Beautiful and breathtaking!
I adore the fountain.
I could see it from a window at my school when I was there.
I remember rejoicing when it was turned back on after the winter.
I kissed my boyfriend for the first time in front of the fountain.
I love it late at night when the lights are on it, even though my one qualm is that it turns off earlier than I would like.
The fountain is one of my favorite places ever.
The fountain, one of the largest in the world, is located at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) in Grant Park.
Graceful sea horses spray jets of water into the lagoon that surrounds what is perhaps Chicago's most beloved public piece of art.
I love it at night in the summer time because it lights up while still flowing. It is so beautiful with the Chicago skyline behind it.
I'm sure the other reviewers can say it better than I, but this is a must to check out during the summer.
At night, the well-placed lights shine beautifully on the fountain as it sits gracefully between Lake Michigan and the urbane South Michigan streetwall.
The grounds of the fountain is a romantic place to gaze on the city or the lake. Grant Park is also nice for a stroll.
A nice place in the evening when the crowds die down. Without a doubt something everyone in Chicago has to see at least once.
Besides... Come on. Married with Children. Classic.
The light show is pretty standard but the fountain itself is lovely, a unique design and different than any other within the city. This thing is huge.
I don't see what the big f*kcing deal is here people, it's just a fountain for Christ's Sake! OK, I'm just kidding of course. A Chicago landmark if there ever was one. It brings together people from all walks for life and is a huge tourist magnet, yet locals like it too...something cool to see when your driving by in the Summer/Spring.
There is also a Chicago City Ordinance that states that EVERYONE who resides and/or visits Chicago MUST have their picture taken in front of it or pay a fine equal (of one U.S. dollar per year) to the number of years that the Cub's have not won a World Series...Nuff' Said on this one folks.....
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.
Love and Marriage, Love and Marriage,
It's an institute you can't disparage,
Ask the local gentry, and they will say is element'ry.
Try, try, try to separate them,
It's an illusion.
Try, try, try and you will only come
to this conclusion.
Love and Marriage, Love and Marriage,
Go together like a horse and carriage,
Dad was told by mother
You can't have one
You can't have none
You can't have one without the other.
This thing is frickin deep. Really, I thought I could feel the bottom with my feet while dipping the wickets in and cooling the dogs. Too bad my date didn't follow me in, she was wearing white.
Oh, if ya do the dive, make sure Chicago's finest aren't around, they can be total dicks if you're messing with a landmark. I mean really, water is made to be jumped in.
i only came here because i used to watch Married with Children. well that's one of the reasons. we don't have cool fountains in southern california and this is a Chicago landmark. quite an amazing fountain. enormous. it's nice to walk through grant park and take a seat and relax in front of the fountain. it's a soothing experience with the Chicago wind blowing in your face. i was kinda waiting for Frank Sinatra to start playing somewhere. my life would have been complete.
This fountain is drained from fall though early springtime, and lemme tell ya, it's spooky at night. I hopped the fence the other night in the rain and walked around in it. It's quite... large. You're not really supposed to do that though.
It's far more majestic when it's on, of course. The fountain blasts hundrends of gallons straight upward and it's a beautiful sight. At night it will be lit up. Many people gather to have picnics, weddings, enjoy the view with their families, or sit alone and ponder their existence under this great fountain. One of the many great attractions of the city.
Every hour on the hour you can watch the water shoot up to 150 feet into the air. Magnificent. Really.
... and if you are standing in the "right" spot when that Chicago wind comes through - you just might get soaked. Or lightly sprinkled. Either way, good times.
I love the changing colored lights at night.
The beautiful design of the fountain itself.
And how something so simple can awe so many.
It's a fountain ... with water and everything. I must be bored if I'm reviewing a fountain. I'm a bit jaded , I'm Chicago born and bred , I'll pretend I have never seen it and start over.
WOW , its a big fountain ... with water and everything. Tougher than I thought. Honestly I've never been a fan of tourist attractions that are just pretty but this place is nice. At night after dark (9pm or so) they light this sucker up and it's really nice. To anybody that gets in the mood to pull a Friends, and jump into the fountain. I believe that the CPD frowns upon that , and the CPD don't screw around , don't do it.
One of the more well known Chicago landmarks.
Tourists: As a Chicagoan, I say that it is worth checking out.
This is a wonderful fountain to see.
