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Buckingham Fountain
Categories: Local Flavor Active Life Parks Local Flavor, Parks [Edit]
Grant ParkS Columbus Dr & E Congress Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60605
Neighborhood: South Loop
(773) 742-7529
- Nearest Transit:
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Harrison (Red Line)
Adams/wabash (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Jackson-Red (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
116 reviews for Buckingham Fountain
116 reviews in English
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Review from Janel Y.
1/13/2012
I've seen this during the summer when it's a big attraction.
Also seen this during the winter when it's not so much an attraction at all. -
Review from Damian P.
In Chicago, this is a must see!
The fountain was donated by Kate Buckingham in honor of her brother Clarence in 1927. The fountain was the largest in the world at the time it was built, and is Buckingham Fountain still one of the largest some 75 years later. And you will be amazed at the new light shows that are part of the fountain at night. Yes, it does close down after the fall season, but in the meantime, everyone gets to enjoy spectacular displays of water and light. Doesn't sound like much, but it is a Chicago landmark that we are so proud of.
Nuff Zedd.... -
Review from Marian L.
West Hollywood, CA
10/20/2011 1 photo
Seeing the fountain, I still giggle and think about the toilet flushing on the "Married with Children" opening credits.
The fountain is very beautiful, much nicer than I though it would be in person. It is also much larger than I thought it would be in person. This impressed me very much, because landmarks tend to be smaller than I thought they were in the picture.
If you are a new visitor to Chicago, this is worth stopping by, along with Millenium Park. I visited the fountain when I was taking an early morning run from the hostel. It's a nice way to see the whole park. -
Review from Jessica S.
Cumberland, RI
2/6/2012
I love this fountain, especially when it is lit up in different colors at night
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Review from Tony K.
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can't believe in my 30 years of existence it took me just that long to finally experience this beautiful fountain.
I felt like I was in a different city or country when I walked upon the Buckingham.
Just sit back on one of the benches and enjoy the view! -
Review from Kislev A.
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Before "The Bean" or "Cloud Gate," the top three monuments that pop in my head to represent Chicago were The Sears Tower, The Hancock Building and this, the Buckingham Fountain.
Of course, unfortunately, this is also synonymous to the show Married with Children but, that is all good!!! Ilove that show!
Top of the hour on the hour until 10 PM, there is a water show. I was fortunate enough to catch the last show of the day, the 10 PM show and the music and light show accompanying the water blasts was awesome!
First impression: This fountain is LARGER than I thought! I should have expected this considering it was supposed to represent Lake Michigan... -
Review from David N.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
is it sad that the reference I have of this place was the fountain that broke at the end sequence of the intro of married with children?
Listed in: Chicago: Tour Guide
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Review from Alexander W.
Houston, TX
11/17/2011
Want to torture yourself? Stand in front of Buckingham Fountain when you really really really really need to pee. Gallons upon gallons of water gushing, spraying, and splashing about. All fans of Al Bundy have an obligation to take a peep at this jumbo water spout.
Listed in: Chi-city
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Review from Earl G.
6/24/2011 2 photos
My 2nd favorite fountain right after the one at the Bellagio!
If you grew up in the 80's do not miss this iconic fountain!
I had the Married with Children theme song stuck in my head as soon as I saw the fountain from a distance.
It's a short 15 min walk to get here from Millienum park. You can even do the segway tour if you're lazy.
Surprisingly, given the tourist trapness of this area, it wasn't commercialized. There weren't any Chicago hot dog stands, vendors selling No Ma'am shirts, or anything like that, just a couple people painting the fountain and joggers.
Way to keep it classy Chicago. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)Listed in: Adventures in Chicago
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Review from Rose A.
The Buckingham Fountain holds such history and beauty. It is an iconic Chicago landmark you definitely cannot miss!
And don't be worried if you have the the Love & Marriage theme song from Married with Children stuck in your head while you admire the fountain's magnificentness... -
Review from Rosanna L.
Bensenville, IL
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Buckingham Fountain serves multiple purposes: a great attraction for locals and tourists, best place for a photo op, a fun meet-up place, or a nice relaxing hang out.
The best time to visit the fountain is during the summer when it's on! What a beautiful view!
Chicago thumbs up for a gorgeous landmark! -
Review from John D.
Chicagoland, IL
10/20/2011
I have to say that I've always appreciated this landmark. I can't put it into words but I can say that aesthetically, it fits perfectly. It blends in nicely with the park and make for a nice picture. If you get a little mist during the heat of summer, that never hurts (unless you're all fancied up). Chicago has done a nice job restoring it and look forward to its completion. You can kill a few birds with one stone going here, the Bean & both parks. A perfect landmark if you go downtown for an event and use that as a meeting point.
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Review from Chris L.
6/27/2011
This fountain is huge - so huge, it's going to be hard to take a quality photo where you recognize the people in the photo and take a photo of the entire fountain! The wine booth for Taste is Chicago was right next to it. There were a lot of families and tourist taking photos. Would recommend to any visitors. I didn't realized it was the Married with Children fountain until I read the yelp reviews! Supposedly it was a gift and it came with a trust fund for the maintenance of the fountain.
Would come back! -
Review from Lorrie M.
2/23/2011
Thanks to Walter P, now I know a little bit of what this fountain was all about. My first time here, my friend said ... hey you have got to check out this fountain in Grant Park, we went by and it was gushing water to the sky.
I was definitely impressed but we didn't stay long. Second time around, I decided to show this to the bf and he was really in awe. I guess I'm just not much of a fountain girl. He only took like 30 pictures! It's definitely a tourist delight so expect a lot of folks here as well as kids splashing and trying to grab their share of the fountain. It's relatively close walk, kind of, to Millennium park so it's easy to hit all the attractions all at once! -
Review from Chris R.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2011
Finally something in Chicago I can understand why a tourist would want to see it. The fountain was an incidental part of walking the dog last night and I have to admit the evening lighting is truly grand. If you go on the SE side of the fountain you get an amazing panorama with the skyscrapers in the background.
So if you are here when the fountain is on this is one view that is not to be missed. -
Review from Aaron L.
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool place to hang when the weather is nice.
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Review from Diana R.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2011
Every time I drive by, I look at the fountain.
and it's the middle of Lollapalooza. -
Review from Ryan P.
Midlothian, IL
10/3/2011 1 photo
Sooooooooo....as fountains go, how can anyone give this one anything less than 5 stars? as great as it is during a warm summer day, its even better at night - with the worlds best skyline behind it.
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Review from Samantha B.
Sacramento, CA
9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
SOOOOOO beautiful here! I love Chicago. I think they do a fountain light show every 20mins? But its a MUST see day and night. I love it in Chicago!!
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Review from Theodore O.
Pacifica, CA
9/25/2010
As I was walking along Michigan Ave I heard a street performer doing "Love and marriage" on his clarinet and I remembered this fountain from the beginning of the Married With Children. I wanted to come to this fountain pretty much only for that reason.
It was cool! The park around the fountain was pretty and had some nice flowers that probably won't be here when the freeze comes and the fountain itself is by Lake Michigan so you can sit and watch the fountain and the lake for a minute. It's an institute you can't disparage...Listed in: Chicago 2010
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Review from Gustavo A. L.
Miami, FL
11/11/2010
When I was a child and my dad was a student in the University of Chicago, he used to take us in the evening to see the light show @ Buckingham fountain. Naturally when I returned to Chicago as an adult and with children of my own, I kept the tradition going through the generations.
This is a place that is embedded in my mind as I have incredible memories here - it is always sad when they turn it off for the winter, but a really welcome sight when it is turned back on for the summer -
Nowadays it is the place we meet after running the Chicago Marathon. It is truly a gem and a landmark not only in Chicago but in America.Listed in: CHICAGO !!!
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Review from duke c.
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place... is awesome. Seriously. Just come here, take some pictures, admire at the beautiful view with the sky scrapers, and fall in love with the city.
Listed in: a beautiful weekend in…
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Review from Philippe C.
Las Vegas, NV
9/26/2010
The ONLY way to experience the Buckingham Fountain is at night. It's already spectacular enough with the lights underneath the water and the lights of the city shining upon it.
At the top of the hour though.....watch it all go high up in the air. Some music would have been nice, but it was a beautiful sight regardless.
Make sure to take pictures. Lots of pictures.Listed in: Chicago, ~*FREE*~, Wonders of the world.
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Review from Christiana S.
Chicago, IL
8/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Yes, I am writing a review on a fountain. Which seems bizarre. BUT! If you have ever been to Buckingham Fountain you would understand why.
It's majestic. It gets extra shiny at night. It sprays you with water if you stand in the path of the wind on a hot day. Some people don't like that, but I'm the one who sits closest to Shamu at Sea World so I guess I'm just that kind of girl.
This is one of the biggest, easily recognizable Chicago landmarks and art pieces and has recently been the subject of fund raising for restoration. Many Chicago weddings have pictures taken nearby during the summer and tourists swarm the area like bees on a Coke can. You never know when one's going to crawl inside and sting you in the mouth. The bees. Not the tourists. Or maybe? I think I've seen that movie online.
Do yourself a favor and go admire the pretty and get caught in the spray. It's good for you. -
Review from Janet E.
5/18/2010
EVERYTIME I look at this fountain I think of Married with Children. Its a sickness.
But this fountain is SO BEAUTIFUL, you cannot help but stare when you drive by on Columbus drive, or when you're walking along the lakeside. Every hour on the hour, the water shoots up 150 ft into the air for about 20 minutes. A really great place to be on a hot and humid day. The fountain was dedicated in 1927. Last year they had tours of this fountain to raise money for restoration purposes. I'm hoping they will do tours this year again! (fingers crossed)
For more info visit their website:
http://www.cpdit01.com... -
Review from Andrew M.
12/4/2010
Grant Park is an outstanding green space in Chicago's South Loop Area. At the very heart of Grant Park is the Buckingham Fountain.
Actually, by European standards, the Buckingham fountain isn't all that impressive, but it does have some features that make it stand out in the midst of the most vibrant and exciting city in the United States.
The hourly spout that throws water 150 feet into the air is part of a regular water feature that lasts 20 minutes.
The evening light and sound show is a celebration of all things American and visitors to the city should certainly join Chicagoans to enjoy this swamping of the senses in sight and sound. -
Review from Jean Z.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nothing really says Chicago like getting sprayed by the mist off the fountain when the music is blasting and u are glad to be in the USA!
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Review from Michelle A.
Atlanta, GA
Huh. I'm getting the sudden urge to work in a shoe store and change my last name to Bundy...
For a million and one reasons, I had to see this thing for myself. It's freaking massive, and I've seen some large fountains in my life before. It's perfect around sunset, watching the sky change colors as Glory Glory Hallelujah blares around the square as the water changes with the songs, and it's even nicer at night. It reminded me of being back home at the Stone Mountain laser show, only less redneck and a bit more Patriotic Chic. A nice little show to catch in the evening! I spent a good long hour here enjoying the view from one of the many benches and listening to the Jazz Fest in Grant Park, though if I lived in Chicago I could see myself enjoying a book on a nice summer day as well.
It's free, it's in a great park, it's so easy to reach by rail or bus... there's no excuse not to go if you're visiting. -
Review from Clarence A.
Daly City, CA
6/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
5 stars for this iconic fountain well I guess if you use to watch the show Married with children you would know exactly what im talking about
on a nice day the view of this fountain would be spectacular, during the time we went it was overcast gray and a little wet but still an awesome view of this iconic fountain another spot you definitely need to come out and take pictures at when in Chicago
definitely a must visit when in the area -
Review from Jennie T.
9/29/2010
"We have to go to the Married With Children fountain!!!"
The what? Well, I only know of this fountain as the Buckingham Fountain. But apparently this fountain was in the opening scene of a show called "Married With Children." It looks like an old show so I don't know...
The fountain is beautiful though! I love the fish sculptures of the fountain. It's very ... Chinese? Ha. I don't know.
I hear that the fountain is being controlled in another city and state though. That's strange. Anyone know if it's true?
The fountain is surrounded by beautiful flowers and benches. I think this is one of my favorite parks in the city. I love parks with benches in them. I think it'd make for a nice, quiet reading place. What do you think? -
Review from Joan S.
10/8/2008
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......Listed in: Parks & Scenic Spaces, Sweet Home Chicago, Fountains
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Review from Tiff T.
9/9/2010 1 photo
We visited during the day and in the evening, and the fountain is impressive either way but definitely more so at night. Its large scale and high-shooting spout on top are the main differentiators it has when compared against most fountains. As we first approached it during the daytime, the top-most spout was spraying high in the sky and created its own rainbow. (No double rainbow was spotted, however.)
In the evening, we walked over after a long dinner in the area and enjoyed the ever-changing colored lights illuminating the fountain. As we were about to leave at 10:00pm, previously unnoticed outdoor speakers came on with the national anthem, and the lights started changing colors with the music. We appreciated the sights and sounds just a little bit longer before heading back to our hotel.
The verdict: I really enjoyed contrasting the view of Buckingham Fountain in the daytime vs. nighttime, but if you can only fit in one visit, go see it after the sun has gone down (or start at sunset). -
Review from Dave S.
5/29/2008
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. -
Review from Jessie S.
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Please do not dismiss Buckingham Fountain as tourist drivel. You will be going yourself a great disservice in the name of smugness. The fountain is gorgeous. It's extra impressive at night when its lit. I love coming here to people watch. There is always something interesting to see. The last time we were here there was a street performer with these amazing bubble sticks.
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Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
6/16/2008 1 photo
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...Listed in: I Love Chicago!
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Review from Walter P.
10/15/2007 2 photos
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.Listed in: Chicago 2007 Trip
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Review from EVA M.
Chicago, IL
7/23/2011 3 Check-ins Here
So romantic!
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Review from Thomas W.
10/27/2009
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. -
Review from Liz M.
Chicago, IL
6/11/2008
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! -
Review from Maggie A.
Tulsa, OK
2/2/2007
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.
