Millennium Park Tours and Activities

Millennium Park featuring autumn colours, street scenes and a city
Millennium Park showing a park, a city and flowers
Millennium Park which includes modern architecture, city views and a skyscraper
Millennium Park showing a skyscraper, a garden and a city
Millennium Park


A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape. Conveniently located near other attractions, it’s easy to combine a walk through the park with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago or shopping along the Magnificent Mile. 

From the 1850s until the mid-1990s the area was mostly warehouses. In 1997, Mayor Richard Daley hired a team of architects, artists and developers to turn it into the unique public space it is today. 

The centerpiece of the park is Wrigley Square, an inviting tree-lined area where visitors relax on the lawn or stroll along the paths. This is where you’ll find the spectacular Millennium Monument, a 40-foot high semicircle of Greek Doric-style columns.

You can't miss several large-scale art installations. Marvel at the striking Cloud Gate, by British artist Anish Kapoor, is a 66-foot long and 33-foot high stainless steel sculpture. It’s in the shape of a bean and reflects clouds and the City skyline. Onlookers can see their own reflection, so it’s another photo opportunity for visitors. The Crown Fountain is a fountain with two 50-foot glass towers at either end of a shallow pool. Videos of locals squirting water from their mouths (to mimick traditional fountains) are projected onto each tower. It was designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. In summer, join with the locals and stand in the pool to cool off. 

Check out even more art in the Boeing Galleries, on the north and south ends of the park. The outdoor galleries showcase different exhibitions throughout the year from local and international artists.

If you are visiting between the end of spring and early fall, enjoy an outdoor concerts (often free) at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. It seats some 11,000 people with proper seats and a grassy hill. During the colder months, there are music and dance shows in the indoor Harris Theater. Check the park website to view the schedule of events.

When you have worked up an appetite, head to the 300-seat restaurant at the Michigan Avenue end of the park, or picnic on one of the many lawns.

Plan a trip to see Millennium Park

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DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg
The Langham, Chicago
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Best Lodging Options Near Millennium Park

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
citizenM Chicago Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

3 out of 5
10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
River Hotel

River Hotel

4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
River Hotel
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
Freehand Chicago
The Wade

The Wade

4.5 out of 5
644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
The Wade
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Millennium Park

Millennium Park in Chicago offers a vibrant mix of activities, including outdoor theatre performances, public art installations, and entertainment options. Visitors can explore nearby city parks and enjoy area sightseeing within walking distance. Don't miss the chance to experience local culture and cuisine while immersing yourself in this iconic urban space, making it a perfect starting point for your Chicago adventure.

Shopping

For shopping near Millennium Park, check out City Market, only 644m away, offering a vibrant local atmosphere. Chicago Place Mall, 1.4km away, has a mix of family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, explore 900 North Michigan Shops, located 1.6km away, for more entertainment options.

Recreation

Wrigley Field, a vibrant sports venue 8.0km away, offers exhilarating live events. House of Blues Chicago, located 0.8.0km away, brings entertainment vibes with its lively music scene. For relaxation, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, 3.2km from Millennium Park, where you can enjoy nature's tranquility.

Adventure

Embark on the Salt Creek Trail, a scenic hiking path located 19.3km from Millennium Park, offering adventure amidst nature. For family fun, Rainbow Falls Waterpark, situated 33.8km away, promises thrilling water slides and entertainment for all ages, making it a perfect outdoor getaway.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Millennium Park. Catch a show at the historic Chicago Theatre for a touch of culture, enjoy fun and games at Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, or sip drinks while soaking in the lively atmosphere at Dave & Buster's. It's an unforgettable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Millennium Park

Millennium Park in Chicago offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including stunning skyscrapers, historic buildings, and renowned art museums. This cultural hub is perfect for families and those seeking rich experiences in the city. While exploring Millennium Park, be sure to check out nearby attractions to fully immerse yourself in the local charm and excitement that Chicago has to offer.

  • Navy Pier: Located 1.6km from Millennium Park, Navy Pier is a vibrant jetty that offers stunning urban scenery. It's a fantastic spot to enjoy the waterfront, indulge in local cuisine, and experience the friendly atmosphere, making it a must-visit for tourists.
  • Michigan Avenue: Just 966m away, Michigan Avenue is renowned for its bustling city vibes. This iconic street is lined with shops, restaurants, and landmarks, perfect for strolling and soaking in the energy of Chicago.
  • Grant Park: Situated 1.1km away, Grant Park is an expansive urban park ideal for family outings. With beautiful landscapes and outdoor spaces, it offers a serene escape amidst the city's hustle, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.

Best time to go to Millennium Park

The best time to visit Millennium Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Millennium Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Millennium Park falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Millennium Park

To save money on your trip to Millennium Park, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for a Monday stay for the best rates, as Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter your hotel options by budget and location, and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and activities. Additionally, explore the park on foot for free activities and enjoy the various events and attractions that don't require admission fees.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Millennium Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Millennium Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Millennium Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near Millennium Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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