Grant Park

After the Great Fire of 1871, much of the debris was pushed into the lake, creating the fill for what is now the actual park. At the end of the 19th century, plans were made to develop the park and construct large buildings and commercial property in the park. But a Chicagoan citizen, A. Montgomery Ward, wanted the park to remain open space as had already been decided in 1836, and brought the plans to court. After almost 20 years of battle in court, he won the case in 1911. As a result, the park remains open space, offering a great view on the cliff of buildings on Michigan Avenue.

The Park's structure is based on the French parks with geometric designs. It consists of a series of bridges which cross the Railway tracks that are still on the park's compound. After the bridges, the park is divided in sections with lawns, trees and monuments, one of them being a statue of Abraham Lincoln. The front near Michigan Lake provides a favorite track for many strollers, joggers and bikers.

The main attraction in Grant Park is the Clarence Buckingham Fountain. The fountain was commisioned in 1927 by Kate Buckingham to honor her late brother Clarence.

The design of the large fountain is based on the 'Bassin de Latome' at the Palace of Versailles near Paris and was built by Edward H. Bennett. The Buckingham Fountain, which features a central jet shooting water up to 150ft (46m), is best seen at night when it is animated with a now computerized choreography of color spotlights.

In 2001, a new, 10 ha /24.5 acre large park opened as the Millennium Park, essentially expanding the neighboring Grant Park. The park, bordered by East Monroe Drive, North Michigan Avenue, East Randolph street and North Columbus Drive replaces a desolate rail yard and greatly enhances the neighborhood. The park includes an outdoor music pavilion - which can accommodate up to 14,000 people, an ice rink and a theater, which was built below ground. A winding, 282 m / 925 ft long footbridge designed by Gehry connects Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park with the new Millennium Park.