Millennium Park - The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago.
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Millennium Park

4.8
·90k reviews·Chicago, United States

Chicago's iconic green space featuring world-class art, stunning architecture, and the famous reflective 'Bean' sculpture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Millennium Park - The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago.

Millennium Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Chicago's iconic green space featuring world-class art, stunning architecture, and the famous reflective 'Bean' sculpture.

4.8
(90k reviews)

"Millennium Park truly lives up to the hype. It’s not just a park, it’s an experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Iconic Bean Photos

Go early morning for fewer crowds & best light. Weekdays are better than weekends!

💧 Splash in Crown Fountain

Perfect for kids (and adults!) on hot days. Bring a towel and change of clothes!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

AT&T Plaza

Chicago's iconic, reflective sculpture that mirrors the city skyline. A must-see for photos!

Crown Fountain

Crown Fountain

Southwest corner of Millennium Park

Interactive video sculpture featuring changing faces and a splash pad in warmer months. Fun for all ages!

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

North end of Millennium Park

Stunning outdoor amphitheater hosting free concerts and events, especially in summer.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at The Bean

Millennium Park is a major Chicago attraction, especially Cloud Gate (The Bean). Visit early morning or late evening to avoid peak crowds and get those iconic photos without a sea of people. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.

Free Admission, Big Experience

Enjoy Millennium Park's art, gardens, and iconic sculptures like The Bean for free! While the park itself is free, consider budgeting for nearby attractions like Cindy's Rooftop or the Art Institute of Chicago if you plan to extend your visit.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter holidays
Why
Festive tree lighting & decorations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Soooo much to do in the “Windy City” 😍. Here’s everything I did my first day in Chicago: 📍Nutella Cafe 📍Chicago Cultural Center 📍The Chicago Riverwalk 📍Lou Malnati’s 📍Architecture Boat Tour 📍The Purple Pig 📍Ghiradelli’s #chicagoitinerary #chicagothingstodo #chicagoeats #chicagovlog #stealmyitinerary #solotrip
@lifewithlanaa
82K likes • 860.3K views

📸 Iconic Bean Photos

Go early morning for fewer crowds & best light. Weekdays are better than weekends! TikTokReddit

💧 Splash in Crown Fountain

Perfect for kids (and adults!) on hot days. Bring a towel and change of clothes! Reddit

Millennium Park looks like a normal city park on the surface—art, gardens, concerts—but underneath it’s one of the most complex engineering feats in the country. The entire park sits on top of active railroad tracks and parking garages, basically a giant green roof built at a civic scale. It’s layered in steel, concrete, and waterproofing just to hold up soil, trees, and thousands of people gather...
@walking.chi
38.1K likes • 267.6K views
Millennium Park is considered as one of the best recreational parks of Kolkata. Undoubtedly, a must-visit place of Kolkata, Millennium Park is located in Strand Road, opposite Custom House in Kolkata You will get a scenic view of the Hooghly river once you sit here. One can also witness the iconic and prestigious Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu from this park Children can enjoy recreational ac...
sayanta_sengupta
358 likes • 10.2K views

🎶 Free Summer Concerts

Check the schedule for the Pritzker Pavilion. Bring a blanket and enjoy! TikTokReddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's many features. [:athletic_shoe:]

The holiday season officially kicks off in Chicago with the annual Millennium Park Tree Lighting Ceremony! 🌟✨ Watch as the city’s iconic Christmas tree comes to life with 75 thousand twinkling lights, spreading warmth and festive cheer. 🎄🎶❤️ #ChicagoHolidays #MillenniumPark #TreeLighting #chicago #chitown #windycity #explorechicago #chicagogram #chicagolife #fyp #christmas #thingstodoinchicago #...
windy_citychicago
749.5K likes • 6.8M views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Iconic Bean Photos

Go early morning for fewer crowds & best light. Weekdays are better than weekends! TikTokReddit

💧 Splash in Crown Fountain

Perfect for kids (and adults!) on hot days. Bring a towel and change of clothes! Reddit

🎶 Free Summer Concerts

Check the schedule for the Pritzker Pavilion. Bring a blanket and enjoy! TikTokReddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's many features. [:athletic_shoe:]

🗺️ Grab a Park Map

Helps you find all the hidden gems and art installations. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(90k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Millennium Park is widely praised as a vibrant, clean, and well-maintained urban oasis. Visitors rave about the iconic Cloud Gate (The Bean) and the interactive Crown Fountain, highlighting the park's free admission and abundance of public art. Some note increased security measures, which are appreciated by many for enhancing safety.

"This is a tourist attraction. There were a ton of people here, especially around the "Bean." They have a nice fountain area where the faces change on the structures. A lot of kids were in the water area. There are multiple areas and it's a pretty big. It is a nice area to walk around and there are plenty of businesses that are in walking distance. Admission is completely free."

Jacqui

"Millennium Park is amazing. Went to check out the famous bean at the park and stumbled upon the jazz festival. It's a peaceful, wide open space in the hear of the big city. So much to see and do, there's something for everyone. Hope to be back soon."

Juan Salinas

"Millennium Park truly lives up to the hype. It’s not just a park, it’s an experience. From the iconic Cloud Gate (The Bean) to the open green spaces, fountains, and stunning city views, everything about this place feels vibrant and alive.

The park is clean, well-maintained, and free to enter. Whether you're walking, relaxing, or taking photos, Millennium Park captures the spirit of Chicago in such a unique way. Highly recommended!"

Gevorg Nazaryan

What People Like

Iconic Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Interactive Crown Fountain
Free admission & public art

What People Dislike

Can get very crowded
Security checks can be lengthy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to take the CTA Blue Line train from O'Hare to the Clark/Lake station, then transfer to the CTA Orange or Green Line towards Midway, exiting at the State/Lake or Clark/Lake stop. Millennium Park is a short walk from there. Rideshares are also an option but can be more expensive. Reddit

Yes! Millennium Park is very accessible via Chicago's 'L' train system. Several lines stop nearby, including the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines at Washington/Wabash, and the Blue and Red lines at Washington. Buses also frequently service the area. TikTok

Yes, there are several parking garages near Millennium Park, including the Grant Park South Garage and the Millennium Park Garage. However, parking can be expensive, and it's often recommended to use public transport due to traffic and parking availability. Reddit

Absolutely! Millennium Park is centrally located and within walking distance of many other popular Chicago attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Maggie Daley Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk. TikTok

If you're already in downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is easily reachable on foot. It's a pleasant walk through the city, and you can enjoy the urban landscape along the way. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Millennium Park offers free admission to all its public spaces, including Cloud Gate (The Bean), Crown Fountain, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Reddit

Millennium Park is generally open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. However, specific attractions within the park, like the visitor center or seasonal exhibits, may have different hours. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

No advance booking is required for general entry to Millennium Park. It's a public park, so you can visit anytime during its operating hours. Special events held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion might require tickets, so check event schedules. TikTok

Yes, visitors may encounter security checks, especially during special events or peak seasons. This is part of the park's commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages into Millennium Park. It's a great spot for a picnic! However, alcohol consumption is generally not permitted in public park areas. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Cloud Gate (The Bean) is the most iconic photo spot, offering stunning reflections of the city skyline. The Crown Fountain's video screens and the Lurie Garden also provide beautiful backdrops. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion's architecture is also very photogenic. TikTokInstagram

Yes, photography is widely encouraged in Millennium Park! It's a photographer's paradise with its unique art installations and city views. Just be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. TikTok

Early morning, just after sunrise, offers the best light and the fewest crowds for capturing The Bean. Late afternoon and early evening also provide beautiful lighting with the city skyline. TikTokReddit

No, drone usage is generally prohibited in Millennium Park and most Chicago parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Always check park regulations before flying any aerial devices. Reddit

Tripods are usually permitted for personal photography, but it's always best to check the park's specific regulations, especially if you're planning a professional photoshoot. Large setups might require permits. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

Millennium Park offers much more! Explore the interactive Crown Fountain, enjoy free concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, wander through the beautiful Lurie Garden, and admire the various public art installations scattered throughout the park. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The Crown Fountain's splash pad is a huge hit with kids in the summer. There are also wide open spaces for them to run around, and the art installations can spark their imagination. Reddit

Yes, public restrooms are available within Millennium Park. They are typically located near the visitor center and other key areas. Reddit

While you can't rent bikes or scooters directly within Millennium Park, there are many bike-sharing stations and scooter rental services available throughout downtown Chicago. You can ride them to the park and park them in designated areas. TikTok

Millennium Park hosts a variety of events, including free summer concerts, festivals (like the Chicago House Music Festival), movie screenings, and holiday celebrations like the annual tree lighting ceremony. TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Millennium Park itself doesn't have extensive dining options, there are concessions available during events at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. For a wider variety, you're steps away from numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding Loop and Michigan Avenue area. TikTok

The area around Millennium Park is packed with dining options. For great views, consider Cindy's Rooftop (mentioned in TikTok), or explore the many eateries along Michigan Avenue and in the nearby Loop, offering everything from casual bites to fine dining. TikTok

Yes, picnics are a popular activity in Millennium Park! There are plenty of open green spaces perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal. Just remember to clean up after yourself. Reddit

Yes, you'll find numerous cafes and coffee shops just a short walk from Millennium Park, especially along Michigan Avenue and in the surrounding downtown streets. They're perfect for a quick coffee break or a light snack. TikTok

Use your smartphone's map app to search for 'restaurants near Millennium Park' or 'cafes near Millennium Park.' You'll find a wide range of options catering to different tastes and budgets. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Millennium Park is a fantastic destination for families. The Crown Fountain is a major highlight, offering a fun and interactive splash pad experience during warmer months. Kids love seeing their reflections distorted in Cloud Gate (The Bean) and have plenty of open green space to run around. Reddit

Consider visiting during the summer for free movie nights or concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Pack snacks and drinks for a picnic, and be sure to bring a change of clothes and a towel if you plan on enjoying the fountain. The park's free admission makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for a family outing.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Millennium Park is a dream. Cloud Gate (The Bean) is an absolute must for capturing unique cityscapes and playful portraits. Aim for early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and get the best light. TikTokReddit

Don't miss the Crown Fountain for its dynamic video art and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for its striking architectural lines. The Lurie Garden offers a more serene, natural backdrop. Consider visiting during events like the holiday tree lighting for festive shots. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers

Millennium Park is perfect for solo explorers and day-trippers. It's easily accessible via public transport, even for a short layover, as one Reddit user confirmed. Reddit You can spend an hour or a whole afternoon here, taking in the iconic sights like The Bean and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. TikTok

Combine your visit with a walk along the Chicago Riverwalk or a quick trip up to Cindy's Rooftop for stunning city views. The park's free admission and central location make it an ideal stop for anyone wanting a taste of Chicago's highlights without a significant time commitment.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel of Millennium Park

Millennium Park is more than just a beautiful green space; it's a testament to incredible engineering. Much of the park is built on a massive concrete and steel structure that sits atop active railroad tracks and parking garages. This innovative design allows for a vast, elevated park in the heart of the city. TikTok

This complex foundation required extensive waterproofing and structural support to hold up gardens, sculptures, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The park's construction was a significant civic undertaking, transforming a former rail yard into a vibrant public amenity. It's a fascinating example of how urban spaces can be reimagined and built upon. TikTok

Understanding this engineering feat adds another layer of appreciation for the park's existence and its ability to host millions of visitors annually while remaining a functional and beautiful part of Chicago's landscape.

Experiencing Millennium Park's Art Installations

Millennium Park is renowned for its public art, with Cloud Gate, affectionately known as 'The Bean,' being the most famous. This massive, reflective sculpture by Anish Kapoor offers playful distortions of the city skyline and is a prime spot for selfies and artistic photos. TikTokReddit

Another must-see is the Crown Fountain, designed by Jaume Plensa. This interactive installation features two 50-foot glass towers displaying video portraits of Chicagoans, with water spouting from their mouths during warmer months. It's a dynamic and engaging piece that draws crowds, especially families. Reddit

Beyond these iconic pieces, the park features numerous other sculptures and artistic elements, including the Pritzker Pavilion's striking architecture and the serene Lurie Garden. Each installation contributes to the park's unique character and offers visitors a rich cultural experience.

Seasonal Magic in Millennium Park

Millennium Park transforms throughout the year, offering distinct experiences in every season. During the summer, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion buzzes with free concerts, movie screenings, and festivals, making it a vibrant hub for entertainment. The Crown Fountain becomes a popular spot for cooling off on hot days. TikTok+1

As autumn arrives, the park's foliage offers beautiful colors, and the crisp air is perfect for strolling. The real magic, however, often begins in winter. The park is famously adorned with a massive Christmas tree for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, creating a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Instagram+1

Even in spring, the park awakens with blooming flowers in the Lurie Garden and a general sense of renewal. Regardless of when you visit, Millennium Park offers a dynamic and engaging environment that reflects the spirit of Chicago.

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