Welcome to the Chicago Millennium Park Walking Tour
Learn how architects, artists, and engineers collaborated with Chicago’s movers and shakers to transform a railroad yard and parking lot into a magnificent park that has thrilled millions and become the envy of cities around the world.
Understand the inspiration behind Anish Kapoor’s huge, reflective Cloud Gate sculpture (nicknamed “The Bean”); Jaume Plensa’s ever-changing, high-tech Crown Fountain; and Frank Gehry’s exuberant, sculptural Jay Pritzker Music Pavilion and BP Bridge on this Chicago Walking tour.
About the Tour
Your tour through Millennium Park begins at the park’s north end, by the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance. From there, you’ll head south toward the Pritzker Pavilion while hearing some background on how the park came into existence.
Once at the impressive pavilion, you’ll learn about the vast array of performances held here and the high-tech design which makes it all possible, as well as the man behind it: Jay Pritzker. Get the full story on this precocious kid who went from building model cities out of his grandfather’s scrap wood to designing some of the most famous structures in the country.
As you continue, you’ll come to the park’s so-called “Secret Garden.” Take a stroll along a peaceful boardwalk surrounded by plant life and listen to a little-known symbolism behind the garden’s design. Then pause for a fantastic look at Chicago’s skyline.
Next, you’ll head past the Art Institute of Chicago and end up at the astonishing Crown Fountain. Get familiar with the intricately detailed “face towers” of the fountain, then head north toward Chicago’s most famous sculpture.
At last, you’ll arrive at Cloud Gate, known by the locals as “The Bean” (although the artist positively hates this name). Learn about the wacky artist behind it, as well as the technique he used to create such a huge, smooth surface. And don’t forget to snap some surreal pictures of your reflection! The Chicago walking tour concludes here.
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Tour Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at the suggested starting location provided below
Millennium Park Welcome Center, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Begin from Millennium Park Welcome Center, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Chicago Millennium Park Audio Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome
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Jay Pritzker Pavilion
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Frank Gehry
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The Pavilion Today
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Lurie Gardens: Dark Plate and Light Plate
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Carl Sandburg
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Crain Communications
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Prudential Center
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Nichols Bridgeway
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Boeing Gallery South
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Crown Fountain
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Walk to the Bean
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Kapoor’s Artistic Philosophy
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Cleaning the Bean
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Conclusion
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The Chicago tour through Millennium Park begins at the park’s north end.
The “Secret Garden” in Millennium Park offers beautiful green spaces, a peaceful boardwalk, and fantastic skyline views.
Yes, the Chicago Loop is highly walkable, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Yes, Chicago is a very tourist-friendly city, offering a wide range of attractions, tours, and activities to cater to visitors.
The best months to visit Chicago are during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, and there are various events and festivals
The best way to tour Chicago is by taking guided walking tours, boat tours on the Chicago River, or hop-on-hop-off buses to explore the city’s main attractions.
Chicago offers excellent public transportation, including buses and the ‘L’ train system, making it easy to explore the city without a car. Walking and biking are also popular options.
One of the most famous routes in Chicago is the Magnificent Mile, a stretch of Michigan Avenue known for its upscale shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks.
Many consider North Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile, to be one of the prettiest streets in Chicago due to its stunning architecture, shopping, and dining options.
Celebrities often reside in affluent neighborhoods like Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Streeterville, where luxury homes and amenities are abundant.
The Riverwalk tour starts at the historic DuSable Bridge, and visitors will learn about this picturesque bridge and the iconic Wrigley Building.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
