Buckingham Fountain, Chicago: Hours, Address, Buckingham Fountain Reviews: 4.5/5
Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain
4.5
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
About
Chicago's landmark is considered one of America's finest fountains due to its Beaux-Arts-style landscape design, finely wrought bronze sculpture and innovative use of technology.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Buckingham Fountain
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Grant Park
How to get there
- Adams/Wabash • 8 min walk
- Harold Washington Library – State/Van Buren • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,109 within 5 kms
Corner Bakery Cafe
443
0.4 km$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Terzo Piano
486
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Russian Tea Time
605
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Russian • Eastern European • Vegetarian Friendly
Acanto
506
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
The Gage
2,305
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafecito
308
0.6 km$ • Quick Bites • Latin • Cafe
Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
695
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Pizza
Cherry Circle Room
291
0.7 km$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Hot Woks Cool Sushi
357
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Mercat a la Planxa
966
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Spanish • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
540 within 10 kms
The Art Institute of Chicago
24,229
0.4 kmArt Museums
Tokachidake Bodakedai Disaster Prevention Shelter
1
0.2 kmArchitectural Buildings
Chicago Marathon
34
0.2 kmSporting Events
Millennium Park
24,828
0.6 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Cloud Gate
18,124
0.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Chicago Skyline
710
0.5 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Crown Fountain
2,127
0.6 kmFountains
Maggie Daley Park
1,325
0.7 kmParks • Playgrounds
Lurie Garden
119
0.5 kmGardens
Harold Washington Library Center
263
0.7 kmLibraries
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
3,391 reviews
Excellent
1,980
Very good
1,045
Average
292
Poor
48
Terrible
26
Marilyn M
Lincoln City, OR170 contributions
Jun 2022
We kept trying to get there but it was hot and a bit of a walk. Our Gangster Tour ended just over the bridge so it was handy to get there. I'm so glad I saw it!
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Archie
Glenmoore, PA5,088 contributions
May 2022 • Family
This is such a haven. Beautiful fountain with the city backdrop provides amazing photo opportunities. It was a short cab ride from our hotel. We walked around the park. Its a short walk to the art museum. There are smaller fountains in the vicinity.
Written 30 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Companion732078
2 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Fountain does not operate as advertised. Do not waste your time or Lyft $. It’s disappointing when things don’t run as advertised.
Written 29 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia13,456 contributions
Apr 2022
Last time I was in Chicago it was New Year 2017/18 with -30'C and understandably it was not working.
However, I was greatly disappointed seeing it late April this year again not working.
Anyway, it's a terrific and huge fountain with great downtown panorama. Hope I'll see it operating some day.
However, I was greatly disappointed seeing it late April this year again not working.
Anyway, it's a terrific and huge fountain with great downtown panorama. Hope I'll see it operating some day.
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kmz88
Chicago, IL362 contributions
Dec 2021
A beautiful fountain. Must see in Chicago. Plan to be there at the hour to see the central, high portion of the fountain go up!
Written 25 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hanan C
California643 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
One of the largest fountains in the world! It is very similar to the Versailles fountain with Neptune and the dolphins.
Unfortunately it was not running in November.
Unfortunately it was not running in November.
Written 28 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
michaelrV8876NX
4 contributions
Nov 2021
One of the great ICons of the city.. it is closed in the winter but it is still a ery cool place to see.. Walk down the lake front and check it out the ice skating and the famous BEAN are not far
Written 23 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
E208PNsusanc
Atlanta, GA20 contributions
Aug 2021
An easy walk through Grant Park and you won't miss the famous Buckingham Fountain. It's a great place to relax with the fountain and city all around.
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ling
Tampa, FL19 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Be aware that the fountain closes during off seasons. So when we went (end of October) the water was turned off (which also means the restrooms are closed)
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
travderose
55 contributions
Oct 2021
Built in 1927, this is actually one of the largest fountains in the world with 1.5 million gallons of water. It represents Lake Michigan with four sets of sea horses symbolizing the four states—Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana—that border the lake. The wedding cake style is supposed to mimic the Palace of Versailles. And three's a 20 minute water show at the top of each hour with the center jet shooting up vertically to 150 feet, and after dusk shows are choreographed with lights and music.
Buckingham Fountain is often mistaken for the beginning of Route 66, but it hadn't even been built yet when the route opened in 1926.
Buckingham Fountain is often mistaken for the beginning of Route 66, but it hadn't even been built yet when the route opened in 1926.
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stephen C
Dublin, Ireland63 contributions
Is the fountain closed/stopped running for 2019?
LUV2CRUIZE
5 contributions
I was there In June 2019 it was running. I’m not from Chicago but based on other answers it could be closed during winter months because of The Brutal Chicago Winter.
Is there anywhere to park a large pickup truck?
Mike14
9 contributions
No there isn't.
AustraliaRell
Australia13 contributions
Is anyone able to advise when will the fountain be closing for the season as I will be arriving 17th October 2018 from Australia and was hoping to be able see this while it is still on.
ALnG_Culinary
Milwaukee, WI171 contributions
For an answer that is solid, I would call the Public works Department. They can tell you when the water is turned off to prevent pipes from freezing. "cityofchicago" "." "org"
Is the water show going on this season regularly? I ask because i remember it was under repair a few years back and i want to make sure it is functioning now. Thanks.
Areya W
Texas121 contributions
It's on 8am -11pm w/ light show at dusk. I was there a few weeks ago it was back to regular operating hours.
When do they turn the water back on?
SBC499
Vancouver, Canada206 contributions
When I visited this March, they said they would turn the water back on in May!
Sharad P
2 contributions
Hi, is the fountain going to be on, on May 1st? Or at the very least filled with water?
thechicagopeasant
Chicago, IL67 contributions
According to a few news articles, it will be turned back on May 6th.
Is there parking nearby the park?
Anirao
Chicago, IL32 contributions
Limited metered street parking on Columbus. There is the Grant Park underground garage at Monroe and Columbus.
kanchana311
Miami, FL173 contributions
Will the fountain be working in the month of October?
hotwheels84
251 contributions
The fountain operates mid-April through mid-October from 8 am-11 pm, so it kind of depends on when, in October, you will be visiting.
AVChicago2012
Chicago, IL106 contributions
It is too cold outside for the fountain to be on.
But there is still lots to do in March in Chicago.
Mimi K
Liverpool, Australia172 contributions
If you travel in the warmer months, it's a must do on the list though not sure if it will be open in cooler climate as I visited in early Sept!
sp743
Toronto, Canada
Hello,
I know I’m pushing my luck here, but I've never been to Chicago and seeing the Buckingham Memorial Fountain is definitely something on my bucket list. Concern: I’m making the trip around St. Patrick’s Day weekend (mid-March, 2015), any chance the fountain will be operating at this time?
Thank you.
Lawrence M
Chicago, IL12 contributions
The Fountain will be opened and activated for the season on Saturday, May 9th! There will still be a lot to see in the immediate vicinity in March!
Frequently Asked Questions about Buckingham Fountain
- Buckingham Fountain is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- We recommend booking Buckingham Fountain tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 34 Buckingham Fountain tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Buckingham Fountain:
- Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From HK$353.17)
- 30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride (From HK$272.78)
- Lake Michigan Sightseeing Cruise (From HK$222.47)
- Chicago City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise (From HK$345.00)
- Chicago City Minibus Tour (From HK$345.00)
- Hotels near Buckingham Fountain:
- (0.57 km) Hostelling International Chicago
- (0.60 km) The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
- (0.63 km) Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
- (0.74 km) Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
- (0.83 km) Hotel Blake, Ascend Hotel Collection
- Restaurants near Buckingham Fountain:
- (0.21 km) Bucks Four Star Grill
- (0.27 km) Museum Cafe
- (0.22 km) Buckinghamburger
- (0.40 km) Terzo Piano
- (0.42 km) Corner Bakery Cafe
- Attractions near Buckingham Fountain:
- (0.41 km) The Art Institute of Chicago
- (0.19 km) Tokachidake Bodakedai Disaster Prevention Shelter
- (0.41 km) Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours
- (0.41 km) Museum Hack Chicago
- (0.21 km) Petrillo Music Shell