Grant Park Tours and Activities

Grant Park
Grant Park
Grant Park
Grant Park
Grant Park which includes a statue or sculpture


Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most loved and diverse public parks, with a host of family-friendly attractions and activities. It spreads across 319 acres (129 hectares) between Michigan Avenue and the banks of Lake Michigan. Grant Park is a scenic area blessed with everything from concert venues and museums to public art, statues and well-groomed lawns. Walk along wide tree-lined promenades dissecting the park.

Admire the park’s collection of statues. In the geographical heart is the beautiful Buckingham Fountain, which displays an hourly 20-minute water show from April to late October, with lights and music after dusk. A short walk from here, see a monument of a seated Abraham Lincoln and an equestrian statue of General John Logan. Wander through the different gardens to appreciate geometric designs, colorful rose bushes, orderly flowerbeds and seasonal vegetables.

Visit the park’s southwest corner to see Agora, a display of 106 headless torso sculptures inspired by the layout of a Greek plaza. Watch baseball and softball matches at the diamonds in Hutchinson Field. Enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline from the Lakefront Trail. Ice-skating is possible from November to March at the Skating Ribbon in the Maggie Daley Park area.

Browse exhibits from the 300,000 pieces of global art at the Art Institute of Chicago. To the south, the park incorporates the entertaining attractions of the Museum Campus. Among these are Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum. Catch an NFL game at Soldier Field, the home stadium of the Chicago Bears.

Time your visit to coincide with a busy schedule of summer cultural events. The Petrillo Music Shell is a stage for regular blues, country, jazz and other concerts. Sample mouthwatering dishes at July’s Taste of Chicago food festival. June’s Chicago Blues Festival and July’s Lollapalooza welcome some of the biggest names in world music.

Grant Park is just a short walk from the Printers Row and Loop – Downtown districts. Get here easily via public buses and the L train from other areas of the city. Restrooms are located throughout the park.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Popular places to visit


Top Grant Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
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
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Hilton Chicago
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St, Chicago, IL
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
citizenM Chicago Downtown
Best Western Grant Park Hotel

Best Western Grant Park Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1100 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

4.5 out of 5
200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
Hyatt Regency Chicago
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
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 Grant Park

Grant Park in Chicago offers a vibrant mix of activities, including area sightseeing, outdoor concerts, and engaging theatre. You can enjoy guided tours to explore the park's rich history and stunning landscapes, as well as the iconic water show that delights visitors. With its lively atmosphere and cultural offerings, Grant Park is the perfect spot for tourists seeking entertainment and relaxation in the heart of the city.

Shopping

In Grant Park, enjoy shopping at Maxwell Street Market, just 1.6km away, offering a vibrant mix of local vendors. Chicago Place Mall and 900 North Michigan Shops, both 3.2km away, provide a great selection of gifts and souvenirs in a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the energy at Soldier Field, where you can catch a game or tour the iconic stadium. For relaxation, head to Northerly Island Natural Area, perfect for unwinding amidst nature. Enjoy live music and vibrant atmosphere at the House of Blues Chicago for a memorable night out.

Adventure

Embark on the Salt Creek Trail, a scenic hiking adventure located 19.3km from Grant Park, where you can immerse yourself in nature's beauty. For family fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 33.8km away, offering thrilling water slides and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Grant Park with a show at the iconic Chicago Theatre, located 1.4km away. For more theatrical delights, the Cadillac Palace Theatre is a mere 1.6km away, while the Auditorium Building and Theatre, just 483m away, offers a rich cultural experience.

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

Find the best attractions near Grant Park

Grant Park in Chicago offers a delightful mix of skyscrapers, urban parks, and historic buildings, making it a must-visit for travellers seeking culture and family-friendly experiences. Key attractions include the iconic Millennium Park and the scenic Grant Ulysses Park. Whether you're looking to explore top sights or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, Grant Park is sure to provide memorable moments during your holiday.

  • Michigan Avenue: Experience the vibrant pulse of Chicago along Michigan Avenue, just 1.6km from Grant Park. This iconic thoroughfare is lined with high-end shops, restaurants, and stunning architecture, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a shopping spree.
  • McCormick Place: Located 3.2km from Grant Park, McCormick Place is the largest convention centre in North America, buzzing with business vibes. Explore the impressive space that hosts major events and exhibitions, showcasing the latest innovations across various industries.
  • Navy Pier: Just 3.2km away, Navy Pier offers a blend of urban charm and scenic views. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with attractions, eateries, and the stunning waterfront, perfect for families and tourists alike.

Best time to go to Grant Park

The best time to visit Grant Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grant Park

For a budget-friendly visit to Grant Park, consider travelling during the off-peak season from December to February, when accommodation prices drop. Mondays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find great deals by filtering for cheap hotels and combining your accommodation with flights for added savings. Don't forget to take advantage of public transport, which is affordable and convenient, or simply enjoy walking around the park to experience its beauty without spending a dime.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grant 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 Grant Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Grant Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your Grant Park hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.