The Majestic Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain: A Chicago Icon
Experience the grandeur of the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, a historical landmark and stunning tourist attraction in Chicago's Grant Park.
The Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain is a breathtaking landmark located in Grant Park, Chicago. This magnificent fountain, one of the largest in the world, is a stunning piece of art and a historical site that attracts tourists from all over. With its impressive design and vibrant water displays, it offers an enchanting experience for visitors, especially when illuminated at night. Take a stroll through Grant Park and immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this iconic fountain.
A brief summary to Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
- 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, Grant Park, Illinois, 60605, US
- +1312-742-7529
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit in the evening to see the fountain illuminated with colorful lights.
- Check the schedule for the fountain's water shows to catch the most spectacular displays.
- Explore the surrounding Grant Park for additional scenic views and historical monuments.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy the park's beautiful atmosphere while admiring the fountain.
- Visit during the warmer months for the full experience, as the fountain operates seasonally.
Getting There
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Public Transit
From Arlington Heights, walk to the Arlington Heights Metra Station located at 45 W Northeast Hwy. Take the Union Pacific Northwest Line train towards Chicago O'Hare. After approximately 30 minutes, get off at the Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago. Once at Ogilvie, follow the signs to transfer to the CTA 'L' train. Take the Pink Line towards 18th and get off at the Damen stop. Transfer to the Blue Line towards O'Hare and ride for 5 stops until you reach the UIC-Halsted stop. From there, walk for about 10 minutes to reach the Buckingham Fountain located at 301 S Columbus Dr.
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Bus
From Arlington Heights, walk to the nearest bus stop for the Pace Bus route #696. Board the bus towards the Arlington Heights Metra Station. Once at the station, take the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line train towards Chicago. After about 30 minutes, disembark at the Ogilvie Transportation Center. From Ogilvie, take the CTA bus #130 towards State & 18th. Get off at the Michigan & Congress stop and walk 5 minutes to reach the Buckingham Fountain at 301 S Columbus Dr.
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Walking
If you are in Arlington Heights and prefer to walk to Buckingham Fountain, it’s quite a distance, but you can start your journey walking south on Arlington Heights Rd. Continue until you reach Central Rd, then take a left and continue to the Metra Station. From there, follow the previous public transit directions to Ogilvie Station and then to Buckingham Fountain. This will take several hours and is recommended only for those who enjoy long walks and wish to explore the area.
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