Chicago's Millennium Park

Opened in July 2004, Millennium Park is definitelyto people with disabilities. Free wheelchair rental is
worth visiting if you happen to be on vacation inavailable at the Welcome Center and special
the city of Chicago. What once was an abandonedprovisions have been made throughout the park
railroad yard has been transformed by the cityfor visitors with disabilities.So, what are some of
into an award-winning center for art, music, andthe attractions available at the park?1. The Frank
architecture and landscape design.Millennium Park isGehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The Pritzker
conveniently located in downtown Chicago. ThePavilion is home to free concerts and events
park is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west,throughout the year.2. The interactive Crown
Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street toFountain by Jaume Plensa. This is probably my
the North and Monroe Street to the South. If youfavorite addition to the park. The fountain consists
plan on shopping along Chicago's famous Stateof two 50-foot glass block towers which display
Street, the park is just a few blocks east andimages and video.3. The contemporary Lurie
would be a great end to a day of shopping andGarden. This beautiful public garden was designed
sight seeing in Chicago. It's open daily from 6am -by the team of Kathryn Gustafson, Piet Oudolf
11pm and admission is always free.Personally, Iand Robert Israel. The garden is always evolving
recommend taking public transportation whenand changing throughout the year, however, it's
visiting downtown Chicago. But if you are driving,most colorful time begins in June and lasts
there are two parking garages beneath the parkthroughout autumn.4. The Millennium Park Ice Rink,
which are open 24 hours a day.On your first visitwhich is located directly next to the Park Grill. The
to the park, I encourage you to stop by theice rink is open from mid-November through
Millennium Park Welcome Center. It's located atmid-March, obviously weather permitting. During
201 E. Randolph Street in the Northwest Exelonwarm-weather months the Ice Rink is used as a
Pavilion. The Welcome Center can provide you150-seat outdoor dining area.5. Don't forget to
with information about the park, including mapscheck out Anish Kapoor's hugely popular Cloud
and program schedules.Once at the park, you areGate sculpture on the AT&T Plaza. It's better
welcome to wander around at your own pace orknown as "The Bean". Trust me, you'll understand
you can take advantage of one of the severalwhy when you see it.After exploring the park and
tours offered by the park. One option is aall it has to offer you might get a little hungry.
self-guided Millennium Park audio tour, which isDon't worry. Millennium Park has several dining
available for rental in the Chicago Shop at theoptions. You can find refreshments available for
park. You can also download the tour to your MP3purchase on the east and west sides of the Jay
player. Another option is the informal walking tourPritzker Pavilion and at concession carts located
provided by The Millennium Park Greeters. Thesearound the park.At the end of the day, don't
tours are available every Wednesday - Fridayforget to visit the City of Chicago stores where
from 10am - 4pm, during the summer season.you can get official Millennium Park and Chicago
The free, 45-minute tours are intended forsouvenirs, including hats, T-Shirts, towels, pins and
individuals or small groups. Millennium Park Greetermore.Need more information? The Millennium Park
tours are seasonal and not available October 1Information Line is 312-742-1168. You can also
through April 1.One of the great things aboutcontact them by email at .
Millennium Park is that the entire park is accessible