5+ Pretty Fountains You Should Check Out in Chicago – Chicago, Illinois Travel Guide
by jazminmarie United States, Illinois, Chicago
One of my favorite activities is walking around Chicago and admiring the architecture. Being one of Chicago’s most iconic features, the architecture here set precedence to buildings throughout the United States; and at many points in time holding the title with buildings being the tallest in the world.
My most recent favorite architectural feature is how Chicago stylizes their gardens and includes gorgeous fountains to create the perfect ambience for city dwellers to relax in nature for a bit. Here is a list of some of my most favorite fountains located within the city of Chicago that are worth checking out:
Guide to My Favorite Fountains in Chicago
Fountain of Great Lakes
Located in the South Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago is the Fountain of Great Lakes also known as Spirit of the Great Lakes Fountain. This gorgeous sculpture by Lorado Taft includes five bronze nymphs who each represents one of America’s Great Lakes pouring water into each others’ shell and allowing it to flow into the next representing the way the Great Lakes flows here.
📍: S. Michigan Avenue at, E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60603
Buckingham Fountain
One of the largest fountains on this list, as well as once titled the largest in the world, is the Buckingham fountain located in Grant Park. Also known at the The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, the Buckingham Fountain includes a water display about every hour with water reaching to 150 feet in the air. The popularity of this fountain does not make it any less beautiful and you should spending a few moments to appreciate the water show before you continue.
📍: 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Fountain of Time
One of my favorites on this list is the Fountain of Time play Lorado Taft. The Fountain of Time, otherwise known as Time, includes Father Time overlooking a reflecting pool and a wave of 100 human figures. These human figures include babies and children, to soldiers, workers and the elderly; each representing a different phase in our lives. I probably spent the most time at this fountain just admiring the details and faces of each sculpture individually.
📍: 6000 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Crown Fountain
Another popular fountain on this list is the Crown fountain located near Millennium Park. Designed by artist Juame Plensa, the Crown Fountain is a 50 foot glass block that towers each end of a reflecting pool. These glass blocks hold LED screens that show the face of different Chicagoans with open mouths allowing the water to flow through.
📍: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Centennial Fountain
The Centennial Fountain, also known as the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, is located along the North Bank of the Chicago River. Originating as a celebration for the 100 year anniversary to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago, this fountain includes a sculptural sun dial and can shoot up at least 80 feet of water in an arc formation.
📍: 400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611
Sh*t Fountain
The most unique fountain on this list (probably because its an art piece on residential land) is the Sh-t Fountain located near East Village. The fountain includes a bronzed coil in similar shape to dog poo on top of a 3 ft. pillar; there’s also a water feature that slowly fills the basin around the bronze. This feces inspired fountain is a reminder for dog owners to respect the neighborhood and to pick up after their canine companions.
📍: 1001 N Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Storks at Play Fountain
Storks at Play, also known as The Bates Fountain, is perfectly located near the Lincoln Park Conservatory. This gorgeous fountain includes storks with stretched wings in water while spraying water from their beaks; these storks surround bronze statues of boys with fins for legs carrying fish in their arms.
📍: 2045 N Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614
Which is your favorite fountain in Chicago?
Did I list your favorite fountain, or did I miss it? Believe it or not Chicago has several fountains and I couldn’t list them all. Please comment below which Chicago fountain is your favorite so I can go check it out and possibly include it in my list.
If you’re looking for more Chicago activities, I suggest checking out my other blogs about this amazing city. I write about free admission activities for you to fill your itinerary with, neighborhood guides for you to dive into some of Chicago’s residential neighborhoods and tips for traveling to Chicago alone. Fill your Chicago trip itinerary with this fun and budget friendly events so that you can experience the city more with a smaller budget.
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