Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
Chicago, United States
Among the worlds largest, Grant Parks 3-level rococo fountain (1927) offers light & water shows.
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Overview
Among the worlds largest, Grant Parks 3-level rococo fountain (1927) offers light & water shows.
Opening Hours
Visitor Reviews
**★★★★★ David Stejkowski — 3 weeks ago
A true Chicago landmark — you can read the backstory behind why it exists online. And it’s the second largest fountain in the world. A great place to cool off on a hot summer day and a beautiful sight when the lights are in at night. I can’t help but hum Love and Marriage each time I walk or drive past it. Go see this. Skip throwing coins. This isn’t Rome.
**★★★★★ Manikandan — a month ago
The Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain is one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, anchoring Grant Park with elegance and scale. Dedicated in 1927, it was inspired by the Latona Fountain at Versailles and symbolizes Lake Michigan, with jets representing the surrounding states. The fountain’s hourly water displays are impressive, but it truly shines at night during illuminated shows. A beautiful blend of history, design, and classic Chicago charm.
**★★★★★ Leslie Casperson — 3 months ago
This fountain ⛲ is a must see while in Chicago. The water shoots up very high at intervals. The backdrop of the city scape is gorgeous. I highly recommend taking the time to visit this beautiful landmark. We were there around 10:00am on a weekday and there was no one else there. Wonderful experience!
**★★★★★ Chen — 3 months ago
The Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain is one of the most breathtaking landmarks in Chicago and truly the centerpiece of Grant Park. The fountain’s size and design are incredible — you can feel its elegance and history the moment you see the water start to rise. During the day, it’s a perfect spot to relax, take photos, or just sit and enjoy the view of the skyline in the background. At night, the fountain becomes even more magical, with colorful lights and music that make the entire area
**★★★★☆ Emmanuel Ufuah — 3 months ago
This is a nice open space that is not far from the lake. Sometimes when I am on break from work, I like walking around this fountain. The fountain is beautiful. When the sun sets right you have a chance of seeing a rainbow, and a chance of getting drenched by the fountain. Haha.
