Grant Park facts for kids

A section of Grant Park

Grant Park is a really big city park in Chicago, Illinois. It's right in the middle of the city, in an area called the Chicago Loop. This park is super popular and has many cool places to visit. Some of these include the famous Buckingham Fountain, the modern Millennium Park, and the shiny Cloud Gate sculpture, which looks like a giant bean!

The park also has the Museum Campus, where you can find several of Chicago's amazing museums. Grant Park wasn't always called that. It was first known as Lake Park. But on October 9, 1901, it was renamed to honor Ulysses S. Grant, who was the 18th President of the United States and a hero from the Civil War. Today, Grant Park is a busy place, hosting big events like the Lollapalooza Music Festival and the Taste of Chicago food festival.

What is Grant Park?

Grant Park is a huge green space in downtown Chicago. It covers a large area, offering a place for people to relax and have fun. The park is often called "Chicago's Front Yard" because it's so central and important to the city. It's a mix of open lawns, beautiful gardens, and famous landmarks.

Location and Size

Grant Park is located in the heart of Chicago. It stretches from Michigan Avenue on the west to Lake Michigan on the east. It goes from Randolph Street in the north down to Roosevelt Road in the south. The park is very large, covering about 319 acres. That's like more than 240 football fields! Its big size makes it perfect for hosting huge events and having lots of different attractions.

History of Grant Park

The story of Grant Park is quite interesting. It started as a small piece of land next to Lake Michigan. Over time, it grew and changed a lot.

From Lake Park to Grant Park

The area that is now Grant Park was originally part of Lake Michigan. In the mid-1800s, people started filling in parts of the lake to create more land. This new land was set aside for public use. It was first called Lake Park. The idea was to keep this area open and green for everyone to enjoy.

On October 9, 1901, the park was officially renamed Grant Park. This was done to honor Ulysses S. Grant. He was a very important figure in American history. He led the Union Army to victory during the American Civil War. Later, he served as President of the United States. Renaming the park after him was a way to remember his contributions to the country.

Daniel Burnham's Vision

A famous architect named Daniel Burnham had a big dream for Grant Park. In 1909, he created a plan for Chicago's future. His plan said that the lakefront, including Grant Park, should always be "forever open, clear and free." This meant that no buildings should block the views of Lake Michigan. Thanks to his vision, Grant Park remains a wide-open space today.

Famous Attractions in the Park

Grant Park is home to some of Chicago's most famous landmarks. These attractions draw millions of visitors every year.

Buckingham Fountain

One of the most beautiful spots in Grant Park is Buckingham Fountain. It's one of the largest fountains in the world. The fountain was given to the city in 1927 by Kate Buckingham. She wanted it to be a tribute to her brother. The fountain represents Lake Michigan. It has four sets of sea horses that stand for the four states bordering the lake. During the warmer months, the fountain puts on amazing water shows with lights and music.

Millennium Park

Located in the northwest corner of Grant Park, Millennium Park is a modern marvel. It opened in 2004 and quickly became a must-see destination.

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Inside Millennium Park, you'll find the famous sculpture called Cloud Gate. Most people know it as "The Bean." This shiny, reflective sculpture was created by artist Anish Kapoor. It reflects the city skyline and the sky, making it a fun place to take pictures. You can walk under it and see your reflection stretched and twisted.

Crown Fountain

Another cool feature in Millennium Park is the Crown Fountain. It's an interactive art piece. It has two tall glass towers that show giant faces of Chicago residents. Water spouts from their mouths, making it a popular spot for kids to play in the summer.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an outdoor concert venue in Millennium Park. It has a unique design by architect Frank Gehry. Many free concerts and events are held here throughout the year. The lawn in front of the stage is a great place to relax and listen to music.

Events and Activities

Grant Park is not just for sightseeing. It's also a major hub for large events and festivals.

Lollapalooza Music Festival

Every summer, Grant Park transforms into a massive concert venue for Lollapalooza. This is one of the biggest music festivals in the world. Thousands of people come to see famous bands and artists perform on multiple stages. It's a huge party that brings a lot of energy to the park.

Taste of Chicago

Another popular event is the Taste of Chicago. This festival celebrates Chicago's amazing food scene. Local restaurants set up booths, offering small portions of their best dishes. It's a great way to try different foods from all over the city. There are also live music performances and other fun activities.

Images for kids

• 

  A section of Grant Park