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Buckingham Fountain

Buckingham Fountain: Our most recommended tours and activities

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

1. Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

Experience an architecture cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, a family tradition since 1935. Admire Chicago’s historic and ever-changing skyline with a local expert guide as you cruise through the city. Choose between the open-air decks or the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during the cruise. Start the cruise at Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge and go up the main branch of the Chicago River to Wolf Point before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Michigan. Learn about historic skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, the deco Merchandise Mart, mid-century skyscrapers like the Mies Van der Rohe AMA Building, the circular Marina City Towers, the AON Center, and modernist structures like Aqua, Trump Tower, Nuveen, and the Vista Tower. After passing through the Chicago Lock and cruising past Navy Pier, admire the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Here you can also see the twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, and the John Hancock Building. See the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Enjoy several vantage points for memorable pictures throughout, and finally arrive back at Du Sable Bridge on Michigan Avenue.

Chicago: 75-Minute Architecture Cruise by Speedboat

2. Chicago: 75-Minute Architecture Cruise by Speedboat

Climb aboard a speedboat for a thrilling river and lake cruise around some of Chicago’s architectural gems. Gain insights into the city's most famous landmarks from your guide. Admire sights like Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, and Buckingham Fountain. Depart from the former Navy training center of Navy Pier on the shores of Lake Michigan on a tour along the lakefront. Sail through the locks and along the Chicago River all the way to the second tallest building in the USA, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). Get up close to Chicago’s most iconic buildings and unique architecture, and enjoy amazing views and an entertaining narration as part of the exciting ride. Learn the fascinating history of structures like the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Cruise the lakefront of Lake Michigan to see monuments and attractions such as Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Chicago Harbor, and the Chicago Museum Campus.

Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago

3. Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago

Glide around the streets and parks of Chicago on a leisurely guided Segway tour. Perfect for Chicago newbies and veterans alike, the tour uncovers quirky facts about one of America’s most energetic destinations. Begin with a training session to become familiar with the unique self-balancing Segways, before exploring the Windy City in a fun and futuristic fashion. Start your Segway experience at Millennium Park and continue to Grant Park to stop and admire the famous Buckingham Fountain Ride to Museum Campus to soak up spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and beautiful lakefront. Capture pictures to share of the expansive views of the sea-like Lake Michigan. Return to your meeting point at the end of your tour.

Chicago: Beautiful Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour

4. Chicago: Beautiful Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour

Segways are amazingly fun and there is no better way to tour a world-class city like Chicago than on your own personal set of wheels--a Segway! Our eight-mile Lakefront Chicago Segway tour lets you learn about and view and many Chicago's attractions in a highly unique way. As you glide effortlessly and enjoy the lakefront, you can learn the history of our city from your friendly and professional tour guide. Immerse yourself in the area's countless attractions, gorgeous parks and gardens, and stunning photo opportunities. See sights like Grant Park, the BP Bridge, the Bean, and the Buckingham Fountain, as well as generous views of Lake Michigan and the majestic skyline. Segways are safe to use, easy to learn, and fun to ride. We offer a thorough training session from our certified guides before we begin the tour.

Chicago: Family Fun Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise

5. Chicago: Family Fun Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise

Discover Chicago’s stunning skyscrapers, historic buildings, and modern marvels on this fun, family friendly boat cruise. Relax and unwind as you admire scenic views from the Chicago River and the Chicago Harbor Lock. Then move out onto Lake Michigan where you can gaze upon the entire city skyline and shoreline. During the boat ride, enjoy lively narration and stories about Chicago’s rich history as your knowledgeable guides point out the many sights of the city including Willis Tower, Aon Center, John Hancock Building, Museum Campus, Marina City, Wrigley Building, Chicago Tribune Building, Navy Pier, the Lighthouse and more. The tour also gives you the opportunity to experience passing through the Chicago River Lock System. Listen to your guide explain the full workings of the lock and feel the boat rise as you enter Lake Michigan, and then lower again when returning to the Chicago River.

Chicago: Small-Group Night Tour w/ Skydeck & Skyline Cruise

6. Chicago: Small-Group Night Tour w/ Skydeck & Skyline Cruise

Immerse yourself in Chicago’s distinct skyline with bold skyscrapers and incredible views of Lake Michigan illuminated at night on this city tour. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to Willis Tower, and a scenic Chicago skyline cruise. After getting picked up from your Downtown Chicago hotel, hop in your Mini van and travel to your first stop, Willis Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Take the elevator all the way up to the 103rd floor of the tower, where you can enjoy 360-degree views spanning 50 miles and 4 states. Get your adrenaline pumping at The Ledge – a glass balcony extending 4.3 feet outside the building which provides a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Once your feet are back on solid ground, take to the water for a skyline cruise to see the beauty of Chicago's world-famous skyscrapers lit up by the moonlight and bustling city lights. Enjoy a boat tour passing by over 40 Chicago iconic landmarks. You will also get to see the infamous Chicago Bean (also known as Cloud Gate), Anish Kapoor’s first public outdoor work installed in the United States. At the end of your tour, your guide will take you back to your downtown Chicago hotel.

Chicago: City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture Cruise

7. Chicago: City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture Cruise

Start with a pickup from your downtown Chicago hotel. Board your climate-controlled minibus and embark on your guided sightseeing tour. Begin in the heart of downtown Chicago, at The Loop. Here you'll see incredible architecture, including the world's first skyscrapers. You'll even go inside one that features a beautiful lobby designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  The stop also includes views of The Chicago Board of Trade and the Willis (Sears) Tower. After The Loop, head through Grant Park, which is known as the city's front yard. The centerpiece of the park is the Buckingham Fountain. Museum Campus is up next, with three museums, Soldier Field, and the most spectacular skyline views in the city. After a 10-minute photo stop, travel around Millennium Park, featuring The Bean, before heading up north along Wacker Drive, which parallels the Chicago River. Arrive in the fancy Gold Coast nightlife area and residential neighborhood - one particularly interesting sight here is the original Playboy Mansion.  Then, take a trip through part of Lincoln Park, and end the tour by zipping along Lake Shore Drive, past beaches, and old mansions, before being dropped off at your hotel. For those wanting the ultimate Chicago experience, add on the option of the world-famous architecture cruise of Chicago. After your minibus tour and a short break, climb aboard a state-of-the-art cruise vessel for a 75-minute cruise of all three branches of the Chicago River. Marvel at the architecture that has made the city so legendary. Gain insights into the buildings and engineering of a city that gave birth to the skyscraper and is the spiritual home of modern American architecture. An expert guide will lead you down the Chicago River to uncover hidden gems, as well as the city’s most renowned landmarks, such as the John Hancock building and more.

Eastside Chicago: Outdoor Escape Game

8. Eastside Chicago: Outdoor Escape Game

Start the adventure at The Art Institute of Chicago. It will take you between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and you can also explore at your own pace. Pause the game and resume anytime from the location where you paused it. You will finish at the Fountain of the Great Lakes. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. So, are you up for an exciting city game? After your booking, you will receive an email on how to download the game to your phone. You can play on your own, in a large group, or in several smaller groups that compete against each other and meet at the final stop of the game. For larger groups, one person can purchase access for the entire group by selecting the number of people in the group. All group members will be able to download and play the city game on their phones. Alternatively, each person can make their own purchase.

Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour

9. Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the world of filmmaking with a comprehensive walking tour of Chicago's most famous movie and TV locations. Stroll around one of the most popular cities used in big blockbusters. Come across legendary sites seen on screen as you pass by some of the city's main landmarks. Begin the tour near Buckingham Fountain. Allow your guide to let you in on behind-the-scenes secrets and fun trivia about the movies and shows featured in your route. Relive iconic scenes at sites used in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Dark Knight, Public Enemies, Ocean's Eleven, and more. Walk by some famous Chicago landmarks along the way, such as the Willis Tower, The Art Museum of Chicago, and Millennium Park. Discover this vibrant city from a whole new perspective.

Chicago: Full-Day or Half-Day Bike Rental

10. Chicago: Full-Day or Half-Day Bike Rental

Chicago proudly ranks as the country’s best city for cycling because of its flat terrain, miles of bike trails, and interconnected neighborhoods, parks, and attractions. Your bike rental starts in the heart of Chicago’s 20-mile Lakefront Bike Trail, near Navy Pier. Choose between a full-day bike rental or a 4-hour bike rental to explore Chicago at your own pace. You’ll receive a helmet, a bike lock, and a detailed map to help you easily navigate your way around the city. Enjoy biking to a variety of attractions and create your own sightseeing itinerary to fit in with your family's interests. Start cycling along the shores of Lake Michigan for gorgeous views of Navy Pier, featuring family-friendly attractions, entertainment, shopping and dining. Continue to Millennium Park, a lively gathering spot that's home to Cloud Gate. Stop here to take a photo of yourself reflected in the mirror of this famous bean-shaped sculpture. Further south, you’ll find Grant Park, whose Buckingham Fountain stands tall as one of the largest fountains in the world. Just South of there lies Museum Campus, a 57-acre park on Lake Michigan that’s home to the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History, as well as the Soldier Field football stadium. Alternatively head north to Lincoln Park, a large lakeside community and park home to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Entrance is free, so you can hop off your bike to explore some amazing animal exhibits. Of course, you can’t miss Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs play.

Available activities

Other Sightseeing Options in Buckingham Fountain

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What people are saying about Buckingham Fountain

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,412 reviews

Nice boat, interesting facts and beautiful architecture. Tour guide was funny and knowledgeable.

Superb commentary from informed, intelligent and interesting boat tour guide.

Tour was fantastic. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and we learned so much!

Excellent boat tour. The guide was entertaining and very informative.

Tour guide (Kenneth?) was excellent. Learned a lot.