Chicago Millennium Park: Self-Guided Walking Tour
4.5
4 Ratings
Chicago
Explore Chicago's Millennium Park at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour. Discover iconic public art, including 'The Bean,' and learn the stories behind their creation.
Duration: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Jay Pritzker Pavilion - Jay Pritzker Pavilion, also known as Pritzker Pavilion or Pritzker Music Pavilion, is a bandshell in Millennium Park in the Loop community area of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is located on the south side of Randolph Street and east of the Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District.
  • Lurie Garden - Lurie Garden is a 2.5-acre garden located at the southern end of Millennium Park in the Loop area of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Designed by GGN, Piet Oudolf, and Robert Israel, it opened on July 16, 2004. The garden is a combination of perennials, bulbs, grasses, shrubs and trees.
  • Chicago Skyline - As you stand in the middle of Lurie Garden, you are surrounded and astounded by the skyscrapers all around you. First, look at the building with a diamond-shaped roof. It’s shorter than the other skyscrapers around but extremely distinctive. This “diamond building” is the Crain Communication Building, and it’s been delighting architecture enthusiasts since its completion in 1984. The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia surpassed it in 1998. It used to be the headquarters of the world-renowned Sears Roebuck Company. The Prudential Tower: This was the first major skyscraper constructed in post World War II Chicago. Completed in 1955, the tower gave Chicago residents and visitors a chance to see the city from an observation deck known as “The Top of the Rock”.
  • Nichols Bridgeway - The Nichols Bridgeway is a pedestrian bridge located in Chicago, Illinois. The bridge begins at the Great Lawn of Millennium Park, crosses over Monroe Street and connects to the third floor of the West Pavilion of the Modern Wing, the Art Institute of Chicago’s newest wing.
  • The Boeing Store - The space in front of you always features something different. The contemporary art sculptures displayed here are often large-scale and highly symbolic. Spend a little time here to try to understand the artist’s vision.
  • Crown Fountain - Crown Fountain is an interactive work of public art and video sculpture featured in Chicago’s Millennium Park, which is located in the Loop community area. Designed by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa and executed by Krueck and Sexton Architects, it opened in July 2004
  • Cloud Gate - Cloud Gate is a public sculpture by Indian-born British artist Sir Anish Kapoor, that is the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park in the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois. The sculpture and AT&T Plaza are located on top of Park Grill, between the Chase Promenade and McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink
What's Included
  • Automatic GPS-triggered storytelling for hands-free experience.
  • Comprehensive package including full itinerary, travel tips, audio, video, text, and hidden gems.
  • Accessible offline with GPS maps and step-by-step directions.
  • Instant access to Tour Guide App upon downloading with provided password.
  • Ultimate flexibility with tours that never expire and can be used any time.
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Take a leisurely stroll around Chicago’s Millennium Park, using an app to guide you at your own tempo. The app gives you flexibility to start, stop or pause anytime you want, and to explore in more detail at will. Discover public art displays, including the well-known ‘Cloud Gate’, nicknamed ‘The Bean’ by locals, and familiarize yourself with the narratives around their creation. The guide, enabled with GPS, will automatically activate and deactivate the commentary as you navigate the vicinity.

Post your booking, verify your email to download the Action Tour Guide App, input your unique code, and begin your tour. The above-mentioned steps need a strong internet/wifi connection. You just have to follow the pre-recorded voice guidelines and the suggested path.

Please note that this isn’t an entry ticket. Ensure to check the operating hours prior to your visit.

The tour has no expiry date — it has a lifetime validity!

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
  • How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing savings: Walking Tours: While each person typically needs their tour, couples or small groups can share one using split headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
Millennium Park Welcome Center
East Randolph Street
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
424elenc
Oct 3, 2022
Great - The self guided tour was great and filled with tons of information, both audio and visual. Sadly part of the park was closed on the day I opted to use mine but I was still able to learn and see quite a bit. Great way to fill an couple hours on your own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mrs_olalere
Jul 18, 2022
A must visit place in Chicago - We enjoyed every bit of the visit. My husband and I got photos of the bean. And the area where the founders' names were listed. Aside from the bean, I did not see a lot of attractions at the park. Or maybe we didn't explore enough
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eybld1
Jul 22, 2021
Opening your eyes - I had visited Millennium Park a year ago on my own. After this guided tour I realized how many of the wonderful spots and features of the park I had missed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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