Chicago - Buckingham Memorial Fountain

Modeled after the Latona Basin fountain at the palace of Versailles, the Buckingham Memorial Fountain was a gift to the city by Miss Kate Sturges Buckingham in memory of her brother Clarence. It was first dedicated in 1927 and has since then become one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks. It is composed of three, circular, Georgia-pink-marble basins stacked one on the other, which rise from a large pool signifying Lake Michigan.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Willis Tower Skydeck (formerly Sears Tower)

Field Museum of Natural History

Art Institute of Chicago

James R.Thompson Center (formerly State of Illinois Center)

John G Shedd Aquarium

John Hancock Center

Lincoln Park

Ocean-themed carvings like shells and seaweed adorn the outside of the basins and four large, bronze sea horses, representing the states around the lake, are located inside the main pool. The central jet shoots up a 140-foot tower of water.

Hours:

April 15 to October 15: 8am-11pm

Tips: Water displays begin at dusk, every hour on the hour for 20 minutes until 10pm.