Grant Park is not the largest park in Chicago--Lincoln Park holds that distinction--but at 319 acres in total size, it is not small either. Ringed by four world-class museums, it is advisable to give yourself at least two full days to take in all the attractions.

Grant Park features several miles of walking trails including the popular Lake Shore Trail, a paved multi-use path running along Lake Michigan across the entire length of the park. Bike and sport equipment rentals are available at several kiosks around the park.

While the four world-class museums and Millennium Park receive the lion’s share of attention, there are also 16 softball fields, 12 tennis courts, and a skateboard park open to the general public. The Daley Bicentennial Plaza offers fitness programs including yoga and aerobics.

The Main Entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago, with its iconic lion sculptures, is located at 111 South Michigan Avenue. Another entrance is located in the new addition to what is now the second largest art museum in America.

Grant Park’s other cultural zone is called the Museum Campus, a collection of three of the Chicago’s most notable museums, all dedicated to the natural sciences: The Field Museum of Natural History, the John G. Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. There is metered street parking along the esplanade to the planetarium or a large pay parking lot next to the aquarium.