It's strange to think that a century ago Grant Park was a dirty, polluted railyard. It is only through the hard work of Montgomery Ward that Grant Park even exists as a park. Most city officials at the time felt that the public land would be better suited to bring revenue to the city, but Ward pushed Daniel Burnham's plan in which the land next to the lake would be preserved as "Chicago's front yard." It wasn't until 1910 that Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the lakefront park was to remain "forever open, clear and free."

Burnham's plan was carried out, and today Grant Park stands nearly exactly as he envisioned. The multitude of baseball diamonds, walking paths and Buckingham fountain provide an escape for the prisoners of business in the surrounding blocks-a safe haven in nature amidst the steel monstrosities.

Grant Park is often the focal point of city events like the Chicago marathon, Chicago Blues Festival, and the Taste of Chicago. Along with the lakefront path, the park is one of the best places in the city to people-watch (you may want to hang out near Buckingham Fountain or the rose garden; the melange of tourists and businesspeople makes for an interesting afternoon).

This large lakeside park stretches from Randolph Drive on the north to Roosevelt on the South. The Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field are all located at Grant Park's south end, while the Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain and the Chicago Yacht Club are closer to the northern end.

The lakefront path is particularly popular for summertime biking, jogging, and rollerblading. Don't forget the sunken softball fields, too, which have been featured in numerous movies. Expect symphonies and other live music performances throughout the summer.

For Summer events, check the Grant Park Music Festival web site.