Millennium Park, the sprawling urban park in downtown Chicago offering something for everyone, was recently named a Great Public Space by the American Planning Association (APA). Only five other places across the country made the APA’s selective listing.

Millennium Park opened in July of 2004 after years of construction and development. Once a desolate mix of rail lines and surface parking, the area was transformed into a vibrant family-friendly park featuring Cloud Gate (locally known as “The Bean”), an ice rink, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the interactive video sculpture fountain known as Crown Fountain.

Nearly 5 million people visit Millennium Park every year, making it Chicago’s second-biggest tourist attraction.

Learn more:
Planning a trip to Millennium Park? See everything the park has to offer here
Millennium Park full of surprises (Chicago Tribune)