Chicago Warnings Or Dangers Tips by deecat Top 5 Page for this destination

Renovation of Buckingham Fountain

One of my favorite sites in Chicago is the Clarence Buckingham Fountain, known as "Buckingham Fountain". Much to my dismay, this last trip to Chicago in September of 2008, the beautiful and popular fountain is off limits to visitors and surrounded by a tall construction fence [see photo #2].

The only reason I have a photo of it is because the gates to the construction fence were opened so that a huge construction truck could go out on the street. Traffic was stopped, the doors were held open by two construction workers, and so I stepped up and took the photograph {#1}

Buckingham Fountain is the main attraction in Grant Park. This fountain was commisioned in 1927 by Kate Buckingham to honor her late brother Clarence. Its design is based on the "Bassin de Latome" at the Palace of Versailles near Paris.

Buckingham Fountain has a central jet that shoots water up to 150 feet [46m]. Usually each night in the summer a computerized choreography of color spotlights make for spectacular night views of this glorious fountain.

It was sad to look beyond the gates to see the famous dolphins that surround the fountain over in a pile while the revamping is in progress. This is quite a project and a very expensive undertaking.

So, to all visitors to Chicago: be aware of this project; hopefully, it will be completed by the opening of the summer season.

Other Contact: 500 South Columbus Drive

Phone: 312-742-7529

Moveable Bridges Cause Frustration For Some Minor Frustrations Review

This is not really a danger, but it is a warning that Chicago has more moveable bridges than anywhere else in the world. For some commuters, the raising of the bridges is a dreaded experience. However, for the visitor, it can be a great "treat"!
These moveable bridges use a system of pivots and counterweights that raise and lower the heavy platforms. The first trunnion bascule bridge in Chicago was The Cortland Street Bridge that was engineered in 1902 by John Ernst Ericson; it was also the first trunnion bascule bridge built in the United States. This red steel bridge still works and still impresses people. One of the biggest moveable bridges is the Michigan Avenue Bridge with its bracketed large sculptures.(This is the only bridge that I have seen raised)
The Damen Avenue Bridge is an award-winning steel-arch bridge that is lined with ribbons of red and located just a few miles west of downtown Chicago.
If you are luckey, you will be in the right spot at the right time and have the honor of seeing one of these bridges raised.

The Damen Avenue Bridge is at North Damen Avenue at the Chicago River.
The Michigan Avenue Bridge is at Michigan Avenue at the Chicago River.
The Cortland Street Bridge is located at 1440 West Cortland Street