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Escape from O’HareChicago’s Millennium ParkBy Geanie M. RoakeChicago’s O Hare airport is an interesting place, but not for six hours. My mother and I came to this conclusion ten minutes into our six-hour layover there. We were en-route to Shannon Ireland, and a little uneasy about the thought of actually leaving the airport. What if we got lost or mugged, and didn’t make it back in time to catch our flight? But the alternative of playing solitaire and wandering from snack bar to newsstand for that long was unthinkable. We decided to throw caution to the wind and set out for the City of Chicago.
Millennium Park was first conceived in 1977, as an alternative to the unsightly railroad tracks and parking lots that lined the riverfront. As luck would have it, we arrived on the weekend of the grand opening. We could tell we were in the right place before we saw it. The percolating tunes of a jazz band filled the air, along with the hum of a genial crowd enjoying a day in the sun. Entering from Michigan Avenue, the first thing that caught our attention was the crown fountain. Two fifty foot glass and block towers face each over a reflecting pool, and routinely come alive with cascading water and video images of Chicago citizens. The fountain can be a serene place as people marvel at the beauty of the setting, but the quiet is often punctuated by shouts of laughter as water shoots from the pursed lips of the faces pictured there.
From there, we took a stroll through the Lurie Gardens. A gorgeous combination of perennial plants, cherry trees and water features make this area the focus of many a photograph. After wandering contentedly for a couple of hours, we were feeling rather proud of ourselves. We had not gotten lost, we had not gotten mugged, unless you count the highway robbery at the lunch wagon on the corner, ($8.00 for a hot dog and a coke?) but we finally decided it was time to retrace our steps to the station.
Back at the train station, we boarded, enjoyed the changing scenes of Chicago outside our windows and arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Speaking of time, it’s a major consideration in an excursion like this. Having six hours worked well for us, but I wouldn’t attempt this side trip in anything less. Always have a back-up plan of cab or bus, just in case there’s a problem returning to the airport by train, and don’t cut it too close. Leave at least two hours for checking in and getting resituated. For us, this was a great way to spend the afternoon and a perfect antidote for the long flight ahead. So whether you’re escaping from O’Hare, or just spending a day in Chicago, I’d recommend Millennium Park For more information on Millennium Park, go to: For Chicago Transit Authority - Trip Planner, go to: |
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Our
first stop was the tourist information booth at the airport. We asked the
attendant what she would do in our situation and without hesitation she said,
“Go to Millennium Park”. It sounded good to us, and best of all, it was easy. We
got on the blue line and stayed put until we reached Forest Park, (a 35 to 40
minute ride). When we emerged from the underground train station it took a
minute to get our bearings. After much discussion and consulting of maps, a
young couple approached us and asked if we were from out of town. Now how, we
asked, did they know that? Was it the assortment of cameras my mother was
sporting? Perhaps it was the maps, or the carry-on luggage we were towing along
behind us. We had a good laugh as they pointed us in the right direction, and we
quickly covered the remaining two blocks to the park.
Another striking feature is the Kapoor Sculpture, (more
commonly referred to as the Bean). The sculpture was
inspired by liquid mercury, and that is exactly what it looks like. An
elliptical shape, it is formed of plates of highly polished steel that reflect
everything within it’s scope. The funhouse mirror reflection of the cityscape
with its backdrop of blue sky is breathtaking on a sunny day. You can also walk
inside and see a reverse image of yourself along with your fellow sightseers who
are crowded cheek to jowl in there with you. Trust me, it’s fun. 
Chicago is particularly proud of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion,
which is also located in the Park. This outdoor concert
venue has seating for 4,000 people, and room on the grass for another 7,000. The
sound is electronically distributed to the farthest corners, and the acoustics
are amazing.
As
you cross Madison, you'll see the Chicago Cultural Center on 78E and Washington.
Take a minute and go inside. Finished in 1897, this building was Chicago’s first
public library. The cultural center hosts numerous free events and art displays,
but the real treat here is the architecture, (even the bathrooms are classy). As
you enter, be sure to look up and take in the white marble archway engraved with
names of the world's greatest thinkers. The top of the building is crowned with
a 38-foot stained glass dome, designed by Tiffany. The dome is worth an
estimated 35 million dollars.