Grant Park, Chicago

Grant Park stretches from the Museum Campus at Lake Shore Drive and Roosevelt Road all the way north to the Prudential building, with Columbus Drive on its west side and the lake on its east. At one time, this stretch of land was undeveloped and a prime target for builders. However, department store magnate Montgomery Ward did not want the lake view from his Michigan Avenue office obstructed, so he successfully lobbied the city to create Grant Park. In the summer months, the grounds bloom with rose gardens, and the famous Buckingham Fountain springs to life. The Petrillo Band Shell is home to the Grant Park Music Festival and also hosts such events as Jazz Fest, Celtic Fest and Blues Fest. Perhaps the park is most famous for The Taste of Chicago, a culinary festival which happens every year in late June and early July.