BP Pedestrian Bridge
Frank Gehry's winding stainless steel bridge connecting Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks, offering stunning skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
BP Pedestrian Bridge
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Frank Gehry's winding stainless steel bridge connecting Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks, offering stunning skyline views.
"A work of art and a functional connector, offering amazing city views and a peaceful stroll."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the city skyline and the bridge's unique curves for stunning shots .
🚶♀️ Leisurely Stroll
Enjoy the walk; it's more than just a crossing, it's an experience .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Serpent
Connecting Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park
Frank Gehry's first bridge, a winding stainless steel marvel that's a work of art.
Skyline Photo Op
Mid-span of the bridge
Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Grant Park.
Acoustic Barrier
Along the bridge's length
Experience a surprisingly peaceful walk, shielded from the city's traffic noise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Accessibility & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the city skyline and the bridge's unique curves for stunning shots.
🚶♀️ Leisurely Stroll
Enjoy the walk; it's more than just a crossing, it's an experience.
❄️ Winter Caution
Can be slippery and may close due to snow; check conditions before visiting.
🎶 Peaceful Escape
The design acts as an acoustic barrier, offering a quiet respite from traffic.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the city skyline and the bridge's unique curves for stunning shots.
🚶♀️ Leisurely Stroll
Enjoy the walk; it's more than just a crossing, it's an experience.
❄️ Winter Caution
Can be slippery and may close due to snow; check conditions before visiting.
🎶 Peaceful Escape
The design acts as an acoustic barrier, offering a quiet respite from traffic.
➡️ Park Connector
Seamlessly links Millennium Park to Maggie Daley Park for easy exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the BP Pedestrian Bridge's stunning architectural design by Frank Gehry and its role in connecting Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks. The panoramic city views are a major highlight, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Some note that the wooden floor can be slippery when wet or icy, and the bridge may close in winter due to snow.
"Really nice walkway. AWSOME view of the city great for a little photo op. It’s cool and zig zaggy and had a lot of nice greenery, trees and flowers along the way Apparently in winter you can skate on it. Would love to go back to do that."
isabelle Ryser-Coutu
"The cool design walking bridge that makes the crossing street more fun and interesting. The bridge is curvy connecting the Millennium Park to the Maggie Daley Park. You can see the view of the street underneath.
It is nice in summer, but it can be slippery when wet and icy in winter. The floor is wooden."
Kae
"Very nice bridge that helps you get from one park to the other, and the design is very cool looking too. Very nice place to get photos of the city and highway and also a great view of the 2 parks and the high-rise buildings of Chicago. A really good place to admire the city"
Jorovie Muñoz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The BP Pedestrian Bridge is located in the Loop community area of Chicago, connecting Maggie Daley Park with Millennium Park. It spans Columbus Drive. You can easily access it by walking through Millennium Park, which is a popular tourist destination.
Yes, there are several parking garages and lots near Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. However, parking in downtown Chicago can be expensive. Consider using ride-sharing services or public transport to save on costs.
Absolutely! The BP Pedestrian Bridge is specifically designed for pedestrians and cyclists. It's a great way to enjoy the views and connect the two parks.
Yes, the bridge is designed with accessibility in mind, linking the eastern and western areas of Grant Park and accommodating people with disabilities.
Several CTA 'L' train lines and bus routes stop near Millennium Park. The closest 'L' stations include Monroe (Red Line), Washington/Wabash (all lines), and Adams/Wabash (all lines). Numerous bus routes also serve the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the BP Pedestrian Bridge is a public walkway and part of Grant Park, so there is no admission fee or ticket required to access it.
The bridge is generally accessible during park hours, which are typically from dawn until dusk. However, it may be closed temporarily due to weather conditions, such as snow or ice.
The bridge is open year-round, but its accessibility can be affected by weather. In winter, it can become slippery, and it may be closed during heavy snowfall.
While dogs are generally allowed in Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park on a leash, it's always best to check the most current park regulations regarding pets on specific structures like the bridge.
The primary restriction is related to weather. During inclement weather like heavy snow or ice, the bridge may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The bridge offers fantastic vantage points for photographing the Chicago skyline, the surrounding parks, and the unique architectural design of the bridge itself. The winding stainless steel panels create interesting lines and reflections.
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour,' provide the most beautiful light for photography. These times also tend to have fewer crowds.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Chicago parks, including Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park, for safety and privacy reasons. It's advisable to check the official Chicago Park District regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
You'll get expansive views of the Chicago skyline, including high-rise buildings, as well as the greenery of Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. It also offers a unique perspective of the traffic below.
Yes, the unique architecture and stunning city backdrop make the BP Pedestrian Bridge a popular and picturesque location for engagement and wedding photos.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The BP Pedestrian Bridge is primarily constructed with stainless steel panels, giving it its distinctive shimmering appearance.
Its main purpose is to connect Millennium Park with Maggie Daley Park, providing a safe and scenic pedestrian and cyclist route across Columbus Drive. It also serves as an acoustic barrier.
The experience on the bridge is about enjoying the walk, the views, and the architecture. There are no specific attractions on the bridge itself, but it's a destination for its design and vistas.
The bridge is 925 feet long. Walking across it at a leisurely pace, stopping for photos, typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
This is a nickname given to the BP Pedestrian Bridge due to its long, winding, and serpentine shape, designed by architect Frank Gehry.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The smooth, stainless steel surfaces and the gentle curves offer a fun visual experience. It provides a safe and easy way to transition between the attractions of Millennium Park (like the 'Bean') and the playgrounds and open spaces of Maggie Daley Park.Parents will appreciate that the bridge is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the journey. The elevated perspective offers kids a novel way to see the city and the park below. While there are no specific play areas on the bridge itself, its role as a connector to family-friendly destinations like Maggie Daley Park makes it an essential part of a family's park exploration.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
The interplay of light on the stainless steel panels, especially during sunrise or sunset, creates dramatic reflections and highlights. The bridge's serpentine form offers unique leading lines and perspectives that can elevate any photograph.Beyond the structure itself, the bridge offers unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline. It's a prime location for capturing panoramic cityscapes, especially with the greenery of the parks in the foreground. Whether you're looking for abstract architectural details or grand urban vistas, the BP Pedestrian Bridge is a must-visit for its visual appeal and its contribution to Chicago's public art landscape.
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
The smooth surface is generally good for walking and running, though it can be slippery when wet or icy in winter.It offers a pleasant alternative to street-level exercise, providing elevated views and a more tranquil environment thanks to its acoustic barrier design.
Runners and walkers can enjoy the dynamic cityscape and park scenery as they move between Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park, making it a functional and enjoyable part of a fitness routine.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Vision of Frank Gehry
The bridge's design is characterized by its flowing, curvilinear form, often described as a 'giant silver serpent'. This organic shape is not just aesthetically pleasing; it was intentionally crafted to complement the nearby Pritzker Pavilion and to act as an acoustic barrier, effectively muffling the noise of Columbus Drive below. The use of stainless steel panels gives the bridge its distinctive, shimmering appearance, reflecting the surrounding environment and the Chicago skyline.The structural engineering was a collaboration with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), ensuring the bridge's stability and functionality while realizing Gehry's artistic vision.
The 925-foot span gracefully connects Millennium Park to Maggie Daley Park, enhancing the pedestrian experience and the overall urban landscape of Grant Park. Its design emphasizes fluidity and integration with the natural and built environment, making it more than just a functional crossing but a piece of public art.Travelers often appreciate the bridge not just for its utility but for its artistic merit.
Connecting Parks and People
Before the bridge, crossing Columbus Drive could be a barrier, limiting the cohesive experience of these adjacent parks. The bridge, funded in part by a $5 million donation from the energy firm BP, was designed to overcome this challenge.Its construction has significantly improved accessibility for visitors, including those with disabilities, by creating a direct and safe link between the western and eastern sections of Grant Park.
Beyond its practical function, the bridge fosters a sense of community and shared experience. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to stroll, exercise, and simply enjoy the views. The leisurely use of the bridge is evident, with many appreciating its design as much as its utility.
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