Polk Bros Park

Gateway to Navy Pier

Located at the entrance of Chicago's Navy Pier, Polk Bros Park is a sprawling 13-acre green space with multiple features and activities. It blends recreational areas, cultural spaces, and architecture along the lakefront. As the "front door" to the pier, this park carries the Polk family name - a nod to their generous $20 million donation that helped bring this vision to life.

The park plays a key role in Navy Pier's broader mission of showcasing arts and community programming. The views are impressive - Lake Michigan stretches out before you with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop, making it an excellent spot for photos.

Visitors in the park's west section

Photo: Tydence Davis (CC BY 2.0)

Interactive Water Feature

The Polk Bros Fountain and Plaza forms the heart of the park. This 12,500-square-foot fountain features over 250 programmable jets that create patterns mimicking waves, schools of fish, and birds in flight. During Chicago's warmer months, the fountain transforms into a popular splash pad where kids (and let's be honest, plenty of adults too) can cool off and play in the dancing water.

When winter rolls around, this versatile space doesn't hibernate - it transforms into an ice rink, keeping the park lively year-round. Surrounding the fountain, you can find peaceful promenades and landscaped areas that offer quieter spots to sit and take in the atmosphere.

Navy Pier's grand brick entrance with taxis waiting outside

Photo: xiquinhosilva (CC BY 2.0)

Performance Spaces

Looking for some entertainment? The park features two impressive performance lawns that serve as natural amphitheaters. City Stage faces westward with stepped seating that can accommodate about 750 people, while the east-facing Lake Stage offers a gently sloped lawn where approximately 1,700 visitors can spread out blankets and enjoy the show.

Both stages come equipped with quality sound and lighting systems, making them perfect venues for everything from intimate concerts to theatrical productions. Throughout summer, you can catch free concerts, outdoor movies, and cultural performances with the lakefront setting in the background.

Looking toward Navy Pier from within the park

Photo: Flying Bailey (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Visitor Amenities

The Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion is a practical and comfortable arrival point. This 4,000-square-foot facility offers those essential amenities you hope for in a public space - clean restrooms, comfortable seating, and a digital information screen to help you plan your visit. The pavilion's green roof and energy-efficient LED lighting reflect a thoughtful commitment to sustainability.

Scattered within the park, you'll discover numerous picnic areas where you can enjoy a packed lunch with a side of spectacular views. If you didn't bring food along, don't worry - Navy Pier's diverse restaurants and food vendors are just steps away.

Chicago skyline with the park grounds visible on the bottom of the image

Photo: Shelby L. Bell (CC BY 2.0)

Art and Landscape

As you walk through the park, you'll find various art installations and sculptures throughout the grounds. These artistic elements are integrated with the gardens and green spaces.

The landscaped walking paths offer perfect routes for a leisurely stroll or dog walk (yes, your four-legged friends are welcome here). Open grassy areas provide plenty of space to stretch out with a book, practice some yoga, or simply watch the clouds drift by.

Looking back toward Chicago from Navy Pier with Centennial Wheel in view

Photo: N i c o l a (CC BY 2.0)

Community Impact

Polk Bros Park offers both quiet areas for relaxation and spaces for cultural events, allowing you to take a break from the city while remaining connected to Navy Pier.

The park regularly hosts free events including jazz concerts, film screenings, and Shakespeare in the Park performances.