DESCRIPTION

After repeated flooding due to storm surges, increased heavy downpours and drainage problems, the City of Chicago made the decision to transform Millennium Park into a wetland reserve, harking back to the area’s rural history as swampland. Providing habitat for endangered species including Blanding's turtles and black-crowned night-herons, and maintaining features such as the Crown Fountain and Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) as semi-submerged landmarks, the reserve encourages activities include kayaking and swimming, walking a network of nature trails, and bird-watching in the architect-designed hides.