The Burnham Plan Centennial - Bold Plans, Big Dreams

Calendar & Projects

ALL CALENDAR ITEMS ARE FROM 2009. PLEASE CHECK WITH PROGRAM PARTNERS FOR CURRENT COSTS AND DATES.

Bike the Lakefront

The centennial year of the 1909 Plan of Chicago is the perfect time to celebrate Daniel Burnham's vision by bicycling from Millennium Park to a nature park on Northerly Island.  See how Burnham's ideas for protecting the lakefront as a cultural gathering point have been realized in many different ways.

At each stop on this leisurely ride, we'll discuss both the historic and contemporary developments that define our city's lakefront.  This tour covers multilevel Wacker Drive, Municipal Pier (now Navy Pier), Grant Park as a cultural center and a series of recreational islands in the lake.  Today's newest residential neighborhoods are also explored including award-winning park additions, a renewed riverfront and a move away from automobiles to bicycles in enhanced green spaces.  With a discussion of Chicago's second World's Fair along the way, this tour defines Burnham's motto of "make no little plans".

Our three-hour ride ends adjacent to the Museum Campus.  You may then return to the Bike Station or continue your exploration of our extraordinary man-made lakefront on your own.  Helmets are recommended.

Meet at McDonald's Cycle Center in Millennium Park, 239 E. Randolph.  NOTE:  Bring your own bicycle or rent one beforehand at Millennium Park Bike Rental.

Program Partner

Chicago Architecture Foundation

The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. CAF presents a comprehensive program of tours, exhibitions, lectures, special events, and adult and youth education activities, all designed to ...[MORE]


This program was offered on these dates:
Sunday, April 19, 2009 10:30am to 1:30pm
Sunday, May 17, 2009 10:30am to 1:30pm
Sunday, June 14, 2009 10:30am to 1:30pm
Sunday, July 12, 2009 10:30am to 1:30pm
Sunday, August 16, 2009 10:30am to 1:30pm
Sunday, September 13, 2009 10:30am to 1:30pm

Chicago Architecture Foundation

Cost: $15 general; $10 seniors and students; free for CAF members

Website: http://www.architecture.org

Location:
McDonald's Cycle Center in Millennium Park
239 E. Randolph
Chicago, IL 60601
312-922-3432
[Get Directions]

The Burnham Plan Centennial
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