Buckingham Fountain

Lonely Planet review

This is one of the world's largest squirters, with a 1.5 million gallon capacity and a 15-story-high spray. Wealthy widow Kate Sturges Buckingham gave the magnificent structure to the city in 1927 in memory of her brother, Clarence. She also wisely left an endowment to maintain and operate it. The central fountain symbolizes Lake Michigan, with the four water-spouting sea creatures representing the surrounding states.

The fountain lets loose on the hour. Like so much in life, the spray begins small. Each successive basin fills, stimulating more jets, then it climaxes as the central fountain spurts up to its full 150ft. The crowd sighs in awe and is thankful that smoking is allowed. At night ( 20:00 and thereafter) multicolored lights and music accompany the show.