Pioneer Court

Is a magical and festive holiday experience that brings the North Pole to life right in Pioneer Court. Kids and families can wander through themed holiday stations, collect fun stamps in their “passport,” play games, do crafts, and enjoy playful challenges as they make their way toward Santa himself. The decorations and cheerful atmosphere make it feel like a real winter adventure, full of laughter, holiday spirit, and memorable moments.

Gorgeous free-to-access court in downtown Chicago. This court offers a photo worthy view of the stunning skyscrapers. The court frequently offers pop-ups and acts by local performers. This court is best accessed via foot or public transit. There is no parking.

Been in Chicago for more than 2 years and wouldn't realize there was an open court down there until I went for this Rivian test drive. It was fun but the ride was too short. Took quite some time to wait as well.

This Rivian Demo experience was top tier. I loved the off-road and street driving! They made an amazing use of that parking lot!

Amazing Christmas Activity! Very Magical and Outstanding. The characters were so invested in their role and all the activities were perfect to create memories of a lifetime. So so so Worth it!

The kids loved this. The staff was great and so kind

A spacious and vibrant public square that really captures the energy of downtown. There is always something happening here, from seasonal events to casual street activity, which makes it feel alive rather than just a pass-through space. The open layout gives you great views of the river and surrounding architecture, and it works equally well as a meeting point, a resting spot, or a place to people-watch. One of those urban spaces that quietly does its job very well.

A lively public plaza right by the Chicago River, nestled between the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower. It’s a great spot to take in the city’s energy, with frequent art installations and pop up events that add something new each time you pass by. The modern Apple Store with its sleek, glassy design adds to the appeal and draws plenty of visitors. Surrounded by iconic architecture, it’s a great place to pause and enjoy the atmosphere.

I love the Pioneer Court! You never know what cool pop up or exhibit they will be hosting that day until you pass by and see something interesting! This day Babybel was having a free gift wrapping pop up. If you didn't have gifts to wrap, they had hot chocolate, cheese samples, and a cozy area to relax and charge your phone. So cool! follow their IG to plan your visit.

Garrett Popcorn is celebrating its 70th Anniversary at Pioneer Court today-September 18, 2019 from 11am-2pm! FYI-Garrett Popcorn opened its first shop on September 18, 1949 at 10 W. Madison Street in Chicago! Therefore, like many historical events that have occurred in Chicago what a FANTASTIC PLACE TO CELEBRATE something HISTORICAL like Garrett Popcorn's 70th-but in Pioneer Court!? NEWSFLASH: They are giving out small bags of their "Chicago Mix" popcorn which is caramel and cheese popcorn mixed together! The Event and its Offerings: Well organized: -after receiving your free bag of popcorn you could have your picture taken in a popcorn fashioned photo booth; -sign up to win a POPCORN PRIZE; -play a game of "Garrett Beanbag Toss"; -or sit in the lovely shaded area of Pioneer Square or venture down to the Chicago River near the Apple Store to enjoy the sunshine and your FREE POPCORN! THANKS GARRETT FOR GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY and MAKING CHICAGO A BETTER PLACE! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

I love this place for the simple fact that it always has amazing art in full display and huge in size. The location is perfect, I enjoy people watching and just taking a moment or two to sit by the fountains and just enjoy the views of the stunning and historic architecture around it. It's close to everything I enjoy in Chicago, from the Magnificent Mag Mile, the River Walk, Streeterville, Millennium Park, and it's very unique for sure. When they have parades on The Magnificent Mag Mile, this place is perfect to be at when that happens. I love the restaurants that are near it and also the shops. Very pleased with the way they keep it well manicured and maintain the beautiful flowers and trees that surround the fountains. The light that are wrapped around above in the steel pagoda are a nice touch for an evening stroll. Very fun and very romantic all at one location. This is also were they host the New Years Eve party count down / Chitown Rising.

Triangualated between the Wrigley Building and Tribune Building sits Pioneer Court. The water fountains have a tear presentation with seasonal flowers and vibrant colors that adorn the area. The World Class Flagship Apple Store is taking shape and will be. A great addition to complete this court on all sizes. With access to an interesting restaurant that is located in the patio grounds of the Tribune Tower, Howells and Hood which features outdoor seating booths and tables. Some of the tables have a display of fireplace between them (who h is very cool). With easy access to the Magnificent Mile and River Walk, this place is a nice area that has little touristy foot traffic, which is nice.

Awesome place to hangout and people watch. Even watched a movie here one evening. Pioneer Court is situated on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. Never saw any name for this area during all my treks here. Only found out the name when I spotted it on a map, and saw that my friend had already written a review for Pioneer Court! Really, there is only one thing that would have made Pioneer Court better. It was missing the statue of Marilyn Monroe during my week stay in Chi town! Now, that would have made my trips here perfect!

Real nice spot to take the family this is where the Marylin Monroe statue was previously at. It has a lot of cute shops in the area and it's right in the heart of down town Chicago. Only minutes away from Chicagos Navy Pier this is the perfect spot to just hang out ,eat or enjoy the city. Usually they have so many things going on in this area. It is a hot spot in the city.

Pioneer court is dope. Situated right at the start of Mag Mile, they've (no idea who) put in huge public sculptures that change every now and then. The latest is one of a dude asking Abe Lincoln where the nearest place to buy dockers is. Before that they had a huge Marilyn Monroe which caused Richard Roeper to have a seizure. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/richard-roeper-unimpressed-with-marilyn-monroe-sculpture/

"Meet me between Marilyn's legs!" I knew someone who just loved saying this when the giant Marilyn Monroe mobile statue ("Forever Marilyn") visited the Windy City. (She's now over here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/grounds-for-sculpture-hamilton?osq=forever+marilyn just FYI.) Q: "Where are you?" A: "I'm over here, across the street from the Wrigley Building." A: "I'm on the north bank of the river, over the Michigan Avenue bridge." A: "I'm in that plaza over by the Trib building." A: "I'm kinda by Howells and Hood" Well, this little patch of concrete located across the street from the Wrigley Building, where Marilyn used to stand has a name: "Pioneer Court!" I love finding out things that I really should've already known. More recently, it was the site of the "helmet line-up" as Chicago hosted "Draft Town." If you look more closely...over here...toward the bank of the river....you'll see that there are plaques of bronze atop slabs of granite and also a giant vessel of concrete. One plaque notifies you that: "Jean Baptiste, Point Du Sable" was here. It was his homesite and designated a National Historic Landmark and it was dedicated in 1977 as such. The other plaque is dedicated by "The Illinois Society Daughters of Colonial Wars" and cites specifically "On December 4, 1674...Pere Jacques Marquette, S.J. and two voyageurs built a shelter near the mouth of the Chicago River. They were the first Europeans to camp here, the site of Chicago." Time capsule anyone!? This one is my favorite. 1965. Dedicated by "The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States" and "has sealed herein a time capsule containing notable memorabilia in commemoration of the dedication of its Midwestern Headquarters Building and of Pioneer Court." June 23, 1965. No date stated about when it's to be opened!? Maybe someone in the year 2065 can Yelp this? 2165? Is there a life insurance policy in there? All I know is that Pioneer Court has been here since before I was born and now I can finally call it by name... hello there, new old friend.