Long one of Chicago's most popular attractions, Navy Pier continues to offer a great variety of activities on the Pier including dining and entertainment options, as well as being a hub for a number of tour boats, on which you can see Chicago from the Lake.
See our feature article, A Visitor Guide to Navy Pier Chicago.
Navy Pier Information
Navy Pier was originally built in 1916 to serve Lake Michigan freighters and provide transportation to other cities on the Great Lakes, as well as for recreational purposes. In 1941, Navy Pier was converted to military use and used throughout World War II. From 1946 to 1964, it was a college campus. After a lull in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Navy Pier was revitalized and, today, it is a multi-million dollar convention, cultural and recreation center and Chicago’s most visited attraction.
Navy Pier features a number of attractions for visitors and locals alike. Reminiscent of Chicago’s 1893 World Colombian Exposition, the most visible feature of Navy Pier is its 150-foot Ferris wheel. Close by is the musical carousel, painted with historical depictions of the pier. Pier Park features an 18-hole Chicago-themed miniature golf course and a cliff climbing structure. Some of the indoor attractions include a 15-minute walk through Funhouse Maze and the Chicago Children’s Museum. Navy Pier is home to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, with its 500-seat courtyard theater and 200-seat flexible black box theater. There is also an IMAX theater on Navy Pier, with a 6-story flat movie screen featuring 2D and 3D films. The Smith Museum of Stained Glass windows is a permanent display of 150 stained glass windows housed in an 800-ft.-long series of galleries along the lower level terraces of Festival Hall. Continue reading...
Navy Pier has two performance stages. From May through October, top local bands perform free shows for the public on the Bud Light Stage. The Skyline Stage is a 1,500-seat theater featuring a variety of musical and theatrical performances May through September – check Navy Pier’s website for upcoming shows and ticket information.
Boat tours range from extravagant dinner cruises along the lakefront to choppy speed-boat rides. You may even see a wedding aboard one of the ships! See our tours section for more information on cruise choices.
There are a number of shops at Navy Pier, with a variety of unique specialty items and Chicago souvenirs. Dining choices range from concession stands to a food court to fine restaurants.
Navy Pier also serves as a convention center, accommodating medium-sized trade shows with 170,000 square feet of exhibition space in Festival Hall and 36 meeting rooms. Crystal Gardens is a one-acre tropical paradise with over 70 full-size palm trees and a variety of seasonal plants and flowers. Private parties and corporate events are held here.
The lakefront is a wonderful place to bike ride or skate - you can rent bikes or skates at Bike Chicago, located at the pier. And when you need a break from all the activity, Navy Pier is a great place to just sit and people-watch. For a complete review of it configuration and content, see the Overview of Navy Pier.
Get answers to your questions on the Navy Pier Frequently Asked Questions Page.
Navy Pier Events
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Navy Pier Attractions
Aeroballoon Chicago (End of May to Labor Day)
See the Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan From the Air. Floating 350 feet above Navy Pier! Float in silence 35 stories into the air on the Navy Pier AeroBalloon, an anchored, helium-filled, state of the art balloon. The balloon will carry up to 17 passengers at a time for spectacular 360-degree panoramas of a bustling downtown Chicago and a horizon-bending view of Lake Michigan. Fun for the whole family!
Bike Chicago Rentals & Tours
Navy Pier, North Ave. Beach, Millennium Park
312-595-9600 info@bikechicago.com
Chicago’s #1 Bicycle Rental & Tours Company Since 1993.Chicago’s lakefront is a biking paradise! Over 18 miles of lakefront trails make it easy and safe to ride in Chicago. The bike rental shops are conveniently located along the trail at Navy Pier, Chicago’s #1 destination and North Ave. Beach, Chicago’s hottest Beach. Bike Chicago Rentals & Tours accommodates individuals as well as large groups. Over 200 bikes and skates to choose from. Helmets and locks are free! Guided tours depart daily from Navy Pier at 10:30am, 1:30pm and from North Ave. Beach at 11:00am and 2:00 pm. Open daily from 8:00am until 10:00pm April 1st through October 31st. For reservations and group sales call 312-595-9600.
Navy Pier Popular Hotel Suggestions
Try one of our recommended hotels:
or Choose from the hotels offered below:
See our article, A Visitor Guide to Navy Pier Chicago.
Navy Pier Web Site
Check out the following links to content on the Navy Pier web site at
http://www.navypier.com
