Navy Pier
Chicago
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 .
2008 CHICAGO
AIR & WATER SHOW CRUISES!
The Chicago Air & Water
show is an exciting show that Chicagoans look forward to each summer,
and is the perfect event to entertain family or out-of-town guests.
Aboard Spirit, you will experience a unique atmosphere that is unlike
any other. Our exceptional and fun cruises give you one of the best
seats for the Chicago Air & Water Show. Learn More.
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.
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 .
2008 SHORELINE SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Celebrate summer and the
Labor Day Weekend with Shoreline Sightseeing! Enjoy a Shoreline
Architecture Tour, led by a professional-entertaining docent, viewing
40 famous landmarks. Or, choose a narrated Skyline Boat Tour featuring
the panorama of Chicago’s famous lakefront. Fast, fun water taxis,
too!
Learn More .
Fireworks Cruises Wed. and Sat.
evenings plus special Labor Day Fireworks Cruises Sat, 8/30 and
Sunday, 8/31! Architecture Cruises, Skyline Tours and Water Taxis from
10:00 am daily.
Navy Pier Events
See
Details on Current Events |
Full Event calendar
Navy Pier Attractions
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/home.html .
The
Navy Pier View Looking East to West in the Morning
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