The pier was originally designed by architect Charles Sumner Frost and opened in 1916 as 'Municipal Pier No. 2'.
During World War II, the pier served as a naval training center for over 10,000 pilots.
The current Centennial Wheel was installed in 2016 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the pier's opening.
It is home to the Crystal Gardens, a one-acre, six-story glass-enclosed botanical atrium.
The pier acts as the eastern terminus for the Chicago Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile path along the shoreline.
It remains one of the most visited destinations in the Midwestern United States, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier extending into Lake Michigan, serving as a primary entertainment hub in downtown Chicago. It houses the Centennial Wheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the lake. The site includes the Chicago Children's Museum, the Shakespeare Theater, and various seasonal carnival rides. Multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces host festivals, public art installations, and cruises throughout the year. The pier serves as a boarding point for various boat tours, including architectural cruises and speed boat rides. Numerous dining options, ranging from casual snack kiosks to full-service waterfront restaurants, are located along the promenade. It is a pedestrian-only zone that connects the urban core of Chicago directly to Lake Michigan. Public access is provided via a long boardwalk that facilitates walking and biking along the waterfront.
The end of the pier looking back toward the city skyline, or from the top of the Centennial Wheel.
Check the official website for the fireworks schedule, which occurs on specific nights during the summer months.
Dress in layers, as lakefront temperatures are often significantly cooler and windier than in the city center.
Visit the less-crowded areas near the eastern end of the pier for better views of the open lake.
Overpriced waterfront dining directly near the main entrance; venture further down the pier or into the city for better value.
Outdoor attractions and rides operate primarily from spring through autumn; some specific seasonal operations may cease during harsh winter months.
Casual, comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the amount of walking required on the pier.
