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Photo: Hbodine, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Hbodine, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: IIP Photo Archive, CC BY 2.0
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Photos
Photo: Hbodine, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: IIP Photo Archive, CC BY 2.0
Interesting facts
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The pier was originally designed by architect Charles Sumner Frost and opened in 1916 as 'Municipal Pier No. 2'.
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During World War II, the pier served as a naval training center for over 10,000 pilots.
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The current Centennial Wheel was installed in 2016 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the pier's opening.
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It is home to the Crystal Gardens, a one-acre, six-story glass-enclosed botanical atrium.
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The pier acts as the eastern terminus for the Chicago Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile path along the shoreline.
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It remains one of the most visited destinations in the Midwestern United States, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Overview
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.
Photo spot
The end of the pier looking back toward the city skyline, or from the top of the Centennial Wheel.
Insider tips
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Check the official website for the fireworks schedule, which occurs on specific nights during the summer months.
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Dress in layers, as lakefront temperatures are often significantly cooler and windier than in the city center.
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Visit the less-crowded areas near the eastern end of the pier for better views of the open lake.
What to avoid
Overpriced waterfront dining directly near the main entrance; venture further down the pier or into the city for better value.
Good to know
Outdoor attractions and rides operate primarily from spring through autumn; some specific seasonal operations may cease during harsh winter months.
Etiquette
Casual, comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the amount of walking required on the pier.
Video
Plan your visit
- Key Attractions
- Centennial Wheel, Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago Shakespeare Theater
- Waterfront Access
- Departure point for lakefront boat tours and cruises
Frequently asked
How long should I spend at Navy Pier?
Plan for about 3-5 hours to see the highlights.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a weekday during summer to catch both the daylight skyline views and the evening fireworks..
What's the best photo spot?
The end of the pier looking back toward the city skyline, or from the top of the Centennial Wheel.
What else is nearby?
Close by you'll find Millennium Park.
