As recently as 1995 Chicago’s Navy Pier was a drab
slab of concrete projecting into Lake Michigan, formerly used as a
military and freight terminal. But a huge effort to funnel locals and
tourists onto the Pier has seen the installation of a variety of
attractions on the waterfront – for kids as well as adults – that draw
over eight million people annually, making this Chicago’s most visited
attraction. An added bonus of spending time at the Pier: the
breathtaking city views.
600 E. Grand Avenue 1 800 595 7437
www.navypier.com
CTA Bus: 29; 65; 56; 66; 120; 121 Open
summer: 10am–10pm daily (to midnight Fri & Sat); Sep & Oct:
10am–9pm Mon–Sat (to 11pm Fri & Sat), 10am–7pm Sun; winter: 10am–8pm
Mon–Sat (to 10pm Fri & Sat), 10am–7pm Sun Free entrance but many attractions charge DA
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Take public transit, a
taxi, or walk to Navy Pier. If driving, there are over 1600 parking
spaces right on the Pier. Once there, be sure to stop off at the Guest
Services desk, just inside the main entrance, to pick up a schedule for
details of the day’s events, including performance times and locations
for the resident comedy troupe, brass band, and a capella singing group.
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Plan of Navy Pier
Navy Pier
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Skip the chain eateries in favor of ribs and live jazz at Joe’s Be-Bop Café.
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In summer the beer garden at the far end of the Pier offers stellar city views as well as free bands.
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Join a 90-minute lake tour on a four-masted schooner, or take a ride on a Seadog speedboat.
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Save money and time spent in line with a combination ticket for the Musical Carousel, Ferris Wheel, and Wave Swinger.
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Top 10 ExhibitsWave Swinger Each
of the 48 chain-suspended chairs on this colorful, old-fashioned thrill
ride lifts riders 14 ft (5 m) in the air, and spins them until the
skyline blurs. Chicago Children’s Museum Kids
love this hands-on museum that educates through play. Under-twos get
dedicated spaces, including a water room, with clothing protection
provided . Pepsi Skyline Stage During
the summer this unique 1500-seat theater, with its state-of-the-art
acoustics, hosts ticketed pop, rock, folk, and jazz concerts against a
stunning backdrop. Children’s theater, dance performances, and other
live events are also staged in this intimate setting. Smith Museum of Stained-Glass Windows The
first museum of its kind in the USA, the Smith displays 150 artworks
made of colored glass along 800 ft (240 m) of the Pier’s interior
corridors. Highlights include 13 pieces from Louis Comfort Tiffany’s
workshop. Musical Carousel A
quaint merry-go-round of 36 hand-painted horses and chariots located
next to the Ferris Wheel replicates a similar ride installed on the Pier
in the 1920s.
Ferris Wheel It’s
hard to miss the Pier’s 15-story Ferris Wheel. The slowly and
continually revolving ride seats six passengers in each of its 40
enclosed cars. Daytime rides offer fine lake views, while evening rides
show off the magical city lights.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater This
highly renowned theater aims to make the Bard accessible to the
pleasure-seeking masses visiting Navy Pier. As well as Shakespearean
standards, productions also include the “Short Shakespeare” series for
younger audiences. IMAX® Theater The
six-story, 80-ft- (24-m) wide flatscreen movie theater offers celluloid
fare ranging from scientific documentaries to Disney features. Sound
and vision headsets aid 3D movie enjoyment. Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze This
mirror-filled, Chicago-themed walking maze leads you on a disorienting,
15-minute trip. Expect spinning lights, startling sound effects, and
new perspectives on city sights. Miniature Golf Course Putt
your way around Pier Park via the 18 holes of this mini-golf course,
situated at the base of the Pier’s Ferris Wheel. Each hole has a Chicago
theme and the course is suitable for all ages.
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