Navy Pier is Chicago’s playground for all ages. It’s filled with activities throughout the year, but many go just for the breathtaking scenery of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
It’s not only the world’s largest pier but also one of Chicago’s most visited attractions, with over 9 million visiting each year.
In this guide, I’ll share everything to know before visiting Navy Pier, including top attractions, where to eat, how to get there, and more.
History of Navy Pier
Navy Pier wasn’t always called Navy Pier.
Municipal Pier opened in 1915 and was originally built for both shipping docks and entertainment. By the 1920s, the latter took over with concerts, plays, and art exhibits. But all that came to a halt in 1941 when the U.S. Navy used the pier as a training facility for sailors and marines and then again later when the University of Illinois needed a place to expand.
In 1976, the pier received the coveted designation as a Historic Public Landmark. Rebuilding of the site began, and it reopened in 1995 as the nonprofit we know today as Navy Pier.
What to see and do
The attractions at Navy Pier offer something for everyone to enjoy if you can tear yourself away from staring at the blue waters of Lake Michigan.
Boat tours
If you’d like to get up close to the water, you have a lot of options. Whether you’re looking to go on an architectural cruise, soar on a speedboat, enjoy the skyline at sunset, or even rent out a large boat for a party, you’ll find a boat to fulfill your wish.
Fireworks
One thing you might want to consider taking a boat out on Navy Pier is for the fireworks. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Navy Pier puts on a spectacular fireworks display every Wednesday and Saturday night.
Chicago Children’s Museum
Since the 1980s, the Chicago Children’s Museum has stood at the front of Navy Pier.
The museum is known for imaginative play through hands-on experience for children of all ages, including babies and toddlers. Tickets aren’t cheap – they run over $20 for anyone above the age of one, but they have discounts and free days. Veterans’ tickets are always complimentary.
Wellness Way
Navy Pier and Northwestern Medicine put together a fun way to keep in shape. Wellness Way is a 1.5-mile fitness path that takes you right through Navy Pier.
Along the way, you can scan QR codes for health tips, track your distance, stress, and even hydrate at a water station.
Local tip: Look for the schedule of yoga and Zumba classes on the pier.
Centennial Wheel
Want to see Navy Pier from above?
The Centennial Wheel was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Navy Pier and transports riders, in temperature-controlled gondolas, 200 feet in the air. The views of the pier and the city of Chicago are not something you can see anywhere else.
You can buy individual tickets for Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel online or in person. You can also get unlimited passes for 1-3 days. They include the wheel, as well as all the other rides, such as the Drop Tower and the Tea Cups.
Polk Bros Park Fountain and Plaza
Polk Bros Park opened in 2017 thanks to a grant from the Polk family. The 13-acre space is in front of the pier and has scenic play areas, including a 12,500 square foot fountain for cooling off in the warm weather.
This is also the place for events, including performances at Lake Stage. To see what’s coming up, check the Navy Pier calendar for special events throughout the year.
Where to eat at Navy Pier
You will not go hungry at Navy Pier.
An assortment of eateries for quick bites and or sit-down dining lets you eat what you want when you want.
Here are a few of the best restaurants at Navy Pier:
- Harry Caray’s Tavern, a Chicago staple, serving a delicious barbecue sampler two can share
- Giordano’s, for the city’s famous deep-dish pizza
- Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, for a laid-back party vibe and margaritas, of course
- Jake’s on the Lake, an offshoot of Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, which has some of the best wings in Chicago
The food court also has several options so you can please everyone in your group. This includes Garibay Tamales, Big City Chicken, I Dream of Falafel, and Ciccio. You’ll find plenty of desserts too, such as Kilwins Fudge and Xurro, which sells fair food such as churros, funnel cakes, and crepes.
Spend the night at Navy Pier
It is now possible to enjoy a getaway on Navy Pier without leaving to stay downtown.
In 2021, the first hotel at Navy Pier opened. Sable, a Curio Collection by Hilton, offers floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline from every room. They also boast two spots you’ll want to check out:
- Lirica Restaurant offers modern Latin cuisine and cocktails — I recommend the Passionfruit Vanilla Mojito.
- Offshore is a 20,000-square-foot rooftop, making it the largest of its kind in the world according to Guinness World Records. Dine indoors and out on small bites, drinks, and desserts. Reservations are a must.
Getting to Navy Pier
Now that you’ve definitely added Navy Pier to your must-see list when you visit Chicago, here’s how to get there.
Driving and parking at Navy Pier
Set your GPS to 600 E. Grand Avenue if you’re driving to Navy Pier. A covered parking garage spans most of the length of the pier. Rates run from $18 for an hour to $55 for 24 hours, which aren’t too bad for Chicago.
Valet parking is only a few dollars more, but it caps at 12 hours. It’s best to make your parking reservations in advance. The parking garage includes complementary electric car charging stations. If you’re looking to save money, there are also a few garages within a half-mile walk of Navy Pier.
Public transportation
The Metra Commuter Line goes directly to Navy Pier, as does the CTA. There are also designated stops for Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Another option to consider is the Chicago Big Bus. This hop-on, hop-off transportation can also take you to other city highlights, such as the Chicago Riverwalk.
Bike to Navy Pier
Chicago’s Divvy bikeshare system has nearly 6,000 bikes across the city. You can pick up a bike in any of the city’s 580 locations, which include Polk Brothers Park at Navy Pier.
There’s another option you’re unlikely to see in most cities is a water taxi. The Lake Route and the River Route both go to the pier.
Accessibility on Navy Pier
Navy Pier is continually updating its accessibility. It’s wheelchair-friendly with flat ground and elevators to every floor. Handicapped parking is available in the East and West Garages. Wheelchair rentals are available at guest services and all of the restrooms are accessible.
Travel tip: While most rides on Navy Pier aren’t accessible, the Centennial Wheel is.
Navy Pier and beyond
Chicago is filled with iconic attractions, so don’t stop exploring with Navy Pier.
Whether you take a boat, car, bus, or bike, you’ll want to also check out the city’s other incredible waterfront attraction — the Riverwalk. We explore the best of the city’s architecture on a walking tour of the Chicago Riverwalk.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Windy City!