Our Visit to Navy Pier: Chicago’s Waterfront Gem
After a day full of sightseeing — from The Bean at Millennium Park to a delicious Giordano’s deep dish pizza lunch (read our post here) — we ended our third day in Chicago at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Navy Pier.
Located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most visited attractions. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy scenic views, delicious food, boat tours, and family-friendly entertainment. As the sun began to set, the pier came alive with lights, music, and a relaxing lake breeze — the perfect way to wrap up a beautiful day.
🌊 What Makes Navy Pier So Special?
Navy Pier is more than just a pier — it’s a vibrant entertainment district stretching over 3,300 feet (about 1 km) into Lake Michigan. It’s filled with attractions, shops, restaurants, theaters, museums, and one of the best viewpoints in Chicago.
Here’s what makes it truly unique:
- 🎡 Centennial Wheel – The 200-foot Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and lake.
- ⛴️ Boat Cruises – Many sightseeing and dinner cruises depart from Navy Pier, including the popular Shoreline Sightseeing tours.
- 🍔 Food & Drinks – From classic Chicago hot dogs to fancy dining with waterfront views, there’s something for every taste.
- 🎭 Entertainment – Navy Pier hosts concerts, open-air performances, fireworks in summer, and family festivals throughout the year.
- 🌅 Scenic Walks – The long promenade is perfect for watching boats, taking photos, and soaking up Chicago’s skyline at sunset.
It’s a place that combines fun, food, and breathtaking scenery — everything you could want for a family outing or romantic evening.
🏙️ A Little History of Navy Pier
Navy Pier has a fascinating history dating back to 1916, when it was originally built as part of Daniel Burnham’s “Plan of Chicago” — a vision to bring the city closer to the lakefront.
It was first known as the Municipal Pier, used for shipping and recreation. During World War I and II, it served as a training center for the U.S. Navy, which is how it earned the name Navy Pier.
Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the top tourist attractions in the Midwest, drawing millions of visitors each year. Today, it’s home to cultural institutions like the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
🌆 Our Experience at the Pier
We arrived in the evening, just in time to see the skyline light up against the water. The ferris wheel stood tall and glowing — a symbol of Chicago’s joyful spirit.
We strolled along the pier, watching street performers, families with kids, and couples enjoying the view. The cool lake breeze felt refreshing after a busy day of exploring downtown.
Every few steps, we found great photo spots — the city’s skyscrapers reflecting on the water made for picture-perfect moments.
We didn’t ride the Centennial Wheel this time, but it’s definitely on our list for next time. Instead, we enjoyed some snacks, watched boats depart for their evening cruises, and simply took in the relaxed, festive atmosphere.
It was a peaceful and memorable way to close our third day in Chicago.
💡 Tips for Visiting Navy Pier
- Visit in the late afternoon or evening for beautiful sunset views and fewer crowds.
- Fireworks shows take place on select summer nights — check the schedule if you visit during warm months.
- Parking is available, but walking or taking a rideshare is often easier.
- The Centennial Wheel operates year-round, offering climate-controlled gondolas.
- Bring a light jacket — even in summer, it can get breezy near the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions about Navy Pier Chicago
Where is Navy Pier located?
Navy Pier is located at 600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, extending into Lake Michigan from the city’s downtown area.
What can you do at Navy Pier?
Visitors can enjoy the Centennial Wheel, boat cruises, restaurants, live entertainment, fireworks in summer, and beautiful lakefront walks.
Is Navy Pier free to enter?
Yes, entry to Navy Pier is free, but some attractions like the Centennial Wheel and cruises require separate tickets.
When is the best time to visit Navy Pier?
The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall, especially around sunset for scenic views and evening shows.
Does Navy Pier have restaurants?
Yes, Navy Pier offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries and coffee shops to fine dining with waterfront views.
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Keep discovering Chicago through our experiences:
- ✈️ Flying United Airlines Basic Economy from Barcelona to Chicago: What You Need to Know
- ☕ Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago – A Complete Guide to Every Floor
- 🛥️ Our Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Tour Experience in Chicago
- 🏙️ Our Skydeck Chicago Experience at Willis Tower
- 🍫 Nutella Café Chicago Breakfast Experience on Michigan Avenue
- 🌳 Millennium Park & Chicago’s Iconic Cloud Gate (The Bean)
- 💦 Grant Park and the Buckingham Fountain: Chicago’s Sparkling Landmark
