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Amusement and Fun on Navy Pier

Chicago's Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot pier located in the Near North Side waterfront of Lake Michigan. It is a multi-purpose facility that includes an amusement park, miniature golf course, Ferris Wheel, restaurants, shops, and landscaped play areas. Originally designed as a shipping terminal, the pier today is one of the most visited attraction in the city.

History Of The Navy Pier

When it opened in 1916, the pier was the largest in the entire world. During the First World War, the facility served as a housing project for Navy personnel, hence its current name. In later years, it became home to a theater, dance hall, and open-air concert venue. When World War II began, the entire pier was temporarily converted into an armed forces training center.

Today, the entire Navy Pier serves as an entertainment and recreation venue. There are a total of 50 acres of parkland as well as boat charter operations, live music festivals, and a multitude of souvenir shops.

Most Popular Attractions

Pier Park is constructed on the upper deck of the pier. Located here are the permanent Ferris Wheel, carousel, and remote-control boats. Most of the rides and other attractions on the upper level are open from April through October.

The world-famous Children's Museum is one of the top attractions at Navy Pier. Interactive exhibits include a fire truck, sailing ship, an enormous tree house, and multimedia artworks.

The Smith Museum of Stained Glass is an incredible display of stained glass windows. Visited by tourists from around the world, the museum houses some of the most stunning stained glass architectural designs ever created.

Bike and Roll Chicago is a popular place to rent bicycles for a day of wheeled adventure along the lake waterfront. Visitors can also take part in guided city tours that are completed entirely on bicycles.

Dining facilities at the pier are first-rate, with more than a dozen establishments offering every conceivable type of entree. Nighttime shopping at the pier is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike.

Hours Of Operation And Ticket Sales

The Navy Pier is open to the public seven days a week during the spring, summer, and early fall. During the summer, operating hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with extended hours until midnight for some of the restaurants and shops. Visitors can purchase tickets for the main attractions at the pier itself or online. Advance tickets can be purchased for the IMAX Theater, Shakespeare Theater, Children's Museum, and Odyssey Cruises.

Seasonal events include jewelry shows, art festivals, and sporting competitions. Some of these events are free to attend while others are restricted to those who purchase special admittance tickets.

The Navy Pier is quite crowded on sunny summer weekends and during the special seasonal events. Visitors to Chicago will find the pier much more accessible and less crowded during the spring and fall. Reservations are advised for the fine dining establishments during the summer because of the large number of out-of-town visitors who enjoy dinner at the pier.

Those planning a visit to Chicago are advised to check whether certain entertainment facilities are open. Regular maintenance work is normally performed on the amusement park rides during the winter, but delays can force a later opening date in the spring.

Last Updated: August 22, 2014