Navy Pier (Chicago, IL)

Hello friends! Are you looking for something unique to check out during your next trip to Chicago, IL? May I suggest visiting the Navy Pier with all the rides and games you can imagine, cultural attractions and museums, boat cruises and tours, bus and bike tours, restaurants and bars, live music, and events. The Navy Pier is undeniably one of Chicago’s top attractions. Completed in 1916, the Navy Pier stretches into Lake Michigan and is a year-round destination. Come along as I share all about the unbelievable activities to check out at Navy Pier!

Centennial Wheel: The Centennial Wheel ascends to nearly 200 feet, with year-round, climate-controlled gondolas that provides a comfortable experience and astonishing city views. It’s an iconic part of the city’s skyline and a treasured piece of Chicago history, present at the city’s 1893 World’s Fair. You can also book a VIP Centennial Wheel experience in a glass-bottomed, plush-seated gondola.

Pier Park: Pier Park is the essence of fun! It’s where you’ll find the amazing Centennial Wheel, the 1920’s-inspired musical carousel, Pier Park mini-golf, the Butterfly House, Flyover in Chicago, and other fairground rides — all with breathtaking skyline and waterfront views.

Chicago Children’s Museum: Chicago Children’s Museum is three floors of unadulterated fun for kids aged 10 and under. Housed in Navy Pier, Chicago Children’s Museum is intentionally designed for experimentation, creativity, and learning for all children. The museum focuses on accessibility and inclusion, ensuring valuable and memorable experiences for all visitors. Children can dig for bones on a dinosaur expedition, scale a three-story schooner, and even make a splash in a water playground. Don’t miss the Chicago Children’s Museum store while you’re there for fun, educational, and imagination-expanding toys and games.

Boat Cruises & Tours: Take a boat cruise on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River and experience everything from laid-back sightseeing and elegant dining to thrill rides and private charters. The cruises and tours of Chicago are a great way to see the sights and discover something new!

Bus & Bike Tours: Access any number of Chicago tours from Navy Pier, including Chicago Big Bus Tours, Navy Pier food and history tours, and Bike & Roll Chicago tours. You can also rent bicycles to explore the lakefront at your own pace.

Public Art & Exhibitions: Guests can explore the sounds, shapes, colors, and creations surrounded by green spaces and blue waters. Some of the creative expressions you’ll find at Navy Pier are permanent installations, while others are special art events, temporary installations, or seasonal displays.

Beer Garden: The Beer Garden, where you can savor a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options while taking in the lakeside views of Lake Michigan, is open from May through October. Relax in lounge chairs, mingle with friends, and soak up the summer vibes!

Offshore Rooftop & Bar: The nation’s largest rooftop venue, Offshore is adjacent to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall at 1000 East Grand and offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Offshore offers a full-service luminous bar and world-class kitchen, with a 20,000 square foot terrace, along with seven cozy fire pits, an entertainment and gaming area, and large gathering spaces for social events, corporate events, and weddings.

Events & Public Programs: From cultural programming to seasonal celebrations, fireworks, and more, there is always something happening at Navy Pier. Discover fun and free events all year long such as Field Day at Navy Pier (Polk Bros Park), summer fireworks from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and a Summer Block Party along the South Dock.

During your next trip to Chicago be sure to check out Navy Pier with it’s amazing views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. There is so much to do and see at Navy Pier that it cannot be missed! Enjoy, friends!