Want to visit one of Chicago’s top attractions in the city? Visit Navy Pier for great food, shows, and shopping. Unfortunately, Navy Pier is closed due to Covid-19 but soon enough it will reopen again. Navy Pier was built in 1916 and was formerly named Municipal Pier by architects, Charles Sumner Frost and Daniel Burnham. The original plan was to make Municipal Pier into a shipping and recreation facility. In 1927, Municipal Pier was renamed Navy Pier to honor the Navy that lived there during World War I.
Navy Pier is most famous for their 200 feet tall ferris wheel. The Ferris Wheel was built in 1893 by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr at 264 feet tall. It was then rebuilt in 1995 at 150 feet tall, then again in 2016 at 200 feet tall. The wheel is a creative way to see a high view of beautiful Chicago, allowing six passengers at a time in one gondola.
Although the pier is currently closed, they do offer fun virtual ways to enjoy the experience. They offer a virtual stroll on the pavilion and a dine in on a virtual food experience. They also offer cruise options during the summer including; speedboat tours, firework cruises, brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises, and architecture and sightseeing cruises. If boats aren’t your thing, they also offer bus tours, helicopter rides, or bike rentals. Navy Pier is located on 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. You can also donate to Navy Pier to support the free programs they offer as well as activities, artists, and organizations.
March 30, 2021 at 8:06 pm
I had no idea that Navy Pier was offering virtual experiences. I think that is super cool! I have only been near Navy Pier and I really want to visit it once it’s fully open again.
March 30, 2021 at 11:58 pm
I have never been to Navy Pier before, hopefully when it opens back up I will be able to experience it in person!!
March 31, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Navy Pier is so fun. I always go here when I’m down in the Windy City. Prices be steep for some stuff but it’s well worth it. It’s a fun and lively place for everyone to have a bit of fun and relaxation with friends and family!
April 5, 2021 at 3:39 pm
Growing up my family loved to take my little sister and I to Chicago and specifically my mom loved Navy Pier. It is such a cool area that reminds me of my childhood. I cannot wait to go again once things open back up!
April 5, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Navy Pier seems like a lot of fun I will definitely have to check it out once it opens up again. I didn’t realize that they offer virtual experiences. That Ferris Wheel is such an iconic Ferris Wheel that Chicago is known for.
April 5, 2021 at 10:57 pm
Navy Pier is great! Last time I was in Chicago I went there with a friend and we rode the ferris wheel, the view from the top was amazing. Navy Pier is a great way to kill a couple of hours in Chicago!
April 6, 2021 at 4:31 pm
I love this blog! There are so many things to do at Navy Pier, I feel like you could make a whole day out of it. You did a great job researching information about the pier and presented it in a very useful way. Great job.
April 6, 2021 at 10:37 pm
I’ve wanted to go to Navy Pier for so long! It looks fun and I definitely want to go on the ferris wheel. I will make sure to go once it opens back up.