Navy Pier

Navy Pier extends 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan from Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood and is one of the most visited destinations in the American Midwest, drawing approximately nine million visitors annually. Originally constructed in 1916 as a municipal dock and later used as a military training facility during both World Wars, the pier was redeveloped as a public entertainment destination in 1995 and expanded significantly through subsequent renovations including the 2016 centennial upgrade. The pier's main attractions are concentrated in the indoor Pier Park and along the outdoor lakeside promenades. The Centennial Wheel, a 200-foot climate-controlled Ferris wheel, offers enclosed gondola rides above the lake with views of the Chicago skyline, the North Shore suburbs, and on clear days as far as Michigan. The pier's outdoor spaces include landscaped gardens, a beer garden, and the Polk Bros Park at the landside entry, which features an interactive fountain and an ice skating rink in winter. Restaurant and food options range from fast-casual vendors to sit-down dining; the pier's east end terrace is a popular spot for lake breezes. The Chicago Architecture Center operates boat tours from Navy Pier, covering the Chicago River and Lake Shore architectural legacy — widely regarded as one of the best ways to understand the city's building heritage. The Seadog speedboat tours offer a more adrenaline-focused lake experience. Summer fireworks light the sky over the pier every Wednesday and Saturday night at 9:30 PM. Winter brings Holiday Magic programming with ice skating and illuminated decorations. Entry to the pier grounds is free; individual attractions are priced separately.