A Chicago Local’s Guide to Navy Pier

👉 Jump to: About | Visiting Hours & Details | Things to Do | How to Get There | Tips for Visiting | Nearby Attractions | FAQs

Navy Pier — a fun-filled pier that juts out over Lake Michigan that’s home to carnival rides and attractions galore. It’s one of Chicago’s most popular attractions.

As a Chicago local, I’ll tell you that, yes, Navy Pier is touristy. But it’s still a fun place for families and first-timers. You’ll find kid-friendly activities and enjoy lakefront views while taking a quick break from the bustle of skyscrapers and city streets.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know before you go. 

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About Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Chicago. I’ll be honest and tell you that it’s touristy and often overpriced, but the views are cool and kids will have a blast. It’s a solid addition to any first-timer’s Chicago itinerary. 

The pier is home to the iconic Centennial Wheel, a children’s museum, a theater, and numerous places to shop and dine. It’s a place to let loose and have some fun. Not to mention, Navy Pier is also the departure point for popular Chicago boat tours (which I highly recommend!).

However, Navy Pier wasn’t always what it is today. In fact, it has a long history and the pier has been transformed time and time again. 

The pier’s story begins over 100 years ago in 1916. It was originally called “Municipal Pier” and its design was based on architect Daniel Burnham’s original urban plan for Chicago. The intended purpose of the Municipal Pier was for it to be a facility for shipping and recreation. 

In 1917, the U.S. entered WWI and so the pier pivoted to support the war efforts. It became a place that housed Navy soldiers, a Red Cross station, and even a detention center. In 1927, “Municipal Pier” was renamed “Navy Pier” as an homage to the Navy’s role at the pier. By the time WWII rolled around, Navy Pier became an important site for military training. 

After both World Wars, Navy Pier underwent different transformations. The pier became the site of everything from a division of the University of Illinois to a host for the Great Lakes’ biggest passenger ship. 

By 1995, Navy Pier reopened as the recreational attraction it’s known as today. Since then, numerous improvements have been made to maintain the pier and ensure it remains a unique and worthwhile attraction. [source, source]

Visiting Hours & Details

🎟️ Entrance – Navy Pier itself is free to visit. However, individual attractions may have entrance fees.

🕛 Hours – 11 am – 9 pm Sun-Thu & 11 am – 10 pm Fri-Sat

🚗 Parking – Navy Pier has two on-site parking garages: West Garage and East Garage. Self-park parking rates cost between $21-$65, depending on how many hours you park. Valet parking is also available.

🚶 Tours – There aren’t really tours of Navy Pier itself. However, you can take tours from Navy Pier, including sightseeing and architecture boat tours along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. I specifically recommend this Chicago Architecture River Cruise. You can also get tickets to Navy Pier attractions like the Centennial Wheel and Flyover in Chicago.

🖥️ Website – Navy Pier Website

📱 Phone – (312) 595-7437

🗺️ Map It – 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

♿ Accessibility – Navy Pier provides wheelchairs on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fill out an accessibility and accommodation request form ahead of your visit (minimum of 2 weeks in advance). Most of the pier is accessible-friendly. There are also elevators and automatic doors throughout. 

9 Best Things to Do at Navy Pier

Centennial Wheel

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (312) 595-7437 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Sun-Thu, 11 am – 9 pm Fri & Sat | Entrance: $20+, adults, $18+ ages 3-11 | 👉 Book a Centennial Wheel Ticket

The Centennial Wheel is Navy Pier’s most iconic landmark. This is intentional, though, as Chicago was the site of the very first Ferris wheel, which made its original debut at the 1893 World’s Fair [source].

The Ferris wheel that stands at Navy Pier today isn’t the original one, but it still provides impressive views over Chicago and Lake Michigan. It stands nearly 200 feet tall, has enclosed gondolas, and is open year-round. [source]

Chicago Children’s Museum

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (312) 527-1000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm Mon, Wed & Thu, 10 am – 5 pm Fri-Sun, Closed Tue | Entrance: $21-$25 for adults and children

Bring your kiddos to the Chicago Children’s Museum for a few hours of fun. Here, there are interactive exhibits for a wide range of ages and interests. These include exhibits like a Tinkering Lab, a place to dig for dinosaur bones, a water playground, and others. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (312) 595-5600 | Website | Hours: Showtimes vary | Entrance: Varies

Wrap up a fun-filled day at Navy Pier by seeing a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This theater hosts live performances all year long that range from plays and musicals to comedy shows. There are shows geared toward adults as well as performances for the whole family to enjoy. 

I’m biased when it comes to loving live theater and performances, but I think seeing a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is one of the best ways to enjoy Navy Pier. Don’t miss out!

Shoreline Boat Tours

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (312) 222-9328 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 9/10 pm daily | Entrance: Varies by boat tour | 👉 Book a Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Shoreline Boat Tours aren’t technically a Navy Pier activity; they just depart from Navy Pier. However, doing a boat tour in Chicago is a must if you’ve never done it. 

There are a variety of tours to choose from, but the most popular tour (and the one I recommend for first-timers) is the Architecture River Cruise. 

This boat tour begins at Navy Pier and takes you out along Lake Michigan and then down the Chicago River for stunning views of the city’s skyline and waterways. You’ll learn all about Chicago’s architecture and history along the way.

👉 Pro Tip: Shoreline boat tours have two departure points, one at the end of the Magnificent Mile and the other at Navy Pier. Make sure you select the Navy Pier option (124 N Streeter Drive) if you plan on departing from here. 

Fifth Third Bank Pavilion

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free 

The Fifth Third Bank Pavilion is the main building you’ll see right upon entering Navy Pier. Inside, this pavilion contains endless places to eat and shop, as well as some interactive experiences sprinkled throughout. 

I recommend wandering around the pavilion after you’ve had your outdoor fun. You can grab food from a variety of places. The dining options are set up food-hall style so there are plenty of places to sit, too. You’ll find everything from McDonald’s to barbecue and Italian food. 

You can also shop for souvenirs throughout the pavilion. There’s even a Garrett’s Popcorn (a well-known Chicago food) so you can pick some up to take home. 

Lastly, the pavilion is home to Flyover in Chicago, which is an immersive experience where you can “fly” over Chicago’s biggest landmarks. 

📚 Related Reading: Best Restaurants in Chicago

East End Plaza 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

East End Plaza is the far end of the pier. There aren’t any major attractions here, but there is a Navy memorial, some public art, and plenty of benches for relaxing. I recommend paying a visit to this end of the pier if you really want to soak up Lake Michigan views. 

Polk Bros Park

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 595-7437 | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Sun-Thu, 10 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat | Entrance: Free 

Polk Bros Park is the greenspace that’s directly in front and to the right of Navy Pier’s entrance. It has a fountain, walking paths, a small performance stage, and some open areas to relax in. Polk Bros Park is also home to a couple of public art statues like Captain on the Helm. You’ll likely pass it if you’re waiting to board your boat tour. 

Summer Fireworks 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

Don’t miss Navy Pier’s free, weekly fireworks show if you visit Chicago in the summer (which is my favorite time of year in the city). The fireworks take place every Wednesday (at 9 pm) and Saturday (at 10 pm) between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. 

Watching the fireworks from Navy Pier is the best way to enjoy them up close, but you can also see the fireworks from other nearby spots along the Lakefront. 

Milton Lee Olive Park 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 am – 8 pm Daily | Entrance: Free

Milton Lee Olive Park isn’t technically part of Navy Pier, but I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention it. This park is located adjacent to the pier, just past Ohio Street Beach. 

I highly encourage you to visit once you’re done enjoying activities around Navy Pier. Here, you can sit, relax, and relish in some of the most beautiful skyline views around. In my opinion, this spot and the pier at North Avenue Beach offer the best lakefront and skyline views in the city. 

How to Get to Navy Pier

Depending on where you stay in Chicago, you may choose to get to the pier in different ways. However, a combination of public transportation and walking is the most common and cost-effective way to reach Navy Pier. 

Read my guide on how to get around Chicago for a full breakdown of transportation. 

🚆 Public Transportation – The closest “L” station to Navy Pier is the Red Line’s Grand stop at the intersection of Grand Ave and State St in River North. From here, you’d still need to take a bus or walk 22 minutes. Buses 29, 65, 66, and 124 also go to Navy Pier. 

🚙 Taxi & RideShare – Taking a taxi or rideshare is the most convenient way to reach Navy Pier. You can order an Uber or Lyft from anywhere in Chicago. 

🚗 Driving – I don’t recommend driving to Navy Pier unless you’re only in Chicago for one day. You can park at one of Navy Pier’s on-site parking garages (West Garage and East Garage); however, parking rates run on the expensive side. 

🚶 Walking – I recommend walking to Navy Pier if you’re staying in or coming from the Streeterville neighborhood. It’s an easy walk—you’ll just have to go through a pedestrian underpass to reach the pier. Conversely, you can easily hop on the Lakefront Trail if you’re coming from the Loop.

🚲 Biking – Biking is an awesome way to reach Navy Pier if you’re already out and about and close to the lake. Hit up a Divvy bike station close to the Lakefront Trail and then ride along the trail to reach Navy Pier. You can dock your Divvy bike at a station in Addams (Jane) Memorial Park, which is at the entrance to the pier. 

Tips for Visiting Navy Pier

Tip #1 – Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

Navy Pier is a little over half a mile long. Between walking the pier and browsing its smaller attractions, you’ll be getting your steps in. Save yourself the discomfort by wearing comfortable walking shoes. Read my Chicago packing list for a full breakdown of what to bring to the Windy City. 

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of my Chicago packing list here!

Tip #2 – Check the Weather 

Navy Pier is a mostly outdoor attraction. You can always pop into a museum, shop, or restaurant if it starts raining, but that kind of defeats the purpose. It’s better to visit on a clear or sunny day if possible. And don’t forget to wear some sunscreen if it is sunny!

Tip #3 – Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Navy Pier in and of itself is a free Chicago attraction. Yes, some rides and activities come with entrance fees, but you can enjoy Navy Pier freely or on a budget if you want to. I simply recommend walking around the pier to enjoy the beautiful waterfront views and take in the sights and public art. 

You can also attend one of Navy Pier’s many free events. Check their event schedule for more info. 

Tip #4 – Bring a Hat or Hair Tie

Navy Pier is right on the water. This means two things. One, it’s beautiful. Two, it’s windy. Save yourself any annoyance and photo mishaps by bringing something to keep hair out of your face. 

📚 Related Reading: Chicago Travel Tips

What’s Near Navy Pier

🌊 Lakefront Trail – (5-minute walk) You can easily hop onto the Lakefront Trail from Navy Pier. Take a stroll along the water or rent a Divvy Bike for a lakeside ride. 

🏖️ Ohio Street Beach – (5-minute walk) A nice little beach tucked between Navy Pier and the Streeterville neighborhood. The shoreline is pretty gradual and the waters tend to be calmer here, so it’s perfect for families and going swimming. 

🎨 Museum of Contemporary Art – (20-minute walk) The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is one of my favorite museums in Chicago. They put on exciting, thought-provoking exhibits and there’s always something new to see. 

🏢 360 CHICAGO – (25-minute walk) An observation deck located on the 94th floor of 875 N Michigan Ave (also known as the John Hancock Building). Here, you can take a ride on TILT, and be tilted over the Magnificent Mile below. 

🛍️ Magnificent Mile – (22-minute walk) Chicago’s most infamous shopping street is home to luxury and name brands such as Gucci, Nike, and the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. It’s also home to iconic and historic landmarks like the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building.

📸 Millennium Park – (30-minute walk) Chicago’s most iconic park is home to Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and other public art displays. Millennium Park is a must-visit for first-time visitors. Visitors can reach this Chicago park via the Lakefront Trail. 

🛝 Maggie Daley Park – (18-minute walk) The perfect place for families with young children. Maggie Daley Park features numerous play areas for children of all ages. Visitors can reach Maggie Daley Park via the Lakefront Trail.

FAQs

Is it worth it to go to Navy Pier?

It is worth it to go to Navy Pier, especially if it’s your first time in Chicago or you’re traveling as a family. Navy Pier is a great place to enjoy an afternoon of carnival rides and lakefront views. 

Is Navy Pier free?

Navy Pier is totally free. However, some of the attractions within Navy Pier may have ticketed fees. 

How long of a walk is Navy Pier?

Navy Pier is 3,300 feet long, which is a little over half a mile. 

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Have you visited Chicago’s famous Navy Pier? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below. Read my guide to the Lincoln Park Zoo next if you’re looking for more family-friendly Chicago attractions!