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It’s no secret to anyone I know that I hate going to Navy Pier. To me, it’s the biggest tourist trap in Chicago, but because it’s an important landmark in the city, I feel obligated to write about it.
On a positive note, there are some worthy and kid-friendly attractions, along with food, shopping, and great views of the city. You can find Navy Pier on the Near North Side at the east end of Illinois Street.
History of Navy Pier
When Navy Pier was built in 1916, it was the largest pier in the world. It was 3,000 feet long and 400 feet wide. It was originally used for commercial purposes and entertainment, but that all changed with the start of WWII. The pier closed to the public and was used for naval training on Lake Michigan during the war. It was later used by the University of Illinois and for other public events but was heavily underutilized. After a long renovation, it re-opened to the public in 1995 as a world-class public entertainment center.
Features of Navy Pier
Navy Pier features the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, shops, restaurants, an IMAX theatre, an outdoor stage, a beer garden, and a nice pedestrian walk on the south side along the lake. Along the pedestrian walk, ships and boats are available for cruises, dinners, and tours.
Ferris Wheel
The prime attraction is the small amusement park, with another Chicago landmark, the Ferris Wheel. A ride up the 150 ft. wheel will give stunning views of the Chicago skyline and the rest of the pier. NOTE: In 2016, the Centennial Wheel, a new, larger Ferris Wheel replaced the old one. It costs US$18 (as of February 2024) for adults to ride.
Crystal Gardens (Permanently Closed)
A one-acre indoor botanical garden, Crystal Gardens, was once located at Navy Pier. It had over 80 live palm trees and many other plants along with dancing fountains. Unfortunately, the Crystal Gardens are now closed and will be demolished and replaced with another attraction (as of February 2024).
Ballrooms
At the end of Navy Pier is a massive exhibition center, Festival Hall, and the AON Grand Ballroom, which hosts concerts and several other events. The ballroom is part of the original 1916 construction.
Ohio Street Beach & Olive Park
Just outside Navy Pier are Ohio Street Beach and Milton Lee Olive Park. Olive Park has a gorgeous path along the lake with great views of the city, and a memorial to Milton Lee Olive III. At the age of 18, Olive jumped on a live grenade while serving in the Vietnam War, saving several others in the process.
