Categories: Navy Pier
Navy Pier: History
Author: Danny McCullough
The stories of Navy Pier and Chicago go hand-in-hand, and with almost a hundred years of history under its belt, Navy Pier has proven its longevity. Though the only boats you see moving on the water nowadays are tour boats, the Pier has stayed true to at least one of its original goals by becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in Chicago.
Humble Beginnings
The man-avec-plan who thought-up Navy Pier, Daniel Burnham, made his name designing the architecture for the 1893 World's Fair and the Masonic Temple in Chicago. In 1909, he drafted The Plan of Chicago, and foresaw five piers to entertain and dazzle the public, but eventually, only one was built by architect Charles Sumner Frost, under the name Municipal Pier. Opened in 1916, Municipal Pier was a functional pier as well as an entertainment hub, and during World War I, it housed regiments of soldiers and barracks. In fact, to honor those who had served and been stationed at Municipal Pier for the World War I, in 1927, Municipal Pier was renamed to its modern moniker of Navy Pier.
When World War II came, Navy Pier again served its country by housing training regiments for naval flight programs, with thousands of pilots earning their wings there, including a young George H.W. Bush. Supposedly, over 200 planes rest at the bottom of Lake Michigan due to training accidents that occurred during the war. Afterwards, the Navy moved away from the pier and a University of Illinois branch campus took up residence there until its relocation in 1965. During this time period, the pier also began to host trade shows until McCormick Place was built in 1960, and again hosted trade shows for a period in the late 1960's after the original McCormick Place burned down and needed to be rebuilt.
History in the Making
From that point forward, it was undeniable how intertwined Navy Pier and Chicago were, and in 1977, it was designated a historical landmark, and played host to Chicago's Summerfest until 1982. In 1989, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority was created to ensure the management of McCormick Place and Navy Pier, and they began setting aside money for a massive renovation project. Their hard work paid off, and in 1995 the pier was reopened as a major metropolitan attraction, featuring restaurants, entertainment, and oodles of activities; it proved to be a huge success. From there, it was only a matter of time until other acts joined in, and with the Shakespearean Theater and the Stained Glass Museum shaking up conventional activities, who knows what the future holds for Chicago's biggest tourist draw.
The Past, Live and in Color
If you want to see an epic period piece from the Pier's History, take a ride on the Musical Carousel. The Carousel as a whole mimics the classic style from the Pier's golden age in the 1920's, and the figures individually represent excerpts from the history of carouseling, with each animal standing for a popular style. More fun than a textbook, this ride is living history that you can bob up and down on.
Whether you go on a carousel ride or not, Navy Pier and Chicago are tied together by the bonds of history, so if you want to see the Windy City, you have to see the Pier.
Check out places of interest near Navy Pier: History:
Aria Restaurant
200 N. Columbus Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60601
A top Chicago restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine at The Fairmont Chicago hotel, Aria has proven that it's here to stay. Currently under the leadership of chef de cuisine Leon Gunn, the kitchen here serves a menu that's bursting with cultural influences from around the world.
Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.
Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.
Riva
700 E. Grand Avenue ,
Chicago, IL 60611
For a chic atmosphere and fine dining, Navy Pier guests should visit RIVA. Visitors can dine on specialty steak, seafood and pasta while viewing Chicago's epic skyline. If casual dining is desired, guests can choose RIVA Café below the main restaurant for great food without the candlelight.
Contact: (312) 644- RIVA
Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
For a relax atmosphere filled with the smells of a great barbeque, eat at Weber’s Grill. The open kitchen shows the chefs cooking your order over an open flame on actual Weber grills.
Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.
Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier,
Chicago, IL 60611
Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, located on Navy Pier, is an interactive experience in every sense of the word. Squeezing, stomping and spinning until you are doubled over laughing and delightfully dizzy is the name of the game here--as is finding your way out!
Anita Dee Yacht Charters
Navy Pier,
Chicago, IL 60605
Anita Dee yacht charters are available for anyone looking for a Chicago boat tour experience for a private event--or whatever reason.
Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60601
Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike.
Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court,
Chicago, IL 60611
Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier,
Chicago, IL 60605
Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.
John Hancock Center Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60661
See Chicago from the top of the Hancock Building in the heart of downtown. The John Hancock Center Observatory offers Chicago views at their finest.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Lincoln Park Zoo, located in Chicago, is among the oldest zoological gardens in the country (established in 1868) and is also among the most modern. Generations of Chicago kids and visitors to the city alike take the time to stand face to face with apes and even go palm-to-palm with them through the glass. Human-to-animal interaction is mixed with the heavily scientific- and research-based initiatives here.
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St,
Chicago, IL 60610
Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. ,
Chicago, IL 60605
Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!
Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.
Seadog Speedboat Rides
Navy Pier,
Chicago, IL 60605
Take a thrilling cruise along the Chicago lakefront in a high-powered vessel from Seadog Speedboat Rides. Take either a 30-minute lakefront cruise or a 75-minute river architectural cruise on the 130-passenger speedboat. Lakefront cruise: every half hour.
Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!
Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.
Comfort Inn
15 E. Ohio St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Right in the middle of the bustling Mag Mile, this affordable hotel takes care of the basics and leaves you free to roam one of the busiest streets in the country.
Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60601
Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike.
Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court,
Chicago, IL 60611
Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path.
Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!
Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.
