Categories: Navy Pier

Navy Pier: An Intern's Guide

Author: Danny McCullough and Molly Ryan

Run Shrimp Run!

Stepping out our rapid transportation vehicle (the 29 bus), we mere interns arrived at the towering gates of Chicago's crowned jewel of tourist attractions; Navy Pier. Our rumbling stomachs led us to the outdoor patio of Bubba Gump Shrimp for what we knew to be the best movie-inspired seafood restaurant in the business. Making our way through the Forrest Gump memorabilia (the drink menu is on a ping-pong racket, waiters are hailed by plaques reading "Run Forrest Run" or "Stop Forrest Stop," and pictures of Tom Hanks are framed on the walls), we finally got time to order some good old fashioned chow. After our drinks arrived (we suggest the berry flavored lemonades), we struggled over the intensive Forrest Gump trivia on the kid's menu. Definitely not just for kids, we argued over Forrest's favorite soda and the name of his boat until our Gump-a-riffic food was served. The suburb seafood might have even been better than a box of chocolates. Of course, we had to start the meal out with a nice pot of shrimp- the Cajun shrimp to be exact. This spicy and buttery heap of shellfish had our taste buds a-tingling and begging for more. Soon after, we cooled off with the main course of tilapia with mango salsa. The refreshing fruit salsa paired with the tender fish made for a--dare we say it--perfect catch.

Souvenir Spree!

Continuing onward from our seriously filling down-south lunch (Danny even had to loosen a belt buckle), we decided to use our newfound energy to zoom around the shopping center. After stopping into the McDonald's of the Future to play around with the intergalactic light machines (be sure not to laser off a finger when you touch the plasma orb), we traveled back to earth to go to DC's Mad Hatter. This crazy hat shop has everything from light-up sports caps to a pimped-out leopard print velvet hat that matches perfectly with almost any outfit. Since we got our style sense down, we were feeling great pride in the country that created Navy Pier, so we stopped into Alamo Flags. This flag shop has, you guessed it, flags from every state and country you could possibly think of. Alamo Flags gave us our nationalism fix for the day, so we then took a trip down memory lane at Build-a-Bear. The cuddly-cute bears decked out in Batman costumes and Cubs gear really brought us back to our diaper days.

Do the Twist

Hurrying over from the shops to the Pepsi Skyline Stage, we arrived just in time to catch a performance of Cirque Shanghai Gold. This award-winning group of acrobats and contortionists had our eyes bulging out of our heads and our hands gripping the seats. Looking around the audience, we noticed adults and kids of all ages were equally captivated by the complex moves in this unique performance. There were multiple points in the show where we simply could not believe that real human beings could move the way the astoundingly flexible acrobats did. If nothing else, the 75 minute performance had us completely floored with awe for the Cirque Shanghai.

Bueller...Bueller...Bueller

The fun didn't stop with Cirque: Shanghai, though. The movers and high-fliers had gotten us excited for the rides at the park, and we bee-lined from the Cirque tent to the famous Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, Presented by McDonald's. The Ferris Wheel was first constructed for the 1893 World's Fair that took place in Chicago, but don't worry--it's a sturdy piece of modern machinery. Even though one of us was a little nervous about getting on the Wheel, once we got to the top, the view immediately made us forget any worries. We could see the entire skyline of Chicago, and the roll was a leisurely seven minutes, so we had time to admire the city as well as converse about how exciting being an intern is, and what a great boss we have!

Wave Swangin'

The Ferris Wheel was right next to the Wave Swinger, which we had been eying the entire time. The Wave Swinger looks like a giant top with swings attached to it that spins around and throws the swings out to the sides. Following a discourse on centripetal force (since we're both English majors, it was mainly grunts and finger motions) and a brief stint in line, we got to hop on, avoiding the double-seats because we wanted to fly as high as possible. Once we got swinging, we were either spreading our arms out or making fighter plane noises, but either way it was a fun return to the care-free days of childhood. Right next to the Wave Swinger are the remote control boats and the miniature golf course, and if we weren't so busy working, we would've taken advantage of both, but since we were on the clock, there was work to be done.

On our way to Amazing Chicago, we ran into Navy Pier's very own Pirate pooch Patch, and his best friend Pickle, who were nice enough to snap a photo with us. We had to wait in line for a little bit, as other children were ahead of us, but we didn't mind. After all, we were doing research.

We Call It Corn, They Call It Maze

Amazing Chicago, a part-history, part-informative tour about Chicago, was next on the hit parade. The interactive nature of it made it a lot of fun: The ride pretends to be taking you on a high-rise view, but you're treated to a special surprise instead. As you wind your way through the different portions of the maze, there are games, puzzles, and more interactive challenges to take part in, but if you're the more passive type, don't worry, none of it is stressful, or reliant on your interaction to go through the maze. Primarily geared towards kids, we had no problem having fun in it, as interns are just kids with jobs anyway.

Sweet Tooth

All this running around had us tuckered out at this point, and Molly demanded that we recharge with a little sugar fix. There are loads of options when it comes to a quick bite, like Cinnamon Almonds, The Chicago Cookie Place, or Ryba's Fudge Shop but she insisted on ice cream, so we went to the full-service Haagen-Dazs on the boardwalk. In addition to ice cream, they had sandwiches, drinks, and even beer in case you had more adult tastes in cooling down. From there we wandered over to the Beer Garden, just to see what it looked like, and though there was no music up, people were partying the afternoon away. At this point, we were content, and with a journal-load of material, we took the number 29 bus back to work so we could write up a guide page for you all.

 

Check out places of interest near Navy Pier: An Intern's Guide:

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.