Navy Pier Chicago

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Navy Pier Chicago

Author: Sarah Hyde

Categories: Entertainment and Attractions Restaurants Family-Friendly Tours Navy Pier

Navy Pier equals entertainment in Chicago, no matter the season. With more than 8.6 million visitors a year, Navy Pier Chicago is the Midwest’s number-one tourist destination.

The Pier has 50 acres to explore and is overflowing with museums, restaurants, shops, rides and more. We dare you to get bored at Navy Pier; Chicago’s own entertainment oasis on Lake Michigan.

Navy Pier Chicago - Attractions

A trip to Navy Pier Chicago would not be complete without a ride on the most prominent feature of the park--the Ferris Wheel. Throughout the year, this 15 story-tall giant never fails to wow tourists with widespread views of the city from 150 feet up in the air.

No matter what your thrill-seeking level, Navy Pier has an attraction for you. The tame will love the musical carousel and 18-hole miniature golf course. Meanwhile, the daredevils will salivate over the Wave Swinger and Seadog Extreme boat ride complete with 360-degree spins on Lake Michigan.

Navy Pier Rides & Attractions

CONCIERGE TIP: While it’s free to walk around Navy Pier, the majority of the rides and attractions will cost you. The Ferris Wheel is $6 per ride, all other rides $5; and the Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze and Chicago’s Children’s Museum will set you back about $10 each.

Navy Pier Chicago - Entertainment

Navy Pier Chicago has several impressive options for entertainment. See the season's biggest blockbusters on a six-story screen at the IMAX Theater on Navy Pier. It is Chicago's largest flat movie screen and shows films in both 2D and 3D.

IMAX at Navy Pier

For the best in plays and musicals at Navy Pier Chicago, buy a ticket for a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the recipient of a 2008 Regional Tony Award for Excellence in Theater. This seven-story complex has a unique design where the audience surrounds the stage on three sides, creating an intimate theater atmosphere.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Navy Pier Chicago - Dining

Running around the 50 acres at Navy Pier Chicago all day will leave you famished, so good thing there are plenty of restaurants to satisfy any craving. Enjoy beer-battered shrimp at The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company or relish in a classic Chicago cheezborger at the Billy Goat Tavern.

For a quick bite head to the food court at Navy Pier where you’ll find plenty of familiar fixings: Starbucks, McDonald’s, Garrett Popcorn and Ben & Jerry’s. During the summer check out the many vendors located around the Pier for seasonal favorites like frozen lemonade and Dippin Dots.

Navy Pier Chicago - Summer Events

Navy Pier Chicago is open year-round, but during the summer is really when it comes alive. The number of events and activities multiplies; you could spend every day and night on the Pier if you really wanted to!

Start off the season with a fireworks show, occurring bi-weekly on the Pier. For live music and libations the Budlight Stage at Navy Pier’s Beer Garden is a premier night-life venue.

Navy Pier Fireworks

The Family Pavilion Stage and Dock Street Stage present children’s shows in the summer and admission is always free. Navy Pier is also home to many boat tours and cruises where you can see Chicago from the best seat in town, on Lake Michigan.

If live entertainment is more up your alley check out the Pepsi Skyline Stage offering rotating high-energy shows. Past shows have included hits like "Cirque Shanghai."

Pepsi Skyline Stage

Navy Pier Chicago - Info

Check out our Navy Pier Blog that features lots of timely and insightful information about Navy Pier.

Driving to Navy Pier Chicago isn’t advised as parking prices are lofty at $20 or $24 flat rate to use their parking garage. It is highly recommended to use public transportation, such as the CTA buses, like the number 29, 65, 66, 124 and others that drive directly to Navy Pier. There is also a free Navy Pier trolley service running daily from State Street to Navy Pier.

Public Transportation to Navy Pier

Navy Pier Chicago is open 363 days a year, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Pier opens every day at 10 a.m. and closes at different times varying on the season and day of the week.

Navy Pier Hours

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nearby places of interest

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.

Billy Goat Tavern
430 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

For the perfect cheezborger, butt in to the Billy Goat Tavern. Here you can grab a drink with your crew or savor the taste from the visible grill with the kids.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
700 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Down home southern cooking themed after the movie “Forrest Gump” is available, offering, you guessed it, shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp. Other options include baby back ribs and other seafood. Kids meals are also available.

Capi's Italian Kitchen
700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

For wide-ranging, authentic Italian food served at Navy Pier in Chicago, Capi's Italian Kitchen gives families the chance to fine-dine without reservations. Menu items include wood-stone cooked pizzas and fresh panini sandwiches.

Charlie's Ale House
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Best known for its selection of 70 different beers, Charlie's expands its seating to over 150 guests during spring and summer months with its outdoor café. Contact: (312) 595- 1440

Cheesecake Factory
875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

With 50 different cheesecake and sweet options, skip the meal and go right for dessert. Try an original cheesecake or take a chance with a slice of Godiva chocolate, dulce de leche carmel and pumpkin pecan cheesecake. Meal options include pizza, seafood, steaks, salads and more.

David Burke's Primehouse
616 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

Nestled inside the St. James Hotel on the corner of Rush and Ontario streets, this contemporary Chicago steakhouse not only serves mouth-watering steaks, but offers patrons tastey appetizers and unique seafood creations as well.

Dock Street Café
700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

This casual snack bar features a menu full of All-American favorites.

ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

ESPN Zone mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.

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.

Gino's East
162 E Superior, Chicago, IL 60611

This is the original location of Gino's East, the now-famous Chicago-style pizza restaurant chain.

Haagen-Dazs
800 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by for their signature ice cream, baked goods and even some fresh deli salads and sandwiches. The Navy Pier location is modeled after Haagen Dazs' international flagship stores in London and Paris. Indoor seating available, outdoor weather-permitting.

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Check out the new 3,300-seat entertainment facility, The Venue. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.

J. Alexander's
4077 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook, IL 60062

An attractive atmosphere, yet casual; J. Alexander's has contemporary American cuisine.

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood.

Joe's Be-Bop Café
700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Live jazz and southern cuisine.

La Mediterranee
941 W. Randolph St. , Chicago, IL 60607

This West Loop neighborhood restaurant serves all the classics you'd expect from Chicago Italian restaurants and all the cuisine of an authentic, French bistro. They offfer a variety of pasta, meat, and seafood entrees, and an extensive wine list.

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

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.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
431 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

All the steak house accoutrements are in supply here, but it's the pat of butter on the steak at the end that sells it to steak house aficionadoes. Chicago steak gets solid treatment here.

Sixteen
401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the16th floor of Chicago's new Trump International Hotel & Tower, Sixteen offers gorgeous city views and the modern American Cuisine of Chef Frank Brunacci.

Spirit of Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline aboard this luxury liner. Afternoon or evening, experience the city from the waters of Lake Michigan in a social setting.

Tempo Cafe
6 E. Chestnut St. , Chicago, IL 60611

This Gold Coast diner is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it the perfect place to stop for a leisurely brunch or a middle-of-the-night craving.

The Beer Garden at Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

The Beer Garden at Chicago's Navy Pier offers visitors a unique combination: a massive collection of the city's finest brews and the unbeatable environment and views of Navy Pier.

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.

Build-A-Bear Workshop
700 East Grand Avenue,, Chicago, IL 60611

Create your own custom teddy bear at this kid-friendly store.

Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.

The Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Anchored by Nordstrom, Westfield North Bridge shopping center—conveniently located along the Magnificent Mile—offers a variety of specialty shops. From A/X Armani Exchange and Kenneth Cole to The LEGO® Store and Sephora

Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

Tons of big screen TVs and cold beer.

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.

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

A luxurious cruising vessel, the Odyssey has recently undergone a spectacular renovation. The two- or three-hour trips offer lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, moonlight jazz cruises, live entertainment, and magnificent skyline views.

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.

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. Squeezing, stomping and spinning until you're 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 Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins. Group rates available, and tickets available online.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier has stunning auditoriums and a wide variety of performances.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Day Frog
233 E. Erie St., Chicago, IL 60611

Chicago's downtown is more kid friendly than ever with Day Frog, the indoor play facility exclusively for children 6 and under.

ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

ESPN Zone mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

John Hancock Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

See Chicago from the top of the John Hancock Center in the heart of downtown. The John Hancock Observatory offers Chicago views at their finest and their new Cafe Espression by Lavazza is one of the most high altitude coffee purveyors in the world.

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 attractions. 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.

Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60637

The Museum of Science and Industry, one of the most beloved and visited museums in the world, has origins that are tied to two great World's Fairs and to civic spirit and imagination of Chicago businessman Julius Rosenwald.

Mystic Blue Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Mystic Blue Cruises operates in Chicago on Lake Michigan, offering two-hour lunch, 90-minute mid-day skyline, three-hour dinner and two-hour moonlight cruises. Year-round, weather permitting. Tickets $30-$150. Private charters for 20 or more passengers.

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 year. 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.

Navy Pier IMAX Theatre
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Unparalleled cinematic experience in the heart of Navy Pier.

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Break free of the land and see the storied skyline of Chicago from out on Lake Michigan with a boat tour on the Odyssey. A Chicago tradition, this pleasant diversion works for business and pleasure, with the entire family or as a romantic exploit; a top Chicago boat tour.

Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.

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.

Shoreline Sightseeing
600 E. Grand St., Chicago, IL 60611

Shoreline Sightseeing offers a range of boat tours showcasing Chicago's spectacular skyline and colorful history.

Spirit of Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline aboard this luxury liner. Afternoon or evening, experience the city from the waters of Lake Michigan in a social setting.

Tall Ship Windy
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Take a skyline cruises aboard a sailing vessel with all the panache and elegance engine-less travel entails.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.

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.

John Hancock Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites Downtown Chicago River North
410 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This newly constructed hotel carries a Chicago baseball theme, with the north half of the hotel being Cubs-themed; the south half being White Sox-themed. The separate-but-connected lobbies are built for socializing, while efficient, affordable rooms are the real draw.