Categories: Entertainment and Attractions Restaurants Family-Friendly Tours Navy Pier
Navy Pier: Overview
Author: Danny McCullough and Molly Ryan
Navy Pier is almost a hundred years old, but don't let its age fool you. Today's Pier is just as modern as Chicago itself, offering enough entertainment to keep all branches of the family tree busy. When visiting the ultimate tourist destination of the Midwest, be prepared for an action-packed day, as this year-round carnival cranks out fun regardless of the season.
The Rules of Attractions
A trip to Navy Pier would not be complete without a ride on the most prominent feature of the park--the Ferris Wheel. Throughout the year, this 1893 invention never fails to wow tourists with widespread views of the city from 150 feet up in the air. The rest of the rides at Pier Park always leave kids and adults alike with a smile plastered to their face, but what really gets the whole family raving is Chicago's largest IMAX theater. Experience a whole new world in the gigantic theater and then emerge into the real world of Navy Pier and shop for fun souvenirs or watch a free performance wandering around the pier.
A Little Gnosh
Food might not be the main attraction at Navy Pier, but it certainly is an essential part of this mouthwatering Chicago destination. Even though the bustling boardwalk is located in the Heartland of the United States, southern-inspired, Cajun dining is clearly the specialty. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Joe's Be-Bop Café hoard in groups of ravenous eaters craving beer-battered shrimp and old-fashioned barbecue. A real Chicago meal can be found at the Billy Goat Tavern which serves the renowned cheezborger--with no fries! Diners in search of a lighter fare can find snacks (like thick and creamy gelato and cinnamon-sugar almonds whose sweet scent radiates for yards) at the less crowded street vendors during the summer months.
Summer Days, Drifting Away...
Navy Pier is open year-round, and during summer, you're not only treated to the most opportunities and rides, but special seasonal attractions are available as well, like bi-weekly fireworks, night-time entertainment, and stunning outdoor performances. The Beer Garden and Bud Light Stage are great night-life options, as they offer live music and libation opportunities until midnight almost every night, but those looking to enjoy a show won't be disappointed either, as the Pepsi Skyline Stage has renowned performers, comedians, and acts from around the world.
The Lowdown
Driving to Navy Pier can be a hassle. Even though there is a large parking garage on the premises, it is highly recommended to use public transportation, such as the CTA buses, like the number 29, 65, 66, and others that drive directly to Navy Pier. Specific transit information can be found at the CTA Website. Pedestrian and vehicle congestion is often prevalent, so always remember to take caution when bringing groups of young children or large crowds of your reckless friends.
The Pier opens every day at 10 a.m. and closes at different times varying on the season and day of the week. Although the summer is without a doubt the most popular time of year for experiencing the outdoor attractions, tourists still pack the pier during the frigid winter months. For a full listing of the times the Navy Pier is open, visit the hours website.
For more information, visit the Navy Pier website.
Check out places of interest near Navy Pier: Overview:
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, 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. Wood-stone cooked pizzas (create your own!) and fresh panini sandwiches are offered here, along with salads, pasta, and seafood.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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 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!
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 offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.
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.
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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. 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.
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.
Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.
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.
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 Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
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.
