Navy Pier
Short details/Description:
Navy Pier is iconic. Its trademark ferris wheel and family boardwalk have been around almost a hundred years, and have more history attached to them than most cities in America. It's the largest tourist destination in the midwest, hosting more than 8 million visitors every year, and has a breathtaking view of both the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. But more important than all of this is that Navy Pier is chock-full of enough fun and attractions to keep mom, dad, grandma, the kids, and everyone in-between satisfied for days.
Full Details/Body:
The rides, the games, the shopping, the food, Navy Pier has it all. With four hotels, a central location, and enough rides, exhibits, plays, and entertainment to keep you occupied for a week, there's a good reason Navy Pier is visited and harped on so much: it has earned its reputation as a must-see in the Windy City. Whether you're in the mood for a Shakespearean play or a block-buster movie, a round of mini-golf or some live music, you're taken care of. The guides below divide the options up to make them more managable, so explore your options and have a ball at one of Chicago--and the nation's--most sought destinations.
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Navy Pier: Dining & Restaurants
Navy Pier is jam packed with restaurants that will satisfy the copious amount of diners in search of quality food. It is almost impossible to leave the pier with an empty stomach. So, loosen up your belt buckle because this colorful lakeside carnival will fill you up with fresh seafood, home-style southern cooking, cheezborgers, sticky sweet candy or fried dough.
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.
If Navy Pier were any more packed with nightlife opportunities, it'd be its own city instead of near downtown Chicago. The Pier is a year-round night-time destination for having live music, a beer garden, a huge performance stage, the Navy Pier IMAX, and fireworks. You can't really ask for much more in this outdoor oasis, except cloud-free weather and some good friends.
The Navy Pier IMAX Theater is only one option for high-intensity entertainment at Navy Pier: try the Ferris wheel and the rest of the rides at Pier Park (including the Wave Swinger and the Musical Carousel). Have a ball at one of the two kid-friendly museums, take a leisurely or fast-paced boat ride, or watch one of the award-winning performances--all on the same pier!
Two totally awesome Concierge Preferred interns brave the crowds and take the plunge into the big kahuna of all Chicago tourist attractions. Navy Pier has been floating peacefully atop the shores of Lake Michigan until Danny and Molly shook things up with their dynamite summer adventure!
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.
Navy Pier: Navy Pier IMAX Theater
The IMAX Theater at Navy Pier is colossal. Located in the Family Pavilion, this monster of a movie theater takes guests on a wild adventure into a completely different world. Grab some popcorn, sit back, relax, and dive in to an entire 6-story performance that will have viewers glued to their seats.
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