Dubbed Chicago's ultimate playground, the 50 acres Navy Pier along Lake Michigan shoreline has diverse attractions and fun activities awaiting visitors. It reopened in 1995, and since then, over 180 million have visited the Navy Pier. Regardless of age, this sprawling lakefront treasure caters to everyone's recreational whims. There are shops, restaurants, historical attractions, parks and exhibition facilities, and activities like water sports at one of Chicago's top attractions. The Navy Pier is free and open all year to the public and has many Instagrammable places to explore. Show
Family Fun In Navy PierNavy Pier has places where families with children, friends, and groups can visit and have collective fun or soak in the Chicago ambiance while relaxing. These are:
Sightseeing From Lake Michigan WatersFrom the Navy Pier, visitors can go on sightseeing tours to witness the scenic and iconic Chicago skyline and the 156 miles of Chicago River. They last 40 to 90 minutes, and guests learn about Chicago's rich history and architecture. These are: Shoreline Skyline Lake TourOn this 40 minutes tour that commences at the Navy Pier's west end, visitors get panoramic views of Chicago's iconic skyline from Lake Michigan. Shoreline Skyline Tour passes through the lakefront with the city's landmark buildings and attractions like Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium, and Buckingham Fountain. Visitors on tour also listen to a recording narrating Chicago's history and architecture. During the summer, visitors go on night tours to witness the beautiful Navy Pier fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday evening. Visitors can check the calendar tours and buy tickets here, which cost from $27. Lakefront Speedboat TourThe 30 minutes speedboat tour is the best to view Chicago from Lake Michigan. It combines the speedy ride on the shoreline with an informative and quirky description of the famed Chicago skyline. Visitors learn about the Navy Pier and lakefront. Then the music is turned up, and the speedboat races to the Museum Campus and stops, so visitors can learn about and take in Chicago's lakefront landmarks, history, and architecture. Tours speed north past the Navy Pier to the Magnificent Mile, where visitors get great views of Sears Tower, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain. On this speedy and open boat, visitors have little chance of getting wet. Visitors can bring their choice of beverages to imbibe while speeding past Chicago's iconic waterfront. Tickets cost from $22:95 to $38, and tours start and start from 11 am to 8 pm. Tall Ship Windy-Chicago Skyline SailAboard a traditional and tall dhow ship, visitors enjoy spectacular views of Chicago leisurely from Lake Michigan waters. On this slow 75-minute tour, visitors also watch the beautiful sunset over Chicago. The differently-themed tours start at 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm for the sunset and skyline tour. On the first sail every Tuesday, kids are not charged. Tours are charged from $17 to $49 for adults in the VIP section, and they can be booked here online. Seadog River and Lake Architecture TourTo get the best and up-close views of Chicago's astounding architecture and famed landmarks, this narrated 75 minutes cruise is the best to take aboard the yellow Seadog vessel. It passes through the historic Chicago Harbor Lock and Chicago River. Visitors get up-close views of famous bridges on the Chicago River. They also see the backgrounds of iconic buildings like the Tribune Building, Willis Tower, Lyric Opera, and Merchandise Mart. On the lakefront, visitors will pass Grant Park, Chicago Harbor, Chicago's Museum Campus, and the famed Buckingham Fountain. Tours can be booked here and cost from $42:95 for children to $52.95 for adults. Wine And Dine On Navy PierOn Navy Piers, there are about 57 drinks and dining outlets. They include fast food outlets, ice cream outlets, bakeries, craft chocolate makers, and restaurants that serve all rich and authentic Chicago's eclectic cuisines under one roof. To spice the food experiences, brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises on Lake Michigan are also offered. Among the standout food outlets one can dine at the Navy Pier are:
Free Music Events On Navy PierFree live musical events are hosted at the Navy Pier at various months yearly, which visitors can attend while touring. These are:
Other Places To Tour And Experience Around Navy PierNavy Pier has other places worth visiting, which are:
What is so special about the Navy Pier in Chicago?NAVY PIERĀ®: ONE OF CHICAGO'S TOP ATTRACTIONS
Navy Pier is where you go in Chicago for events, free public programs, attractions, culture, dining, shopping and more. It's where fun lives large, whether you're a visitor or local, with family or friends.
Can you walk on Navy Pier for free?There is no admission fee to enter Navy Pier. Attractions and public shows within Navy Pier may have admission prices, and current pricing can be obtained from each individual attraction's box office or website.
Can you walk around Navy Pier Chicago?One of the most popular stops for visitors to Chicago is the south dock of Navy Pier, a mile-long pedestrian boardwalk that stands as one of the best in the United States. With entertainment venues, restaurants, and theme park rides, Navy Pier is open year round for your enjoyment.
Is Chicago Navy Pier worth it?I would highly recommend checking it out, as it's reasonably priced, private, and offers some pretty great views of the city. Navy Pier is a must if you're visiting Chicago, as you get your views of Lake Michigan, as well as some nice shopping, restaurants, and attractions!
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