Chicago, IL

Navy Pier in Chicago

Address: 600 East Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 - MAP
Phone: (312) 595-PIER
Web: www.navypier.com

Navy Pier was built on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in 1916 and has since become the No. 1 tourist attraction in Chicago. At the time it was built, it was the largest pier in the world. The pier extends 3,300 feet over the lake and was designed to be used as docking space for passenger excursion steamers and a cargo facility for lake freighters. Navy Pier was also utilized in both World Wars for things like military housing, the Red Cross, Home Defense, Navy training center and more. When it wasn't providing military service, the pier had its own streetcar line, theater, emergency room, picnicking areas, dance hall, auditorium, children's playground and more.

For nearly 20 years, between 1946 and 1965, the University of Illinois used the pier to educate returning veterans. When the university moved its campus, the pier was no longer used and was considered underutilized from 1965 to 1989.

The 1990s brought renovation and new attractions to Navy Pier. The Ferris wheel, IMAX theater, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, the Chicago Children's Museum, and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows are all fixtures of the pier. Navy Pier and its surrounding lands occupy about 50 acres on the lake front with its lawn showcasing sculptures, and sprawling to create parks and gardens. The attraction is home to many shops and restaurants as well. Boat parades, air shows, sightseeing tours, festivals and fireworks are Navy Pier favorites.