Navy Pier, Illinois, United States

5Grover R 5:00 PM Aug 3, 2022

Fireworks on Wednesdays/So Much to Do and See
Just about everything said you need to see Navy Pier for a complete visit to Chicago. I knew it had the Centennial Wheel, but I really did not know much else. Let me say we had an incredible evening with so much to do. One of the great things Chicago did was to envisioned a much more recreational and residential waterfront as opposed to other Great Lake cities like Cleveland. With an industrial waterfront further to the south, Chicago does not really have a place for vessels in the downtown Loop area, except Navy Pier. Historically built for possible passenger and cargo transport, it evolved into more office usage as the Navy actual user for training in WWII. Afterwards it was part of the University of Chicago and then underutilized until the late 1990s. Then there was a redevelopment idea for an entertainment destination with museum, theater, attractions and rides, along with food and hospitality. We visited to see what was there and we loved our ride on the Centennial Wheel. However, we were totally unprepared for the number of people we saw only to realize Wednesdays are fireworks. So we stayed and enjoyed views of the city changing from sunset to night as well as fireworks over the lake. Again it was a fun evening. I am so glad we made the visit.

5Laurie K 5:00 PM Nov 10, 2021

LOTS TO DO ON THIS PROPERTY, FERRIS WHEEL A MUST DO
I have been to Chicago about 5 times in the last 4 years since my son moved there but had never been to Navy Pier until this last trip. The outside and grounds are very clean and well kept. WE went inside and there are 2 larger restaurants then a corridor full of all types of little shops with wears, t-shirts, clothing, souveniers and other goodies. Then when you go all the way down the hallway there are several eating small little places and drinks, desserts etc. Outside you can go on the jet boat, go into the Shakespere theater or ride the Centennial Wheel which is the huge ferris wheel on the grounds, it was very cool, it goes very slow you barely know you're moving and the view is amazing especially when the water looks so crystal clear blue, and the trees are changing colors. The Ferris wheel was $19.42 per adult with taxes included, I am not sure child price as I had no kids with me. There is alot to see and do so plan a couple hours there especially in the summer, spring and fall I am not sure how much stuff is open in the winter. I am sure the inside is still open but the outside activities I'm sure are closed down for the winter. There is also a huge parking lot if you drive but I have no idea what the parking fee would be.