Navy Pier is well known as a hub of entertainment, offering something for everyone across its 3,300 feet. If this is your first time visiting, you might be surprised at just how much you can fit on a pier — and if you’re a frequent patron, you’ll notice there’s always something new to discover. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions at Navy Pier you won’t want to miss.
The Centennial Wheel
Photo by Luke on UnsplashA massive Ferris wheel on Navy Pier gives you the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Each gondola is fully enclosed to add a little extra protection as you soar more than 200 feet in the sky. While you’re there, check out other midway rides like the carousel, swings, drop tower, and teacups.
Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze
This isn’t your average mirror maze. This massive funhouse sprawls for more than 4,000 square feet and takes you through a variety of scenes, including black light paintings, illuminated tunnels, light-up floors and ceilings, and yes, mirrors. Get lost in illusions on every turn of the corner in this one of a kind experience.
Bike and Roll Chicago
commons.wikimedia.orgNeed to escape from the busyness of the city (and all its traffic)? Bike and Roll Chicago on Navy Pier lets you trade four wheels for two and set out on 18 miles of car-free trails. They have bikes of all sizes for kids and adults, including electric bikes and family quadcycles.
Seadog River and Lake Architecture Tour
See Chicago’s unique architecture from the shores of Lake Michigan with a guided cruise tour. It departs from Navy Pier and takes you on a 75-minute narrated adventure filled with famous landmarks. It’s also dog-friendly!
Snow Dragon Shavery
You have to taste it to “get” it. This tasty dessert palace has turned a traditional concept on its head. Their snow cream is something in between shaved ice and ice cream, and each selection is just as stunning as it is delicious.
Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan
pxhere.comGet great views, delicious food, and entertainment rolled into one. This yacht brunch cruise takes you around Lake Michigan as you dine on chef-prepared options. Themes change frequently and are usually suitable for all ages.
Illuminarium
A brand-new experience for Chicago locals and tourists alike, the Illuminarium gives you floor-to-ceiling immersion in unique worlds and backgrounds. Themes include a journey through outer space and a walk on the wild side in a unique safari. Cinematic quality makes you feel like you’re part of the show.
The Butterfly House
Photo by Sean Stratton on UnsplashAn unexpected find in a concrete jungle, the Butterfly House reconnects you to nature and lets you take life at a slower pace. Walk through the exhibit filled with hundreds of live butterflies from all over the world. This attraction closes for the cold season but reopens in the spring.
Offshore Rooftop
Known as the largest rooftop deck in the United States, Offshore Rooftop gives you sweeping views of Chicago as you sip and savor. It’s open year-round and offers fire pits, games, and large gathering spaces for you and all your friends or family.
Tall Ship Windy
Windy - Tall Ship in Chicago | Kyle James | Flickr
www.flickr.comIf you’ve ever wanted to experience a ride on a real sailing ship, Tall Ship Windy is your chance. The ship departs from Navy Pier and takes you on a voyage to see the world-famous Chicago skyline. Each ride offers something unique, from maritime stories to an architectural cruise.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Iconic Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas, offering views of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan.
- Features additional midway rides like a carousel, swings, drop tower, and teacups.
- A 4,000-square-foot funhouse with mirror mazes, black light art, illuminated tunnels, and light-up floors and ceilings.
- Rent bikes or quadcycles for a relaxing ride on 18 miles of car-free trails.
- Options include electric bikes and sizes for kids and adults.
- Narrated 75-minute cruise showcasing Chicago’s famous architecture.
- Dog-friendly and departs from Navy Pier.
- Unique snow cream desserts blending shaved ice and ice cream, with stunning visual presentations.
- Enjoy chef-prepared meals and entertainment aboard a yacht while cruising Lake Michigan.
- Family-friendly with rotating themes.
- Immersive floor-to-ceiling exhibits with themes like outer space and safari adventures.
- Cutting-edge cinematic experiences.
- Tranquil exhibit featuring hundreds of butterflies from around the world.
- Open seasonally in spring and summer.
- Largest rooftop deck in the U.S. with panoramic views, fire pits, games, and year-round access.
- Sail on an authentic tall ship with themed voyages, from maritime tales to architectural tours.
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