Navy Pier is one of the most popular tourist and leisure destinations in Illinois. It is FREE and open to the public, and is located just east of downtown on beautiful Lake Michigan. The Pier offers 50 acres of parks, shops, restaurants, sightseeing and dining cruise boats (along Dock Street), exhibition facilities and other amenities. Although busiest during the summer, Navy Pier offers year-round fun for visitors of all ages.

Navy Pier, a Chicago landmark, has enjoyed a colorful history. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, the Pier housed several regiments of soldiers during World War I and later served as a Naval training facility during World War II. After the war, the Pier became the original campus for the University of Illinois at Chicago, before evolving into a premier entertainment and meeting center.

Today, Navy Pier boasts such attractions as the popular Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago Flyover, and the award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater. You’ll also find the gigantic Centennial Ferris Wheel along with other amusement rides, a large exhibition and meeting space known as Festival Hall and an outdoor Beer Garden with summer concerts.

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Approximate distance of walking tour: 0.75 miles each way, 1.5 miles total.