Navy PierAbout Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a long recreational pier projecting into Lake Michigan from Chicago’s lakefront, originally opened in 1916 for civic and commercial uses. The pier today is a mixed-use public destination with attractions, dining, theaters, and seasonal events.
Major draws include the waterfront promenade, the large observation Ferris wheel, cultural venues such as the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, family attractions, boat tours, and regular festivals and fireworks. The pier’s public spaces and entertainment venues make it a year-round destination for tourists and locals.
Constructed in the early 20th century as a municipal pier, its role shifted over time from transportation and shipping to entertainment and cultural use; the current mix of attractions has been developed and renovated through late 20th- and early 21st-century projects. The Centennial Wheel and other modern installations were added to strengthen the pier’s role as a leisure destination.
Navy Pier sits on Chicago’s Near North Side, extending east from the lakefront into Lake Michigan just north of the Loop. It is reached from downtown by road and public transit and serves as a prominent focal point on the city’s lakefront.
- Pier length: The pier extends roughly 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan, providing panoramic views of the city skyline and lakefront.
- Best time for views: Sunset and evening visits offer strong photographic views of the Chicago skyline and reflections on Lake Michigan from the pier’s western edge.
What to See#
- Centennial Wheel: A large observation Ferris wheel known as the Centennial Wheel that rises above the pier and provides views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan.
- Theaters and museums: Cultural venues including the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and family attractions such as the Chicago Children’s Museum and seasonal exhibition spaces lining the pier.
Nearby Attractions to Navy Pier
Best Time to Visit Navy Pier
Summer brings the full Navy Pier experience; late spring and early autumn offer milder weather and thinner crowds.
Weather & Climate near Navy Pier
Navy Pier's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (928 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -1° | -11° | 46 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.4h |
| February | Poor | -6° - 2° | -7° | 39 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 7° | -1° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 6° | 94 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.2h |
| May | Good | 9° - 21° | 15° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.3 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.4h |
| June | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.0h |
| July | Excellent | 18° - 29° | 23° | 91 mm | some cloud | 78% | 3.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.7h |
| August | Excellent | 17° - 27° | 22° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Excellent | 13° - 24° | 18° | 90 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 7° - 17° | 12° | 70 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Acceptable | 1° - 9° | 1° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| December | Poor | -5° - 2° | -7° | 65 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
How to Get to Navy Pier
Navy Pier is on Chicago’s lakefront at the foot of Grand Avenue. From downtown, walk east along Grand or take the CTA bus routes (e.g., #29) or rideshare. Street parking and paid lots are available, but public transit is usually faster on busy days.
Tips for Visiting Navy Pier
- Visit in the hour before sunset for skyline views and to avoid peak midday sun and crowds.
- Use the northwest entrance (near the Polk Bros Park) to head straight to the Centennial Wheel and avoid the festival crowds along the main aisle.
- Check the Navy Pier events calendar - it frequently hosts seasonal shows, night markets and fireworks.