Navy Pier

Navy Pier featuring night scenes and signage
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A Ferris wheel,shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainmentdistrict.

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.

The pier was built in 1916 as a docking and storage facility for passenger and freight ships. Back then, it was mostly filled with industrial warehouses, but there was also a theatre, dance hall and dining rooms that catered to visitors. The Navy took over the pier during World War II and it was closed to the public until 1995, when it was remodeled and reopened as an entertainment district.Today, the centerpiece of the Pier is the 15-story high ferris wheel that provides views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. The seven-minute ride is spectacular at night when both the wheel and the city are lit up. There’s plenty of family fun with a musical carousel, old-fashion swing ride, 18-hole miniature golf course and remote control boats. Check out the Chicago Children’s Museum for several floors of games and experiments.

Navy Pier is a major entertainment hub in the city, home to the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, a 440-seat IMAX Theater, and numerous stages. Watch a circus performance at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, or visit with Santa during the holiday season at the Family Pavilion Stage.

It’s easy to get around on foot, or rent a bike or roller skates. When you want to hit the lake, there are a host of boat tours to choose from, including dinner cruises and private charters, and an architectural tour of downtown Chicago.

There’s no shortage of lunch and dinner options within the area, from steaks and seafood in upscale restaurants on and near the Pier, to a food court in the Family Pavilion. Pick up souvenirs, toys, and treats at a number of kiosks and specialty shops.

As the sun sets, relax with a drink at the Landshark Beer Garden overlooking the lake. Families are welcome and it’s a good place to catch the fireworks, which light up the sky above the Pier on Wednesday and Saturday nights Memorial Day through Labor Day.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in Chicago page.

Compare 2,815 hotels close to Navy Pier with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, a Marriott Hotel
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, a Marriott Hotel
3 out of 5
243 E. Ontario, Chicago, IL, 60611
The price is $116 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
$116
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,391 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2023

Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, a Marriott Hotel
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
900 E Grand, Chicago, IL, 60611
The price is $187 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
$187
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,216 reviews)
"The view from the room was great, and being able to walk inside from the hotel to the shops at the Navy Pier was easy."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2023

Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
511 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL, 60611
The price is $163 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
$163
per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,716 reviews)
"Nice location and options"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2023

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Best Lodging Options Near Navy Pier

Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, a Marriott Hotel
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, a Marriott Hotel
3 out of 5
243 E. Ontario, Chicago, IL, 60611
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, a Marriott Hotel
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
900 E Grand, Chicago, IL, 60611
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
511 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL, 60611
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
W Chicago - Lakeshore
W Chicago - Lakeshore
4.5 out of 5
644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60611
W Chicago - Lakeshore
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605
Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
River Hotel
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL, 60611
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Loews Chicago Hotel
Loews Chicago Hotel
4.5 out of 5
455 North Park Drive, Chicago, IL, 60611
Loews Chicago Hotel
Swissotel - Chicago
Swissotel - Chicago
4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601
Swissotel - Chicago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.