05/12/09

Navy Pier

by GroupTix

Navy Pier is the quintessential summer tourist destination in Chicago. It has countless restaurant and entertainment options for all ages and interests. PLUS it hosts Cirque Shanghai every year, which is a can't miss event! You can literally fill an entire day with great activities at Navy Pier. If you're looking for something fun to do for little cost, it's the perfect location to spend a fair weather afternoon.

09/30/08

Ferris Wheel Navy Pier

by Giggles1959

Last June I was on vacation in Chicago for the first time and off course me and my friends were going to visit the Navy Pier. The first thing I saw was the Ferris Wheel, and one friend told me to go in there so I could see the whole skyline of Chicago and a view on Michigan Lake. Now you must know that I'm afraid of heights so there was NO WAY I would go in that Ferris Wheel. Then my friend Derrick said he would join me, not to worry, it would be beautiful. And it was beautiful, I was so afraid but I went into that Wheel and I saw the whole overview of the Skyline and the Lake, it was awesome and I will never forget the experience.

Maybe I will get in the Ferris Wheel next time I'm going to visit Chicago cause I will be back one day.

Anja Pietersen, the Netherlands

• Pros: ambience, service
• Cons: not always allowed to walk the whole Navy Pier

02/20/08

nice tourist attraction

by chopenticity

i love chicago. We've lived here for almost 3 years now and it is one great city. Navy pier is really a nice place to see the lake, eat some great food (specially the hot dogs) and to do some touristy shopping. I've been here for all 4 seasons, and would recomend to avoid the summer. It is way too crowded to enjoy yourself. Still fun though. i'd say check it out if you are a first timer in the city. =)

• Pros: fun
• Cons: parking is a bit pricy

11/24/07

Beautiful from afar

by jericsmall

The Navy Pier is best enjoyed from afar. From the giant ferris wheel, to the arched main atrium, and the fireworks in the summers, it's a thing of beauty. Up close, it's a bit too crowded. It's great for a stroll, but the shops and dining options aren't all that impressive. The one exception is if you're up for a good old Chicago-style hotdog. The ballroom is fun but can be too large for some events (been there for company outings mostly).

08/02/07

the best ever in da city

by datdime

it has always been my favorite place to hang out as a child. I love the attractions and the food. My eighth grade luncheon was there on the odessey. i love it there it will always be a place for me and my children to hang out for as long as i can rememeber.

• Pros: parking
• Cons: service

Created more for sight-seers than for thrill-seekers, this wheel transports passengers very slowly, but gives a good view.

by Contributor

In Short
Chicago was home to the world's first Ferris wheel at the 1893 World Colombian Exposition. It stands 150 feet tall, with Lake Michigan and the lakefront spread out below. In the evening, thousands of lights illuminate the Ferris wheel's 40 long spokes, creating a nighttime spectacle. The 40 gondola cars each hold as many as six people. If you take the ride, bring a camera and your sweetie--for a little top-of-the-world smooch.

This tourist-packed peninsula extends for more than half a mile into the swells of Lake Michigan.

by Contributor

Overview
Opened in 1916 as a shipping facility and recreation spot, Navy Pier has evolved into one of Chicago's top family and tourist destinations. Some of the attractions include the three-story Chicago Children's Museum and live entertainment on the Skyline Stage. Amazing Chicago is a life-sized maze that's part history and mostly fun, with mirrored corridors and twisted tunnels that depict Chicago scenes. When visitors are ready for refueling, they'll find everything from fine dining to food-court fare. And no visit to the Pier is complete without a spin on the 150-foot-high Ferris wheel with its great views of the skyline and lake.

Features
More than 200 outdoor sculptures decorate the grounds from May to October, and the Crystal Gardens are a botanical oasis under glass. Other features include the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, an 18-hole miniature golf course and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

08/29/05

A must see for visitors

by bluehensfan

Particularly if you have children and are visiting in warmer weather, be sure to visit the Navy Pier. They have an onsite Children's Museum as well as a small miniature gold course, a very large slow moving ferris wheel offering great views of the surrounding area, and other games. Lots of food options including many food stands and a few sit down places.

05/03/04

Navy Pier

by coughiebean

This is a great place to bring the kids! we brought our 3 and 1 1/2 year old down last year and the 3 year old who is now 4 has been asking ever since if we can go again. We went on everything and they loved the end of the pier. Our plans are to head downtown again very soon.

• Pros: unique to Chicago, family friendly, lots to do
• Cons: , summer is crowded

01/08/03

tourist TRAP

by Natarezek

This place is like a giant tourist trap and robs you of your money!

• Pros: nice facilities, IMAX
• Cons: expensive, touristy, low quality