In a recent post we had a brief introduction to Navy Pier, the 1916 Chicago landmark that today is a magnet for more visitors than any other Midwest attraction.
Designed originally for both shipping and recreational purposes, the Pier has evolved into part trade show venue, part entertainment space, part carnival and full time year-round fun spot for Chicago residents and visitors.
In 1909 Daniel Burnham unveiled Chicago’s “Master Plan,” which called for no less than five piers. But only one 1.5-mile recreational pier with facilities for freight and passenger ship docking was built near the mouth of the Chicago River.
Construction cost $4.5 million and took place over two years, 1914-16. Opened to the public in 1916, the new attraction made its mark as the only such facility to blend the shipping business with public entertainment. It was officially named Navy Pier in 1927 as a tribute to Navy veterans of World War I.
After the start of World War II, Navy Pier saw duty as a pilot orientation and training facility. In fact, about 200 planes still rest on the bottom of Lake Michigan as a result of training mishaps. The Navy also pressed the Pier into service for various other programs during the war.
During the 1950s and 60s, Navy Pier was used heavily as a trade show site. The Pier was widened by 100 feet with the construction of the South Dock in 1959. After a period of disuse and decline, a $150 million redevelopment effort improved virtually every part of the Pier site.
In July 1995 Navy Pier was reborn with the unveiling of a mix of year-round entertainment, shops, restaurants, attractions and exhibition facilities. In 2008 Navy Pier was cited as the number one location in Illinois to take an out-of-town guest.
The Pier was also recently honored with the “Best Of” Award in the Chicago Attractions category by the Illinois Meetings & Events Magazine.While Navy Pier is a year-round facility, its hours do vary with the season. It is also closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Navy Pier presents fireworks displays every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.That means lots of shows synchronized to the music of several different soundtracks. For a complete schedule, visit the site. Check it often for updates on attractions including the new Aeroballoon, opening in May.
In addition to the Pier’s Family Pavilion with its 50,000-square foot Children’s Museum and the 440-seat IMAX Theater, you can also visit the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows.
It features a permanent display of windows featured in a series of 800-foot long galleries in Festival Hall. And don’t forget the Pepsi Skyline Stage, the only performance venue directly on Chicago’s waterfront.
The Pier is also the place to board any one of several Chicago boat tours. Choose from among speedboat adventures, a 90-minute cruise aboard the 148-foot four-masted schooner Tall Ship Windy or dinner cruises on The Spirit of Chicago, The Odyssey or Mystic Blue Cruises.
Shoreline Sightseeing boats leave from Navy Pier, and they also offer water taxis and architectural cruises and charters. Other private charters are available from Kanan Cruises and aboard the Anita Dee I and II.
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