Tours and Tickets to Experience Navy Pier

Yes, Chicago’s Navy Pier is definitely worth visiting, and it’s one of the city’s top attractions. It offers rides, amusements, and attractions such as the Centennial Wheel. Visitors can also explore the Pier Park, boat rides, museums, and restaurants. There are additional seasonal attractions, including outdoor events and fireworks in summer.

Chicago’s Navy Pier is free to visit, so it is budget-friendly, especially if you just want to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. However, some of Navy Pier’s individual attractions have their own entry fees, and there are restaurants and shops where you can spend money.

Plan to spend at least half a day at Navy Pier. There are many attractions here, so you could spend a day or more on the rides and at the museums, restaurants, and exhibits. Most visitors find plenty to occupy them for a few hours at any time of day.

Chicago’s Navy Pier has had three Ferris wheels throughout its history. The original wheel was built in 1893 and was the tallest, measuring 264 feet (80 meters). A second was built in 1995. The present-day wheel, built in 2016, measures 200 feet (60 meters) tall and has enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas.

Yes, free seasonal trolleys still operate in Chicago. In summer, a free trolley runs to Navy Pier from Downtown on a loop that travels along East Illinois Street and East Grand Avenue via North State Street. A free winter holiday trolley runs in the central city in late December.

Yes, it’s generally safe to walk to Navy Pier from other parts of Downtown Chicago. There are busy roads in this area, so take care when getting there on foot. Alternatively, take a bus or water taxi, use the bike-share service, or drive and park at the on-site parking garages.