Navy Pier, Chicago
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Navy Pier - by Morris Sneor from Pixabay
Description
Navy Pier extends 1km on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It opened in 1916 with a mixed purpose: freight, passenger traffic, and recreational. Today it is all about the latter with 20ha of shops, restaurants, attractions, and gardens. Highlights include a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, the Chicago Children's Museum, an IMAX theatre, and a carousel.
Access & Transport
The pier is immediately to the northeast of the Chicago River, projecting into Lake Michigan. The closest metro station is 'Grand' (Red line), 1.5km away (20mins walk) The CTA provides five bus lines serving Navy Pier daily. These are #29 State, #65 Grand, #66 Chicago, #124 Navy Pier (serving Metra lines from Millennium Station, Ogilvie and Union Stations) and #2 Hyde Park Express (during weekday morning and evening rush hours only). Directions: https://navypier.org/plan-your-visit/getting-here-and-parking/
Instructions & Recommendations
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Environmental & Social
The amusement park, stores and other attractions are energy hungry. Socially neutral.
Conclusion
Our standard opinion about this type of commercial pier is that it really isn't for everybody. Those interested in outdoors or cultural pursuits might want to take a quick look but are unlikely to be held for long whereas those keener on fun, entertainment, and shopping will enjoy Chicago's Navy Pier.
Key positive
Family-friendly venue
Good views and diversity of attractions
Key negative
Crowded and commercial only
Overpriced F&B and attractions
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. The pier is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility but not all attractions.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 45m
Monday11:00 - 20:00
Tuesday11:00 - 20:00
Wednesday11:00 - 20:00
Thursday11:00 - 20:00
Friday11:00 - 21:00
Saturday11:00 - 21:00
Sunday11:00 - 20:00