Ten Fun Things to Do at Chicago's Navy Pier
Written: Jul 02 '08 (Updated Jul 17 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: There is a lot of fun stuff here.
Cons: Can be very crowded, easy to spend a bunch of dough.
The Bottom Line: I'd take another spin on the ferris wheel any day.
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| chelledun's Full Review: Navy Pier |
As one who likes to consider myself a Chicago “local”, one part of me thinks that Navy Pier is an overhyped, overpriced tourist trap. The other part, though, will admit that the area is worth a free trolley ride and has some downright fun and interesting offerings. Whether you’re a regular visitor to the area or on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the Windy City, you’ll probably find something on the list below to suit your interests.
Know Before You Go
Navy Pier is located a mile or so from the heart of downtown Chicago. Expect about a twenty minute walk from the closest point on the Miracle Mile. All public transportation methods also lead to the pier, including METRA, the city’s bus system, and my favorite – the free public trolley. Hop on next to the Chicago Hyatt downtown and you’ll be there in a jiffy. If you must drive, parking is available on site for a hefty fee of more than $20.00 for the day.
The pier is open until at least 10:00 p.m. most of the year and until midnight on weekends during the busy season. Things begin gearing up for the day at around 10:00 a.m., but I don’t recommend arriving much before lunch time unless you want to explore a totally deserted venue. Having at least a few people around adds to the ambiance, after all.
The map at http://www.navypier.com/pdf/PierMap.pdf is tremendously helpful in orienting one’s self, so you may want to scope it out before your visit.
Now, on to the fun things!
10. Buy a magnet (or 12).
Navy Pier has tons of shopping available in its “arcade” and “festival hall” facilities. Don’t expect Express and Macy’s, however – these venues feature a variety of very specific niche retailers that are often fun and often bizarre. Think entire stores devoted to, for example, sterling silver jewelry, flags, magnets, Irish merchandise, and holiday items. Don’t worry, you’ll find some Chicago-focused items for sale as well. What you won’t find, though, is anything terribly practical, unless you happen to be in the market for a T-shirt that changes color in the sun or a recycled paper vase. There is a Build-A-Bear, though!
9. Nibble on a cheezborger.
You’ve almost certainly heard of the famous Billy Goat Tavern of Saturday Night Live fame. Well, Navy Pier hosts an offshoot. It’s certainly a bastardized version of the original, but it is also admittedly a lot cleaner. Other dining options included a branch of Bubba Gump’s, a casual Italian eatery, and an upscale seafood joint with a great view. Of course, there’s also plenty of places to grab a hot dog, ice cream cone, or funnel cake either at the indoor food court or outside along the pier.
8. Catch a free show.
Depending on the season, Navy Pier offers either a little live entertainment or a lot on its various indoor and outdoor venues. From time to time someone famous comes to play and/or sing. The rest of the time, guests can catch jugglers, magicians, and….pirates. They’re pushing this high seas theme at the moment, you see. A couple of weeks ago we saw authentically clad buccaneers posing for photos outdoors only to see them dancing on the Family Pavilion Stage two hours later.
7. Admire a fantastic collection of stained glass art.
Random? Maybe, but also quite impressive. Tourists can take a break from the heat and crowds in the soothing (and free) Smith Museum of Stained Glass. Few do, so you’ll probably have the place to yourself. Billed as the only museum in existence devoted entirely to stained glass, this collection runs along one side of Festival and features works by folks so famous even I recognize their names. In particular, I was impressed to see many works by Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge. Some are dramatically backlit to emphasize and deemphasize the colors used. Some are religious, some focus on nature, and some are just abstract and amazing. Really, very beautiful stuff. And did I mention FREE???
6. Relax amidst dancing fountains.
Crystal Gardens is a beautiful ballroom venue intended for wedding and party rental, but when not in use it is available for general enjoyment. The glass-walled space contains palm trees, seating, and fountains which squirt water back and forth across the walkways. Few tourists know the space is even open, but in fact one can bring a food court lunch in and relax in the peaceful air-conditioned space. This is the same view that folks pay big bucks for at the pier-side eateries, so grab some McDonald’s from the food court and enjoy. It’s such a nice space that I may actually have my next wedding there. (Just kidding, mr_chelledun!)
5. Take a cruise.
It is a pier, right? Navy Pier is the setting-off point for various dinner cruises and tours. The dinner cruises get so-so reviews, in general, but everyone I know whose done one digs the architectural tours. Even if you don’t actually pay to board, it’s fun to wander around and admire the boats of various sizes.
4. Catch an IMAX film.
Mr_chelledun and I both love a good IMAX, and Navy Pier is the only place to catch one in downtown Chicago. The theater entrance is located inside the Family Pavilion, wedged in next to the stage. Unfortunately, the classic, educational IMAX film I so love are often relegated to undesirable morning times, while popular family films like Kung Fu Panda take center billing. There is only one screen, as is typical with IMAX theaters.
3. Play some putt-putt.
While it would probably be a nightmare on a busy Saturday evening, Navy Pier’s eighteen hole mini golf course is relaxing and fun during less crowded times. The course isn’t nearly as heavily themed as some but you really couldn’t ask for a better backdrop than the hustle and bustle of Navy Pier and the beautiful view of Lake Michigan.
2. View an amazing firework show.
Obviously this is a seasonal activity, but the shows occur relatively frequently throughout the year. Navy Pier sets off fireworks twice weekly during the summer season with ginormous shows at Fourth of July and New Year’s. We’ve caught the show dozens of times throughout the years as it can in fact be viewed from various vantage points throughout the city. A current schedule can be found at http://www.navypier.com/things2do/fireworks.html. Wherever you are and whatever your doing at the designated show time, take a minute to at least step outside and gaze pier-ward for a really good show.
1. Ride a ferris wheel.
Forget the quease-inducing swings and the ridiculously overpriced carousel – I’m spending my $6.00 on the iconic ferris wheel. If you can ignore the little McDonald’s icons embossed on each car, this ride will sort of sweep you back to a simpler time of bustling boardwalks and relaxing days at the lake. The ride is blissfully stop-free, as boarding riders must scramble to hop aboard a car while the wheel is in motion. A single resolution gives eight minutes of breathtaking pier, lake, and city views. Our ride on a recent sunny Sunday was truly one of the most authentically “Chicago” experiences I can imagine. Unless you’re deathly afraid of heights, treat yourself and a pal to a whirl on this wheel.
*Heading to Chicago? Check out a few of my favorite things!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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