A popular tourist destination, Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, welcomes over nine million visitors yearly. The pier, which has been around since 1916, has undergone a number of changes over the years but has always been a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
History
Navy Pier was constructed in the early 20th century as a part of Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago, an effort to upgrade the city’s infrastructure and appearance. It was created as a dock for cargo and passenger ships, as well as a public area for celebrations and entertainment, and was initially known as the Municipal Pier.
The pier received its current name as a result of its use by the US Navy as a training facility during World War I. The pier was still in use after the war, serving as a location for public exhibitions, trade shows, and political rallies.
With the addition of a theater, ballroom, and other attractions in the 1920s, the pier rose to popularity as a destination for entertainment. It remained a well-liked destination through the 1940s and 1950s, but in the decades that followed, it fell into disrepair.
Renovations
Navy Pier underwent a significant renovation in the 1990s by the City of Chicago in an effort to bring it back to its former splendor and establish it as a top tourist attraction. New attractions like the Ferris wheel, IMAX theater, and children’s museum were included in the renovation.
Along with the replacement of the wooden decking and the installation of new lighting and electrical systems, the pier also underwent significant structural improvements. After the renovation was finished in 1995, tourists and locals alike once again enjoyed visiting Navy Pier.
Attractions
For visitors of all ages, Navy Pier now provides a wide range of attractions. The Centennial Wheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that provides breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, is one of the most well-known. The Ferris wheel is available all year round, but summer is its busiest season.
The Chicago Children’s Museum, the IMAX theater, which shows the newest blockbuster movies, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which presents performances all year long, are some of the other well-liked attractions at Navy Pier.
Navy Pier offers a variety of eateries, stores, and bars in addition to these attractions. There are numerous restaurants on the pier that guests can eat at, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. For those seeking a night out, there are also lots of gift shops and boutiques, as well as bars and nightclubs.
Events
A well-liked location for events all year round is Navy Pier. The pier hosts a number of outdoor performances, festivals, and fireworks shows throughout the summer. During the holiday season, the pier also hosts an annual Winter Wonderfest with ice skating, games, and other festivities.
The Chicago Air and Water Show, which takes place each August at Navy Pier, is one of the most well-liked events there. The show includes aerial stunts performed by military and civilian aircraft as well as military teams, including the US Navy Blue Angels. One of the highlights of the summer in Chicago, the event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.