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Chicago offers visitors a wealth of fun, exciting, and educational things to do, but unique among the city’s many delights is the Navy Pier, located along the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown.

Built in 1916 as a passenger steamship pier, the 3000-foot long Navy Pier got its name during WWII when thousands of sailors used the pier to embark for the war. Restored in the 1990s, today Navy Pier is a recreational destination and offers entertainment for all ages and interests.

Among the Pier’s attractions are dozens of food vendors, shopping kiosks, a concert stage, a ballroom, a 150-foot tall Ferris wheel, the Chicago Children’s Museum, an IMAX theater, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. In addition, Navy Pier is surrounded by over 50 acres of park land. You can also board one of the many Lake Michigan sightseeing, cocktail, and dinner cruises from the Pier.

If you’re in Chicago, make sure to make a trip to Navy Pier. It combines 19th century elegance with modern day fun.

^{(photo credit: S. Mitchell)}

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 and is filed under Holiday & Vacation Planning.