Navy Pier

About Navy Pier

Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Streeterville, Chicago is Navy Pier – a 3,300-foot-long pier that covers over 50 acres of land and features attractions, shops, gardens and restaurants. Home to some of the best entertainment in the Midwest, Navy Pier welcomes over nine million visitors every year. It’s no surprise that it is the second-most visited tourist attraction in all of Chicago! Learn about Cloud Gate!

The History of the Bavy Pier 

On July 15, 1916, Navy Pier opened its doors to the public as “Municipal Pier”. Designed by renowned architect Charles Sumner Frost and following the plan of Daniel Burnham and Edward H. Bennett from 1909, this pier was built to host freight, passenger traffic, and serve as an outdoor recreational area for countless events.

During World War I, the pier became a jail for draft dodgers. In 1927, it was renamed Navy Pier in honor of the naval veterans who served in World War I.

In 1941, during World War II, the pier was converted into a training center for United States Navy personnel. With 2,500-seat theatre, gymnasiums, barbershop and other facilities such as kitchens and hospitals on-site — up to 10 thousand people worked there at any given time.

After the Navy completed their mission in 1946, University of Illinois at Chicago moved in only to be relocated to Circle Campus because of overcrowding by 1965. After that period of increased activity at the pier it fell into disuse until recent times when redevelopments have made it a more popular tourist destination than ever before! If looking for painting & remodeling contact CHJ Painting & Remodeling. 

The Navy Pier Information 

Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Departments: Lyft Navy Pier Central · Uber Navy Pier West

Phone: (312) 595-7437

Built: 1916

Area: 34 acres

Architect: Charles S. Frost; E.C. Shankland

WHEN TO GO