Anyone approaching Chicago from out in Lake Michigan will see the Windy City's most recognizable landmark as they get closer –- Navy Pier. It's a 3,300-foot long pier that juts out into the lake and is the Midwest's most famous amusement park.
Three Must-See Attractions at Navy Pier
- Navy Pier's most famous attraction is the 150-foot tall Ferris Wheel, which gives riders the best views of the city's skyline
- Check out Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze with its 4,000 square feet of mazes, tunnels and interactive games
- Visit the Crystal Gardens, a lush, indoor botanical garden, so named for its glass exterior walls of six stories filled with lush plants, trees and leapfrog fountains
Where to Stay Near Navy Pier
Navy Pier recommends five hotels on its website as preferred hotels for its guests to stay in. Hyatt Regency Chicago is within walking distance of Navy Pier. Others are the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile hotel, Loews Chicago Hotel, Swissotel Chicago, and W Chicago Lakeshore hotel. Discounted rates are offered through the Navy Pier website.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Navy Pier
The worst time to go to Navy Pier is holiday weekends because it is more crowded. This is true year-round. Also, if you do go in winter to enjoy holiday shopping, dress warmly because it is cold in Chicago. The best time to go to Navy Pier is during the week days when more people are working.
Discounts at Navy Pier
You can get discounts at Navy Pier with a GoChicago card, purchased through the city's tourism bureau online. This card will get you discounts at not only Navy Pier, but many of Chicago's main attractions. Other discounts can be found on Navy Pier's website under the link named "promotions."
Food at Navy Pier
Navy Pier has a wide variety of eateries to choose from ranging from food court fare to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Harry Caray's Tavern, pizza places, and seasonal outdoor food tents. You won't have to leave the Pier to get whatever you want to eat.
Parking at Navy Pier
You can park at either of the pier's parking garages for around $25 to $30, or pay a little more for valet parking. The garages hold about 1,500 cars, so on holiday weekends parking could be a challenge. Navy Pier has partnered with other off-site parking garages, which you can find out about on the Pier's website. Rates at the off-site garages are a little cheaper -- around $15-$20.
Transportation Alternatives at Navy Pier
Work with either the Regional Transportation Authority or the Chicago Transit Authority to figure out the best mode of transportation to get you to the pier so you don't have to worry about parking. Several bus lines make numerous trips to the pier daily. There are three taxi drop-off points if you would rather come in a cab. There is also a free Navy Pier trolley that operates at specific times, seasons and stopping/pick-up points.
Author's bio: Susan Hoskins Miller is a writer who lives in metropolitan Indianapolis and works in a university library. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and exploring places in the Midwest.