Navy Pier & Lakefront Activities: More Than Just the Ferris Wheel
If you ask most people what there is to do at Navy Pier, they’ll probably say ‘the Ferris wheel.’ And while the Centennial Wheel is a must-see attraction, there’s so much more to experience at this historic lakefront destination. Whether you're looking for live entertainment, great food, or a scenic boat cruise, Navy Pier is packed with activities worth exploring.
🌊 Must-See Attractions at Navy Pier
📌 🎡 Centennial Wheel – Yes, we have to talk about it. Standing nearly 200 feet tall, this Ferris wheel offers some of the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. It’s a great experience day or night, but if you want the best photos, sunset is prime time.
📌 🎭 Live Performances at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater – A hidden gem! This award-winning theater puts on world-class productions, including modern plays, musicals, and Shakespeare adaptations.
📌 🚢 Lake Michigan Cruises & Boat Tours – Navy Pier is the launch point for many of Chicago’s best boat tours, including:
Architecture Tours – Learn about Chicago’s iconic buildings from a unique perspective.
Speedboat Rides – Thrill-seekers will love the high-speed Seadog boat tours.
Dinner Cruises – Enjoy a meal with skyline views aboard boats like Odyssey and Spirit of Chicago.
📌 🎆 Fireworks Shows (Summer Nights Only) – If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the free fireworks displays on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These shows light up the sky over Lake Michigan and can be seen from various spots along the lakefront.
📌 🍻 Offshore Rooftop & Bar – The largest rooftop bar in the world (yes, really). Enjoy cocktails with a panoramic view of the skyline and lake. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
👀Take a gander at all the attractions Navy Pier has to offer and purchase your tickets here: https://navypier.org/plan-your-visit/buy-tickets/ 👀
🏖️ Beyond Navy Pier: The Best of the Lakefront
📌 🚲 Bike the Lakefront Trail – Stretching 18 miles along Lake Michigan, this scenic path is perfect for biking, jogging, or a leisurely walk. You’ll pass beaches, parks, and famous Chicago landmarks along the way.
📌 🏝️ North Avenue Beach & Ohio Street Beach – Yes, Chicago has beaches! Both of these spots offer swimming, sunbathing, and stunning city views.
📌 🌳 Maggie Daley Park – Located near Millennium Park, this green space is home to:
A climbing wall
A skating ribbon (ice skating in winter, rollerblading in summer)
Beautiful walking trails and gardens
📌 🏛️ Museum Campus – Just south of Navy Pier, this area is home to:
The Shedd Aquarium 🐠
The Field Museum 🦖
The Adler Planetarium 🔭
💡 Pro Tip: The Chicago Lakefront Trail connects all these spots, so you can easily make a day out of exploring!
🛤️ Something for Everyone
Whether you’re taking in skyline views from the Centennial Wheel, catching a Shakespeare play, or biking the Lakefront Trail, there’s no shortage of things to do along Chicago’s waterfront. What’s your favorite Navy Pier attraction? Let me know in the comments!
