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Navy Pier

3 star rating
based on 217 reviews

Categories: Shopping Centers, Arts & Entertainment  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Near North Side
600 E Grand Ave
(at Illinois St)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-7437
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Garage
Good for Kids:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

217 reviews for Navy Pier

Review Highlights   

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"The view of Lake Michigan is awesome and the ferris wheel is a MUST." (in 77 reviews)
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"Walk thru the stained glass museum, its beautiful." (in 18 reviews)
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"You do have some nice views of the city and Lake Michigan." (in 17 reviews)
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Photo of Clarence A.

Elite '09

19

201

Clarence A.

Daly City, CA

4 star rating
11/11/2009 8 photos

3 1/2 stars I like this pier dunno why the locals don't like it, besides being one of the cleaniest piers it has alot to offer

service **** all staff very friendly
ambiance ***** on a nice sunny day or warm night this place hits the spot
price depends on what you do, eat, watch a movie or buy alcohol haha

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Photo of Ann L.

Elite '09

363

1461

Ann L.

Fremont, CA

3 star rating
10/26/2009

If you're been to SF Pier 39 you've been to Navy Pier.  I still thought it was fine for tourist.

I like the huge Ferris Wheel.  Didn't ride it cuz it's $6.

They have a swing ride & carousel.  Miniature golf too.

Inside they have a food court:
Garrett's for popcorn.  I liked the caramel one.
McDonald's
Chinese take-out food
Billy Goat Tavern for cheezeborger
Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant
Capi's Italian Kitchen
etc, etc.

Best is the Fireworks they have on Fri & Sat at 9pm until Oct 31.  It's at the end of the Pier on the Right.  It was Great.  Only about 10 min too in the freezing cold.

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Photo of Kevin C.

 

7

44

Kevin C.

Chandler, AZ

3 star rating
11/10/2009

Visited Navy Pier on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.  Awesome view of the lake and cityscape, especially from the massive ferris wheel.  We had a relatively short wait in line, but if we'd have been 10 minutes later, probably would have blown it off as the line got REALLY long, and for some inexplicable reason, they are very slow to load people onto the wheel.  They could easily move people through 2x or more faster.  Combine that with the $6 price and I think they're losing customers and revenue.  Move the line and charge something more reasonable, and they'd generate more revenue and give more people a beautiful ride.  Lots of shops and places to eat.  Great place for a leisurely stroll.

Rhoda, interesting comparison to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which I've visited dozens of times.  Your critique is spot-on.  Makes me want to go back!

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Photo of Rhoda G.

Elite '09

134

190

Rhoda G.

San Mateo, CA

2 star rating
10/16/2009

Personally, I think the Navy Pier is overrated. It's a poor man's version of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk back home. There's not much to do except for go on the overpriced rides or eat at ho-hum restaurants. I think McDonald's was the most crowded. The only reasons I would go there are for the sugar coated walnuts (addicting!), go on a boat tour, or maybe a romantic stroll.

If you are a first time visitor, check this place out. You do have some nice views of the city and Lake Michigan. After going to Chicago twice, I don't think that I would go back here again unless there's an event nearby or tag along with people who never been here before.

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Photo of Ivy W.

 

116

419

Ivy W.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
10/8/2009 1 photo

I recently visited Chicago for the first time, so obviously on my list of places to go to included Navy Pier.  To be honest, I thought it was a waste of time.  There's not much to do on the pier unless you like shopping for and looking at pretty useless products (cheap jewelry, door hangers, hats, etc.) or you're riding on one of the ferries for a skyline tour on the lake.

In my opinion, Navy Pier reminds me a lot of Santa Monica Pier out in California, but not as interesting.  I guess it's an okay place to visit if you're a first timer, but after that? Skip it.

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Photo of Richard M.

Elite '09

508

139

Richard M.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
9/10/2009

5  Stars for this place.
It has it all.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant, McDonalds, blah blah blah...
Go see it for yourself.
I had a great time here ......
I can't wait to do it all and do it better.
Miss you Chicago ; - )

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Photo of Lorrie M.

Elite '09

409

661

Lorrie M.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
9/18/2009

Although I think this place might be taking some heat from locals for being just a 'whatever' type of place with your typical overpriced popcorn, drinks and not so good restaurants (but overhyped) ... I still find this to be a pretty awesome place to visit.

There are so many activities to do here besides eat and shop at overpriced souvenir shops such as taking a speed boat around the lake to view the city from the water side. The view is absolutely breathtaking and the ride isn't bad either!

They have plenty of food if you do have a case of the munchies, including a very cool beer garden at the end of the pier with lots of beer choices. I would come here on a typical sunny day just for the sake of walking along and seeing all the liveliness. Great place to visit!

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user photo

Elite '09

46

340

Brent W.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/22/2009

At the risk of losing all yelp credibility (as if...) I'm gonna go ahead and state it: I really enjoy Navy Pier, especially on a beautiful, clear sunny day.  Caveat: I have a two and a half year old son and that makes it happen all around.  

We eat at Riva on the patio almost exclusively and then just walk about doing whatever, maybe take in a boat ride, Thomas the train is compulsory, he won't do the ferris wheel (yet!) and hit up any number of other attractions.  Oh, and he likes the indoor stained glass too....regular ol Frank Lloyd W, he.

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Photo of tommy k.

 

15

208

tommy k.

Clay, SD

3 star rating
9/28/2009

Navy Pier is just a place to go. I'm not really sure what the purpose is, but I wouldn't bring many expectations with you when you go.

That's probably why so many people like it while others don't. Don't expect it to tell you about Chicago or change any notions. It is a pier with respectable views of the city, nice crowds, and some unadventurous restaurants. I think you could tack Navy Pier on any city and it would feel the same sans the skyline. Still, it's not a bad place just to go.

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Photo of Belinda S.

Elite '09

311

895

Belinda S.

Irvine, CA

4 star rating
8/14/2009 2 photos

The navy pier is wonderful for taking a stroll right before the sun sets and looking at the view of the lake and skyscrapers. I didnt do any of the tourist attractions, but they do offer food, rides, and boat tours from the pier.

There is also fireworks on Saturdays and Wednesdays! Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to see so I don't know how great they are.

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Photo of Mickey A.

Elite '09

81

277

Mickey A.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
7/20/2009

Oh, all right. I'll be the 202nd review.

The trick to weaving between the crowds is to wait for a group to look one way, and then you can zip past them in the other direction. For example, a family of 6 walking in a row, gasping in amazement at the ferris wheel, all the while turning their heads in that direction, usually making an teeny weeny bit of a gap enough for you to make your move. BUT the key is to move quickly and smoothly with little to no physical contact with other people. Also, having somewhat good dodge-ball type reflex skills will take you to the Beer Garden in approximately 15 minutes or less...on a Saturday. Good luck.

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Photo of Mary T.

Elite '09

151

480

Mary T.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
6/27/2009

Did you know Navy Pier's master plan was to create 5 piers, not just one?
Did you know Navy Pier housed several regiments of soldiers, Red Cross and Home Defense during WWI?
Did you know George HW Bush (Sr) completed pilot training at Navy Pier?
Did you know UIC's campus used to be at Navy Pier?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions I'm not surprised considering what it is now.

It galls me that they have the nerve to call it Historic Navy Pier. While it's true that the Pier's history runs deep, its latest incarnation has erased virtually all historical vestiges. Today's Navy Pier is a tourist wasteland and mecca for the stroller set; chock full of fast food chains, overpriced tchotchkes, and of course the McDonald's Ferris Wheel - it's like a glorified carnival.

I consider this place my own personal hell, literally. When I set foot on the pier I become tense and cranky from the crowds of people walking aimlessly and screaming children running about. Is there a tourist guidebook that suggests stopping abruptly for no reason or traipsing up and down the pier in zig-zag formation so no one can pass, will ward off potential muggers or something?

While it's no secret how I feel about this place I will admit that it has a few redeeming attractions (the sole reason for the second star): Skyline Stage and Shakespeare Theater and the Stained Glass Museum.

I shudder every time I come here praying to make it out before I lose it and run screaming like a banshee off the end of the pier into the lake.

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Photo of Marco D.

Elite '09

55

101

Marco D.

Ferndale, MI

1 star rating
7/3/2009

If you enjoy surrounding yourself with merchants that sell over priced garbage and horrid food, or if you are a tourist with no imagination Navy pier just might be heaven to you.   Though the ferris wheel might appear to be a romantic idea as you drive down lake shore drive at night - be warned that once seated in the ferris wheel you will be a captive audience to the commercials that are piped in to each car.   Not to mention the price of parking.  
In all fairness I must admit that I go there a few times a year to see a new release movie on the imax screen, which is bitchin.
So unless you are a Carney or you want to go the imax.  Stay home.

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Photo of Edwin Q.

Elite '09

21

62

Edwin Q.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
7/28/2009

If I come to Navy Pier is for any of two reasons:  Someone from out of town is visiting with me and I want to show them every hole in town... or I go to their IMAX to watch a movie.
It's way to touristy for me!!! However, I also love the stained glass museum. A must see!!!!!

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Photo of Josh V.

Elite '09

56

112

Josh V.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
6/22/2009

If I believed in Hell, Navy Pier is what I think it would be like. Crowds of slowly meandering people that are impossible to navigate through. Children everywhere. Shops full of junk that no one needs. Crappy restaurants--mostly fast food--with limited selection and high prices. Over-priced drinks. Dirty bathrooms. Did I mention the throngs of people and an adult-to-child ratio which seems to be about 1:17? And 97.3% of them are tourists.

Don't try to walk through NP on the inside if you're trying to get anywhere. It can be hard to navigate the crowds outside, but it's much worse inside since the halls aren't that wide and they are full of carts selling crap.

I am inclined to give this place 1 star but it has a few redeeming qualities that together give it an additional star:

1) IMAX. Yes it's probably over-priced, but that's IMAX for you. It's the only one in the city.
2) Chicago Shakespeare Theater. A very nice theater. I just wish I could teleport to it.
3) Skyline. Short of being on a boat, this is probably the best way to see Chicago's amazing skyline, which looks good during the day and incredible at night.

I generally avoid this place unless I'm attending a particular event and so far I've always come back to tell about it. That's more than you could say for the actual (assuming it existed) Hell I'm sure.

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Photo of Ryne D.

Elite '09

42

187

Ryne D.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
8/8/2009

It's a horrendous cycle with no signs of stopping.  People hear that Navy Pier's the most popular attraction in Chicago.  They go there.  They realize there's nothing to do unless you had planned to watch an IMAX movie or a play, which they hadn't.  But, since they're there, it drives up the Navy Pier's attendance numbers.  Making it the most popular attraction in Chicago.

Now, I love the IMAX, and the Shakespeare theater is great.  But if they would move away from all the direction-less tourists at the Pier, I'd love those places that much more.

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Photo of Brian T.

 

0

42

Brian T.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
7/14/2009

1. Fill your bathtub with water. 2. Rope-off the bathtub area  3. Invite a family of eight over to share your bathroom space  4. Purchase a package of six Push-Pops 5.  Flush an extra $2 down the toilet.

Replicate the Navy Pier experience in the comfort of your own home!

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Photo of Keon D.

Elite '09

146

137

Keon D.

Alexandria, VA

4 star rating
5/18/2009

*I'm a tourist*

Having never come to chicago before I googled places to see and this came up as one of the must-do's.  Maybe if I was native to chicago I wouldn't have thought it was as cool, but as a tourist it was pretty awesome.

First off the view is great and the walk along the very long pier is quite beautiful. I liked that there were different shops there and things to amuse yourself with. You can browse stores or just simply look out and enjoy the view of the lake.

I highly recommend going on the ferris wheel. The view of the city is fantastic from the wheel and if you like photography it will also allow you to get some good shots. The rotating swings are also a good ride to go on as well.

All in and all, this is a good place to come and I'd put this on my list if I was visiting Chicago.

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Photo of Joan S.

Elite '09

1772

1368

Joan S.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
4/13/2009

Barry's review inspired me to write one of my own, long overdue.

And I see that I am not the only reviewer who remembers Navy Pier before its renovation.
A bit of history from a Chicago native who lived in Chi for decades, until just 10 years ago:
The Pier was built in 1916 (no I'm not old enough to remember that far back, lol, but my mother remembers the Pier as far back as the 1930's)  for use as a shipping facility/terminal.  It was filled with warehouses, and always surrounded by huge freighters.  
I remember seeing the big ships when I was a teenager, and I thought it was too cool to wave to all the sailors from all over the world (the French had the cutest uniforms, I can picture them as if it was yesterday, standing on the decks, waving back to us).
My mom says there was a streetcar that ran the length of the Pier when she was a kid, so people could see the views from the very end.

In the 1960's, lasting until 1989, the Pier fell into a state of disrepair.  No investors would get involved in renovating the thing, it was that bad.  
I remember going to an Art Expo at Navy Pier when there were gigantic holes in the roof and birds flying around inside.  It was still in its decaying warehouse condition, and I can remember thinking that a lot of expensive art would be lost if a sudden rainstorm hit.....the roof was hanging on by its reputation alone.

The Pier, to me, is now a stately landmark that was restored to a condition that's better than when originally built.
And that's saying something.  That Pier is huge.  
I visited frequently when I lived in suburban Chicago, always feeling proud that the new Navy Pier did not evolve to be nearly as tacky as it could have been.

One of my fondest memories of Navy Pier happened shortly before I moved to CA.  My lifelong woman friend, my BFF, and I took one last outing to the city together, to say farewell to each other, and so I could say goodbye to the city that had been my lifetime home.  We went into a photo booth on the Pier, and took pics together, just as we had done back in high school.  I still have the photos, always will.  

All things considered, Navy Pier had a happy ending.  
Well done, Chicago, as always.

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Photo of Molly O.

Elite '09

67

202

Molly O.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
5/23/2009

Two stars for the people watching. Leather pants and a jean jacket in 80 degree weather? Yes please. Crazy people with crazy kids? Yes.

Otherwise, no...go away. This place is a time suck.  Awful food, expensive drinks, tourist central...this place screams "CRAP."

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Photo of Kelly S.

Elite '09

98

181

Kelly S.

Oak Park, IL

3 star rating
5/5/2009

I venture to Navy Pier mayyyybe twice a year.  I have vivid memories of riding the ferris wheel with a bee trapped inside when I first moved to Chicago.  

I love that I can sit on the water and enjoy a beverage.  I do not love the high prices or mass amounts of tourists.  On my visit here last weekend I noticed how culturally diverse this place is.  Really. All kinds of people from all walks of life.  Kind of a little microcosm of Chicago.

Why oh why aren't there more/ any restaurants ON the water in Chicago? (Sorry, Castaways doesn't count.)

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Photo of Stephanie L.

 

2

42

Stephanie L.

Toledo, OH

5 star rating
9/25/2009

Cool place to check out and spend a couple of hours... restaurants, games, souvenirs, theater, rides, junk food, views, a long stroll... a little bummed that the ferris wheel was not in operation the day we went, nor the big balloon sitting out at the entrance.  But still very picturesque!

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Photo of ER S.

 

0

137

ER S.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
7/20/2009

I never understand why Navy Pier has to be THIS awful.  

It's very sad... I never go to the Children's Museum with my five year old, or to Shakespeare with my husband, because I just can't bear to go there.

Traffic is awful, pricing is completely ridiculous, and everything is complete tasteless, overpriced, overcrowded crap.  I can't understand why anyone, even the tourists, goes there.  

Truly and completely awful.  What a waste of waterfront.

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Photo of James P.

Elite '09

37

110

James P.

Bethesda, MD

3 star rating
3/18/2009

Navy Pier looks kinda cool and big right before the entrance, but if you walk through and get to the end.. you'll probably say the same thing as me: "That's it?"  Personally, there was nothing to do other then rent out a bike and ride along Lake Michigan because that was an awesome experience.  I don't remember the last time I had so much fun riding a bike.

The trail was packed with people running, roller blading and biking and it was a first for me seeing just patches of beaches along the coast which I thought was neat.  The only bad part was the wind blowing sand into my eyes constantly!  If you ever go biking along the shore in Chicago, make sure to wear some type of protective goggles like sunglasses and you'll thank me later =P.  If I ever come here again, it'll be for the biking and biking only.. of course I will be more prepared hehe.

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Photo of Tricia L.

Elite '09

111

358

Tricia L.

Morton Grove, IL

3 star rating
3/28/2009

Yes, it's touristy.  Yes, the prices here are jacked up.  Yes, expect to have to weave through packs of high school students, clusters of families with strollers, and hoards of bodies.  

But on a nice, clear day, you're bound to see some awesome views of the lake and city from the pier.  Is it worth it?  You'll have to come and see.

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Photo of Sarah B.

Elite '09

139

181

Sarah B.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
4/20/2009

In general, I do not care for Navy Pier. I think it is just about the wost tourist trap Chicago has to offer. However, I came to the Pier the past couple of days to attend the InStore Jewelry show and had an okay experience. So this review is based on the the convention/event space.

The show was well organized and signage was good. I realize this has not much to do with Navy Pier and more to do with InStore but it was helpful nonetheless. Parking was easy but very expensive, twenty-four bones. Terrible.

The space was well lit and clean. Plenty of restrooms and the rooms set aside for seminars were just the right size to adequately hear the speaker.

And the convention space was far, far away from wandering tourists which was nice. Overall, I thought it was a good space to hold a show.

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Photo of Teej T.

Elite '09

469

627

Teej T.

Urbana, IL

3 star rating
3/29/2009

Uh, no in general to Navy Pier.  It looked all exciting and delightful, and then quickly i realized there was almost nothing to it.  I wasn't in a ferris wheel mood, and I wasn't a kindergartner, junior higher, high schooler on a date, or a grandmother from Iowa with a "I LOVE KITTENS" sweatshirt (no offense, ma'am.  The puffy paint did look cool).

The only things Navy Pier has going for it are the fact that it's got a great view of the lake and the city, and you can get in and out relatively quickly.  The stained glass museum was mildly interesting, but then I was surrounded by tourists from...Nebraska (I think)....mentioning how "those heatheen Catholics got one thing right with their windows."  Wow.

I finally emerged from the stained glassery with my friend Ed, thinking our mallish hell experience was over--but oh no, it wasn't.

We walked right into a pavillion where a bunch of people were milling about because there was a guy in an Arthur suit taking pictures with EVERYONE'S toddler.

It was an absolute zoo...from hell--with crazy music, screaming children, dropped ice cream and chaos everywhere.

And yes, I kinda wanted a picture with the bookish anteater.

That said, I enjoyed my walk around the NP, but wouldn't be going back.

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Photo of Justin H.

Elite '09

29

235

Justin H.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
3/14/2009

Worst tourist trap yuck
crowded expensive horror
avoid at all cost

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Photo of Jenn P.

Elite '09

12

133

Jenn P.

Santa Clara, CA

3 star rating
6/8/2009

Very similar to Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39 in SF except more claustrophobic feeling. Probably due to the Chicago winters/snow, everything is mostly indoors where the ceilings are low and the walkways are narrow.

Since the parking garage is attached to the main building, when people are entering and exiting, you get a delicious waft of exhaust fumes. Couldn't they have double door-ed this somehow?

There's just too much going on here for me. They have an Imax theater, multiple convention halls, public stained glass museum and souvenir shops and restaurants sprinkled in here and there. I was excited for the Bubba Gumps but disappointed I didn't see the famous bench w/ the Nikes. There's also a giant ferris wheel located out front which btw, I hope they don't operate on SUPER windy days. Doesn't seem very safe?

Navy Pier is definitely a tourist trap-it's one of those places that you "have to" visit while in Chicago but it leaves you feeling kind of jipped. I did pick up some cool Obama swag though! And, the weekend/holiday fireworks are a nice touch too.

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Photo of Lucy L.

Elite '09

195

556

Lucy L.

New York, NY

3 star rating
5/5/2009

Typical tourist attraction in Chicago, would say I love it or hate it.. more like it's just A-OK. most of the city boat tours start here, so here is your best bet to get on the tours..I highly recommend the city architecture boat tour..

They have standard fastfood, chain restaurant and shop along the pier.

Majority are tourist, however locals do come here to enjoy the nice view of the lake on a sunny day.

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Photo of Karen T.

Elite '09

576

215

Karen T.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
1/29/2009

I like to equate Navy Pier to Disneyland. Yes, it can be hokey, touristy, and crowded, but on the opposite end of the spectrum...it's the happiest place on Earth. Except in LA, people don't walk places, they drive, so they only have to deal with car traffic, not foot traffic. Sometimes, I wish I could play a GTA game with my car and just run jaywalkers over.

And I have a Friends quote about Disneyland...well, the weirdest place someone's ever had...you know:

Ross: Disneyland, 1989, It's a Small World After All. Uh, yeah... the ride broke down, so Carol and I went behind a couple of those mechanical dutch children... then they fixed the ride, and we were asked never to return to the Magic Kingdom.

And no, there are no mechanical dutch children at Navy Pier. I've looked. (:

What it does have though, is the IMAX theater. Nerd alert here: I loved watching Harry Potter movies opening night on the big screen. NO, I wasn't one of those dressed in capes. And of course, I can take my tourist friends on the ferris wheel. They can "ooh" and "ahh" at the fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights from my window. Not going to lie - I do the same thing on NYE with my friends. Last but certainly not least: the Crystal Gardens are gorgeous.

Navy Pier is my next door neighbor and I love it - and it's no warped version of Stockholm Syndrome. Especially during the summer. All I have to do is step out, walk a block and I'm at Ohio Street Beach or the lake path. It's the closest I'll get to having Disneyland and Universal Citywalk next to the beach.

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Photo of Jean C.

Elite '09

27

112

Jean C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/31/2009

The hubby and I woke up early on our day off to take the el and walk around downtown.  We didn't have a plan but thought maybe a river boat tour of Chicago architecture would be fun.  We went to Navy Pier after looking on our iPhone for a tour.  Navy Pier had a few options so we decided to walk that way.  I had forgotten how nice it is!  I have gone the past few times for the Spirit of Chicago but it's been a while since I've just wandered and strolled up the pier.  It was the perfect day.  We packed a lunch and ate in the beer garden looking out on the lake.  On our way out, we looked at the stained glass museum.  Gorgeous work done by Tiffany and others.  It can be a tourist trap but it is still a great place to go and explore.  Oh, and we never did take that architecture tour.  We got caught up walking around the pier and enjoying ourselves!

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Photo of Jo W.

Elite '09

96

322

Jo W.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
1/19/2009

I worked on the pier for 3 1/2 years, so I'm only writing this review to give a few tips:

- Don't park on the pier.  When I worked here the cost of parking was insane, and it's only gotten worse.  Park in one of the surrounding garages and walk over to save a few bucks.  If walking is not your thing, catch one of the free trolleys or take a bus.

- It's a tourist trap, so don't be surprised at the crowds of people and screaming children.  The shops inside are also touristy.  As with most tourist traps, prices are inflated.  Be prepared for that.

- Want to avoid all of previously mentioned touristy things?  Come to the pier early in the morning before it opens and walk around and appreciate the true beauty and the silence.  The pier doesn't open until 10am, but on most days the doors are open by 7am.  Nothing will be open (except McDonald's), but you can walk through the stained glass museum (which is pretty cool and worth a look) in peace, or take a stroll outside and admire the beauty that is Chicago's lakefront.  Trust me on this one.

- Do an architectural tour if you haven't already.  Everyone should do this at least once, no matter how long you've lived in Chicago.  It is SO worth it.

- Check out the park just north of the pier, across from Lakepoint Tower.  It's beautiful, and there is a long dock that has an amazing view of the city.  It's one of my favorite spots in Chicago.

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Photo of Chi Elite E.

 

13

27

Chi Elite E.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/11/2009

I can't believe this has a low rating? Who doesn't like coming here once in a while? I love coming here and enjoying a day, brings back memories as a kid.

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Photo of Mee S.

Elite '09

14

83

Mee S.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
4/20/2009

So I headed over to Navy Pier for some mini golf with my nieces and nephew. The course is nice to golf in but I had a problem with the other 20 thousand people who we're trying to mini golf at the same time. I don't mind waiting for the people in front of me to finish putting but I do have a problem with the people behind me trying to rush me to golf. I paid my $ to golf so I'm taking my sweet time to golf.

Suggest maybe giving people a 5-10min head up time before you allow the other people to golf. Just my suggestion.

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13

98

Bob D.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
7/8/2009

Go to see a theater production, go to drink on the lake front, go to see the stained glass museum,  but for god sakes keep your expectations low and don't eat the food.  The Ferris wheel is a nice view but damn, the one Chicago had in 1893 was a lot bigger than this one!
   The kitschy bullshit Restaurants are lined up waiting to take you for a scarier ride than any of the amusements,  I personally haven't eaten here, but have worked on the pier for 8 months and know it inside and out (I bring my lunch) there are fast food vendors a plenty and fast food vendors disguised as full service restaurants there to rape you.  Harry Caray's is there to remind you that whoever bought the rights to his name will milk that teet for all it is worth,  A small train that goes in a circle no more than 20 feet around is decorated in more shlotcky train doodads than a kids train museum, an embarrassment to capitalism, is this really what we have become?
  There are historic markers to inform you of the past glory of the pier, which is ironic that a place so utilitarian is now completely dissfunctional as a support system to our culture.  I am always amazed that no matter where in this great country you go you can buy the same bullshit, it is all here if you are looking.
  The Childrens Museum is here, that means something to some, but I haven't found a need for it , my children are too curious to be hand fed this crap.
 One plus is the beer garden, last year a friends Jazz band played here and it was nice sitting on the lake, drinking $4 Goose Islands. They have daily specials, Wednesdays  was $4 312's and $3 bud lights,  so  the beer is reasonable and the views are nice.  
  The pier actually lowered the price to park, this winter it was $24 now it is $20,  my advice is to find free parking in the south loop, and bus in.  Savings $17.75, don't eat, get a good buzz on, and find somewhere on the near north side to splurge.
 The only thing you can find here that is authentic Chicago are the people working at some of the stalls,  I found a very authentic girl from Bridgeport that was happy to tell me about all the "ghetto motherfuckers that work at Soldiers Field", now that was worth the price of admission.
 One last complaint,  Fuck you to the parking staff, you pieces of shit sit on your asses watching cameras, and when someone comes in because they lost their parking ticket or need help with their pass, you act as if the customer is an escaped convict and deserves to be ostricized,  go fuck yourself many times.

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2

15

Kathy C.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
8/12/2009

I love it. Especiall taking the late nite cruise on the mystic blue or viewing the fireworks on Wednesday or Saturday evenings

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1

9

Fernando T.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
4/23/2009

I was surprised that you could actually yelp about Navy Pier...

My second surprise was to see so many people (Chicagoans, I assume) bitching about tourists. What is wrong with you people!?! Hello! This is Chicago! Tourism is income for the city! Are you freaking kidding me!?! There is always suburbia, you know!

Well, that said, Navy Pier is cool! Sure! it's touristy, but you can always just hang out and have a beer, admire the city views and enjoy the weather. Recommendation: go there in the Spring or Summer. It can be pretty brutal in Winter....even for a city dweller, Navy Pier can certainly provide a "change" in the regular city routine...it's all about the mindset people...Just enjoy yourself!

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Elite '09

647

1220

Dave H.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
9/6/2008 8 photos

The Navy Pier is Chicago's "lakefront playground" and frightening, which is probably why I've never written about it until now.

A huge, touristy, crowded "entertainment" trap of a place, the Navy Pier is nonsensical, from the metallic statues (Bob Newhart and the creepy children), and packed full of lollygaggers (with or without strollers) during the summer. Traffic patterns are brutal, so lucky you if you're walking there (or take the Metro!). Pick a corporate chain, it's probably there. Starbucks, McDonald's, Bubba Gump Shrimp, you name it. They have an IMAX theatre, if you're into that. They also have fairly obvious Ferris wheel, if you're into that.

Great news, this is the perfect place to take out-of-towners who don't know any better, so they can spend their money on overpriced eats, or perhaps in the mall stores. Good news, you can drink alcohol here. Bad news, you can't take your liquor with you when you leave the Pier. If you MUST go, please do so only once, then don't forget to patronize your local businesses, kay?

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Elite '09

57

899

David R.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
9/15/2008

Whoa, you can review Navy Pier?  Awesome, here we go.

I fucking hate Navy Pier.  I have to come here for the Chicago Shakespeare Theater (I'm a season subscriber), which is a real cultural irony if you ask me.  Otherwise, I avoid like the plague.

The Ferris wheel is a blight on our skyline.

The stained-glass window gallery is cool.  Otherwise this monstrosity has no redeeming value.

Oh, but thank you for siphoning tourists and provincials away from other parts of the city which I do frequent.  If we could get them all crammed onto the pier at the same time, then saw it off Bugs Bunny style and let it drift out into the lake, that would be awesome.

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