Navy Pier
The Centennial Wheel, Cruises & Visitor Guide to Chicago's Lakefront Pier
⏱ 2-4 hours👤 All ages$$
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Navy Pier opened in 1916 and has been one of Chicago's most-visited destinations for generations. Stretching more than half a mile into Lake Michigan just northeast of the Loop, the pier itself is free to walk, lined with gardens, restaurants, and wide-open views back at the skyline and out over the water.
The signature attraction is the Centennial Wheel, a 196-foot observation wheel installed in 2016 to replace the pier's original Ferris wheel — itself an homage to the very first Ferris Wheel, which debuted at Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. Enclosed gondolas make it a year-round ride with skyline and lake views. The pier is also the main departure point for lake and river sightseeing cruises, including some architecture tours and the high-speed thrill boats.
For families, the Chicago Children's Museum on the pier is a major draw, and the indoor Crystal Gardens botanical conservatory is a pleasant all-weather stop. In summer, the pier hosts free fireworks over the lake on select evenings. It's unabashedly a tourist attraction, but the lakefront setting and the range of things to do make it an easy, flexible outing — walk it for free, then pick the ticketed pieces that suit your group.
What to Expect
Format
The pier is free to walk. Individual attractions — the Centennial Wheel, boat cruises, the Children's Museum, the conservatory — are ticketed separately. Self-paced.
Best Time
Summer evenings for the lake breeze and fireworks on select nights; weekday afternoons are calmer. The Centennial Wheel runs year-round thanks to enclosed gondolas.
Duration
2-4 hours depending on how many ticketed attractions you add.
Tips
Pick your ticketed pieces rather than paying for everything — many visitors just ride the wheel and walk the pier. Boat cruises (including some architecture tours) depart from here, so you can combine a cruise with a pier visit. Summer weekends are very crowded; go early or on a weekday if you can.
⚡ Quick Picks
Best For
Families and first-timers wanting an easy, flexible lakefront outing with options for all ages.
Families
A go-to. The Centennial Wheel, the Children's Museum, and the open space make it one of the most kid-friendly stops in the city.
Couples
An evening walk with the wheel and the skyline lights — and summer fireworks — is a low-key date.
Pair With
Boat cruises depart from the pier, so it pairs naturally with a lake or architecture cruise. It's also an easy add-on to a Museum Campus or downtown day.
Time Needed
A half-day at most; less if you're just riding the wheel.
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Get Tickets →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Navy Pier free?
Walking the pier itself is free. Individual attractions — the Centennial Wheel, boat cruises, the Chicago Children's Museum, the Crystal Gardens conservatory — are ticketed separately.
How tall is the Centennial Wheel?
About 196 feet. It opened in 2016, replacing the pier's earlier Ferris wheel, and runs year-round with enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas.
Can I take a boat cruise from Navy Pier?
Yes — it's a main departure point for lake sightseeing cruises, some architecture tours, and high-speed thrill boats. You can combine a cruise with your pier visit.
Is it good for kids?
Very — the Children's Museum, the observation wheel, and the open lakefront space make it one of the most family-friendly destinations in Chicago.
When are the fireworks?
Navy Pier hosts free fireworks over the lake on select summer evenings. Check the current season's schedule before planning around them.
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