Chicago Navy Pier

by Dale Ganzow

Navy Pier is right on Lake Michigan in Downtown Chicago steps away from the Magnificent Mile.

Just blocks off Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile) with many downtown Chicago hotels, this 50-acre jewel is right on Lake Michigan. From rides, attractions, exhibits, restaurants, entertainment, shopping and cruise and tour boats, there's something here for everyone.

Float above it all 30-some stories above the ground on AeroBalloon, a state-of- the-art anchored, helium-filled balloon. The balloon carries 17 passengers at a time for spectacular 360-degree panoramas of a happening downtown Chicago and views as far as the eye can see.

Choose your thrill level at the Transporter FX, the new attraction at Navy Pier. Take a dynamic high-speed motion thrill ride to the Antarctica, to the Moon, or to Wild Africa, Fly into Combat, or Race in the Grand Prix.

Be sure to catch the adrenalin rush 'Wave Swinger'. The ride is forty feet above a pond of water. This forty-eight seat swing ride lifts you fourteen feet in the air, and spins you around for a thrill that shows you a view of Lake Michigan you've never before seen.

Navy Pier's most visible attraction is the 150 foot-high Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel is open year-round (weather permitting) and is great fun for kids of all ages and provides unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline and lakefront.

The City's only Segway-authorized touring company offers guided tours of the lakefront beginning at beautiful Navy Pier. This adventure will begin with Segway-certified training. The tour winds through Chicago neighborhoods filled with the rich character and architectural beauty of Chicago. You'll never experience a tour like this in Chicago, as you'll cherish incredible memories with your friends and family for years to come.

The musical carousel is Navy Pier's very own with its whimsical work-of-art that recreates the Pier's golden age. The carousel's 36 hand-painted animals represent the different styles found throughout the history of carousels.

Bike and Roll Chicago offers all new bikes and skates for rent by the hour, day or week. A great way to tour Chicago, exercise or get some fresh air is on your bike! You can choose to bike on your own or join a Bike and Roll Chicago guided tour. Bikes include free locks, free riding maps, and free safety gear.

You can also putt your way around Pier Park on the Pier's new 18-hole miniature golf course. This attraction weaves you around the base of the ferris wheel, while taking you on a tour of Chicago themed golf holes.

From spectacular fireworks displays to seasonal special events, there is always something happening at Navy Pier. Enjoy world-class theatrical productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre or the larger-than-life cinema at the IMAX Theatre. Navy Pier produces hundreds of free shows, concerts and special events for all ages featuring The Buccaneer Pirates. Navy Pier's mascot Patch is surrounded by jugglers, magicians, marching bands, as well as cultural groups performing music and dance from around the globe.

Three floors of hands-on fun at the Chicago Children's Museum await you inside the Family Pavilion. Experience any one of the cruise boat rides departing from Navy Pier's South Dock or groove to the sounds of live music at the Bud Light Stage at the Navy Pier Beer Garden.

Chicago Children's Museum is the place where play and learning connect. The museum's family-friendly blend of interactive exhibits and innovative educational programs make learning about math, science, reading, the arts, and diverse cultures come alive for kids through age 10 and their families. The museum also hosts a range of traveling exhibits and special performances throughout the year.

Navy Pier's interesting mix of restaurants offers something for every craving too. From casual, family-oriented dining to romantic, candlelit evenings, the emphasis is on variety and excellent cuisine. No matter what the season, an exciting roster of restaurants keeps Navy Pier visitors coming back for more.

Navy Pier also offers dining opportunities as diverse as Chicago itself. Dine at one of the fine restaurants or sample a variety of great tastes to be found at the food court in the Family Pavilion.

Sensational shopping is available year-round at Navy Pier. Featuring everything from cuddly stuffed animals to the latest fashion sunglasses, you'll find a wide variety of unique specialty items and Chicago souvenirs.

Board one of the many pleasure boats docked along Navy Pier's Dock Street for an experience you won't soon forget. This seasonal service offers a wide range of vessels and offers visitors everything from elegant dinner cruises that include dancing and live entertainment to thrilling speedboat rides along Lake Michigan and water taxi rides between lakefront attractions. From the extravagant to the low-key, there is a boat for every occasion at Navy Pier!

Hours of Operation: Summer ( Friday before Memorial Day - Labor Day ) Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight Fall ( Tuesday following Labor Day through October ) Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Winter ( November 1 - March 31* ) Monday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Spring ( April 1 - The Thursday before Memorial Day ) Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. * Closed Thanksgiving Day and December 25 Website: www.navypier.com

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Navy Pier is at the end of East Grand Avenue just east of Downtown Chicago on Lake Michigan.

WHAT: Navy Pier has long been known as one of Chicago's favorite attractions. Originally designed as a shipping and recreation facility, Navy Pier also served as a military training site during two world wars, a venue for concerts and exhibitions, and the temporary home for a once fledgling University of Illinois' Chicago campus. Navy Pier promises great fun for the whole family.

WHEN: Any time of the year, however expect more people on holidays and in the summer or when there are special events planned throughout the year.

WHY: Lively, family fun, picturesque, lakeside.

HOW: For more information on Navy Pier, visit www.navypier.com or phone (312) 595-PIER or (800) 595-PIER.

About the Author

Dale Ganzow is a syndicated travel writer and is president and publisher of Vacation Travel Media, publisher of http://www.chicagotraveladvisor.com , a site focused on Chicago travel.

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