The Naval Pier in Chicago is a landmark on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Admission is free for everyone, but there are paid attractions on the pier. Cultural events are often held here, including seasonal fairs and festivals. In summer, you can watch a fireworks show.
History of creation
In 1916, a municipal pier was opened in the city, it was built on 20,000 logs brought from Oregon by the famous architect Charles Sumner Frost based on the Chicago plan approved in 1909. Initially, it was a berth for cargo and passenger ships, a place for recreation. Exhibitions and theatrical performances began to be held here.
In 1918, the Naval Pier in Chicago began to be used as a prison for draft evaders. In 1927, it was renamed from the municipal to the Chicago Naval Pier in honor of the Navy veterans who participated in the First World War. When World War II began, the pier was used as a training center for the country's Naval Forces. About 10,000 people lived and studied in this place.
Later, a theater with a capacity of 2,500 spectators, a gym, a hairdresser, an atelier, shoe shops, a soda machine, a kitchen and a hospital were opened at the Naval Pier in Chicago. In the mid-1940s, teachers at the University of Illinois taught classes on the pier. This made it possible to meet the demand from the sailors who returned from service. When the university stopped classes, the pier was not used as actively.
Short description
After the Navy Pier in Chicago was restored in 1989, it was added to the list of tourist attractions. Repairs and alterations were carried out several times. Sightseeing boats depart from the pier for residents of Chicago and neighboring cities, states and other countries. Outdoor attractions are open in the Naval Pier Park:
The 46-meter-high Ferris wheel was installed in preparation for the World's Fair in 1893. The ride lasts 8 minutes, and since the opening, technical work necessary for the safety of the attraction has been carried out several times.
- Wave Swinger circles visitors for 3 minutes at an altitude of 4.5 meters.
- The musical carousel with horses and other animals is considered a favorite place for children who come to the pier with their relatives.
- The room of curved mirrors is a maze-type puzzle. The walls are made of optically reflective material, so when looking in a mirror, you can see a curved image.
- Also at the Naval Pier in Chicago, the "Naval Battle" on remote-controlled boats attracts attention.
In addition, 2 museums, a botanical garden, a cinema with one of the largest screens in the city, and the Shakespeare Theater, where more than 600 productions are staged per year, are open on the territory of the tourist site. The children's museum has several areas with interactive exhibitions and attractions, including a children's playground, a fire station, a water playground, a laboratory for experiments and an art studio. The Smith's Stained Glass Museum features more than 150 stained glass paintings, including Tiffany's stained glass windows.
How to get
The Navy Pier in Chicago is accessible by CTA No buses. 2, 29, 65, 66, 124. There are also custom-made tour bus routes through it. You can easily call a taxi or use carsharing services from anywhere in the city.
The pier hosts exhibitions, fairs, and seasonal festivals, such as Christmas or Halloween celebrations. In summer, a fireworks show is held here on Wednesday and Saturday.
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