Navy Pier Tours
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Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations—and with good reason. The 3,300-foot (1,010-meter) pier jutting into the waters of Lake Michigan, originally constructed in 1916 as a freight dock and public space, encompasses almost 50 acres (20 hectares) of exhibits, rides, parks, and family attractions.
The Basics
Most Chicago sightseeing tours (by foot, bike, bus, or Segway) include a stop at Navy Pier, which buts right up against the Streeterville neighborhood and the distinctive Chicago skyline—and is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the United States. The pier is also a departure point for the must-do Chicago architecture river cruises and classic lake tours. For kids, Navy Pier features the Chicago Children’s Museum, plus a collection of high-tech rides, hands-on fountains, kid-focused educational exhibits, restaurants, and trinket vendors that will transport your child into the realm of overstimulated joy. Adults will appreciate the lakefront views, cool breezes, and a ride on the gigantic Ferris wheel or classic carousel. Skyline Stage, a 1,500-seat rooftop venue under a canopy, plays host to a variety of shows throughout the summer; and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the pier puts on a whopping fireworks show.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Navy Pier is a must-do for families visiting Chicago with children.
- For a unique view of Navy Pier or the fireworks show, book a dinner cruise.
- The Chicago Explorer Pass includes admission to several Navy Pier attractions, including the Ferris wheel and miniature golf.
- Most attractions and businesses on Navy Pier are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Located east of the Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier is easy to get to by bus and El trains from anywhere in the city, including on the free pier trolley bus. In summer, Shoreline Sightseeing runs a handy water taxi between Navy Pier, the Sears Tower, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.
When to Get There
Although Navy Pier is open year-round, it really comes alive in the summer—in fact it can get mobbed, so arrive early and take public transportation. An IMAX Theater and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater are both good cold-weather options, and there is a winter festival held every year.
Navy Pier History
Originally named the Municipal Pier, it was renamed Navy Pier in 1927 in honor of the naval veterans from the First World War. During World War II, the pier was used as a naval training facility, where about 10,000 people lived, worked, and trained.
Address: 600 E. Grand Avenue, at N. Lake Shore Drive, Streeterville, Chicago 60611, USA
Admission: Varies
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$70.85 USD
Chicago Segway Night Tour
- Take a Chicago night tour the innovative way — by Segway! Glide past illuminated landmarks in the Windy City on an eco-friendly personal transportation device. Start your 2-hour evening tour with a 30-minute orientation session, then take off along the shores of Lake Michigan. You’ll cruise to Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, Museum Campus and more. Numbers are limited to eight passengers per guide for a personalized experience.
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Chicago Architecture River Cruise
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$22.00 USD
Skydeck Chicago Admission
- Visit the Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) with this pre-paid admission ticket. From the highest point in the city, look out on Chicago's skyline for panoramic views of the sprawling Windy City. Peruse the interactive displays and exhibits showcasing Chicago's history, which are geared toward curious learners of all ages. Then walk out on to the Ledge, a glass balcony that allows views of Navy Pier and Wrigley Field from one of the world's tallest buildings, standing 1,353 feet (412.4 meters) tall.
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$40.50 USD
Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Don’t spend time figuring out what to see in Chicago and how to get there — this hop-on hop-off tour provides a mapped-out itinerary of the city's top sights. With 14 strategically located stops, the tour allows you to explore the Windy City at your own pace. See the world-class Art Institute and landmark skyscrapers, while live commentary on board gives you insight into the city's colorful history. Don't forget to snap a selfie in front of the shiny steel bean in Millennium Park!
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$79.00 USD
Chicago Explorer Pass
- This is the easiest and most affordable way to explore some of Chicago's top attractions at your own pace. The Chicago Explorer Pass, valid for 30 days after first use, provides admission to your choice of three, four or five attractions, tours or activities that will save you up to 42 percent on regular ticket prices. Create your own sightseeing itinerary by choosing from among over 25 top sites and things to do, including Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier and and LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
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$37.00 USD
Chicago City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise
- Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks on this 2-hour sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus with a small group of twelve people or less. This ensures an intimate touring experience as you enjoy downtown and some North side neighborhoods. You will have a chance to get out and visit several locations such as the 1888 skyscraper called The Rookery, with its Frank Lloyd Wright designed lobby and the unparalleled skyline views from Museum Campus. Listen as your guide talks about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. The city tour ends at Millennium Park, home of the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, commonly referred to as "the bean." Opt to upgrade your tour with a popular 75-minute open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture. Pick-ups from most downtown Chicago hotels are included.
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$49.95 USD
Chicago Grand Half-Day Tour
- Get the perfect introduction to the wealth of sights in the Windy City during this 4-hour Chicago day tour. Discover the many landmarks spanning both the city's North Side and South Side, enjoying a scenic ride along Lake Michigan on Chicago's Outer Drive along the way. You'll also have the chance to admire the city's Washington and Grant Parks, explore inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory, see Adler Planetarium and visit the iconic Wrigley Building. This Chicago in a half day tour also includes transport between all sites and tour narration.
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$124.00 USD
Viator VIP: Willis Tower Skydeck Early Access, Trolley City Tour and Chicago River Cruise
- See Chicago from several angles, including the 103rd floor of Willis (Sears) Tower, where you have early access to the Skydeck. This Viator VIP package — available nowhere else — provides a crowd-free morning overlooking city landmarks from glass-enclosed balconies. Follow up your vista with a 2-hour narrated trolley tour past Grant Park, the John Hancock Center, the Wrigley Building and more. Finish with an afternoon cruise on the Chicago River and enjoy a complimentary drink as you discover the city's distinctive skyscrapers from an architecture-savvy guide.
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$37.00 USD
City Sightseeing Chicago Hop On Hop Off Tour
- See more of the Windy City with this money-saving, 2.5-hour, hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus ticket. Enjoy informative on-board narration as you cruise by 13 Chicago landmarks including the Art Institute, Field Museum, John Hancock Building, and much more. A range of ticket validation periods, ranging from 24 to 72 hours, also help ensure maximum flexibility.
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$70.85 USD
Chicago Segway Tour
- Glide around Chicago and along Lake Shore Drive past Lake Michigan on your very own Segway. After a 30-minute orientation session, you’re off to see highlights of the Windy City with an expert guide. View city sights such as Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, Millennium Park, Grant Park and more. Select a 2- or 3-hour tour in the morning or afternoon. Numbers are limited to eight passengers per guide for a personalized experience.
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$77.38 USD
Chicago Odyssey Lunch Cruise
- Board a luxurious yacht at Navy Pier for a 2-hour lunch cruise along Chicago’s scenic shoreline. Enjoy a three-course gourmet meal as you take in views of the Windy City from a climate-controlled observation deck, then sip coffee or tea while the yacht’s onboard DJ spins a leisurely afternoon playlist.
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$108.66 USD
Spirit of Chicago Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet
- Make your evening in Chicago one to remember with this 3-hour luxury sunset cruise featuring dinner, sightseeing and dancing along the shores of Lake Michigan. Feast your eyes on incredible views of iconic Windy City sights like Navy Pier, the Willis (Sears) Tower, Buckingham Fountain and Soldier Field, then fill your belly with a bountiful all-you-can-eat buffet. Continue the celebration with a live DJ who will mix up a selection of dance favorites.
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$99.14 USD
Chicago Odyssey Brunch Cruise
- Enjoy waterfront views of downtown Chicago on a 2-hour brunch cruise through the heart of the city. Board a luxurious yacht at Navy Pier then relax on deck with a complementary mimosa. Find a comfortable spot on the three climate-controlled observation decks, and enjoy a sumptuous buffet while the onboard DJ spins a leisurely afternoon playlist. Capture unforgettable images of downtown skyscrapers and architectural landmarks as you navigate along the historic shoreline, then loop back and finish your outing at the bustling Navy Pier.
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$149.00 USD
Chicago by Night Helicopter Tour
- Fly over the sparkling Chicago skyline at night on this helicopter tour. During this 15-minute tour, listen to engaging commentary from your expert pilot as you fly over sights like the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Millennium Park, Lincoln Park and the Shedd Aquarium. Comfortable in a state-of-the-art, heated helicopter, enjoy panoramic views of the Lake Michigan shoreline and the city sprawling out below you. Tour route is subject to change.
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$149.00 USD
Chicago City Sights Helicopter Tour
- Soar above the incredible skyline of Chicago during this 15-minute helicopter flight above the Windy City. Climb aboard your high-tech helicopter for a ride like no other, admiring views of Lake Michigan plus iconic city sights like Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium and the Willis Tower. Along the way you'll hear informative details about the various landmarks from your pilot, who will provide commentary during the flight. Tour route is subject to change.
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$73.95 USD
Chicago City Tour and Chicago River Cruise
- See Chicago from a new perspective during this 4-hour combined bus and boat excursion covering some of the city's most iconic sights. First discover Windy City landmarks such as the skyscrapers of the Loop, Grant Park, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field and the former stomping grounds of President Obama during a narrated coach tour. Then take a Chicago cruise aboard your state-of-the-art yacht, enjoying a cruise of the Chicago River that provides a unique look at the city's architecture from the water. This half-day Chicago exploration also includes hotel pickup.
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$174.50 USD
Private Chicago City Sights Helicopter Tour
- You and a guest will soar above Chicago’s skyscapers, shoreline and iconic sights on a private, 15-minute helicopter tour of the city. Communicate with your personal pilot through a two-way headset, and personalize your flight to your interests. Capture extraordinary aerial images of the city scape as you fly past Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan, then spot Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building and the gleaming Trump Tower. Bank high above Millennium Park and enjoy views of the Windy City from the comfort of a climate-controlled private helicopter. Tour route is subject to change.
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$106.00 USD
Go Chicago Card with Skip the Line Access
- Enjoy admission to more than 26 of Chicago's most popular attractions with the Go Chicago™ Card. Create your own itinerary and sightsee at your own pace after printing your own pass at home; don't waste time redeeming vouchers. This card offers something for all members of the family, from thrilling rides at Navy Pier to undersea learning at the Shedd Aquarium. Take a hop-on hop-off trolley tour or admire the stunning views from SkyDeck Chicago. The Go Chicago™ Card is available in 1-, 2-, 3- or 5-day options.
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$42.50 USD
Chicago Lincoln Park Bike Adventure
- Experience Chicago like never before on this guided, 3-hour bicycle tour. Ride the walking- and cycling-only Chicago Lakefront Trail to and through the city’s beautiful beaches, parks and lagoons. See the coast of Lake Michigan and the breathtaking Chicago skyline, plus bustling Navy Pier, popular North Avenue Beach, the 35-acre Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory and much more. The use of a bike and helmet is included.
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$70.00 USD
360 Chicago Observation Deck (formerly John Hancock Observatory) Admission with Prosecco
- This admission ticket for two people gets you and a special someone access to 360 Chicago (John Hancock Observatory) plus a half bottle of Prosecco — a package that’s not available for purchase at the tower. After a quick elevator ride to the 94th floor of the Hancock Center, savor panoramic views over Chicago from 1,000 feet (304 meters) above the Magnificent Mile. Lift your glass in a toast to landmarks like Navy Pier, the Willis (Sears) Tower and Lake Michigan. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into 360 Chicago.
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$65.30 USD
Chicago Fireworks Viewing by Segway
- Experience Chicago like never before on this guided, 2-hour, small-group Segway tour. Visit popular Grant Park and see Buckingham Fountain’s breathtaking, evening light show, with an illuminated Windy City skyline as the perfect backdrop. Glide along the lakefront, then witness Chicago's weekly summer fireworks display at Navy Pier from a secret location. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes.
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$650.00 USD
Private Guided SUV Tour for up to 4 Guests
- Experience Chicago with a private guide and seperate driver in a luxury SUV. The tour is fully customizable with different itineraries to suit your tastes and interests. Visit Wrigley Field, peruse Fulton Market, and bring your camera for famous skyline views. Then get of the beaten path and venture into local neighborhoods. This tour is ideal for visitors who value privacy and who are looking for a personalized experience.
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$30.00 USD
Chicago River Walking Tour
- A river runs through it: the Chicago River passes right through the heart of downtown and is a major part of city identity. You’ll begin this walking tour at Navy Pier and follow your local guide along the scenic river walk. You’ll learn the role of the river in Chicago’s history, and stop to admire iconic architecture and bridges celebrated as feats of engineering.
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$42.50 USD
Bikes at Night Ride in Chicago
- Ride a bicycle through Chicago's Museum Campus and take in the city sights during a 2.5-hour nighttime ride. View illuminated attractions and pedal along pathways to Buckingham Fountain to see its feast of lights. Finish your guided bike tour at Navy Pier and watch its legendary fireworks display reflected on Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Number of participants is limited to ensure a small-group experience.
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