Official Site

Navy Pier was originally built in 1916 to serve Lake Michigan freighters and provide transportation
to other cities on the Great Lakes, as well as for recreational purposes. In 1941, Navy Pier was
converted to military use and used throughout World War II. From 1946 to 1964, it was a college
campus. After a lull in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Navy Pier was revitalized and, today, it is a multi-
million dollar convention, cultural and recreation center and Chicago’s most visited attraction.
It features a grand ferris wheel, a musical carousel, plenty of shops and restaurants, a 3D thrill
ride, a museum, and the grand Shakepeare theatre.