Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Midwest, drawing millions of visitors each year. The history of Navy Pier is a fascinating one, filled with twists and turns, and is closely tied to the history and development of the city of Chicago.
The pier was first built in 1916 as a shipping and recreation center, under the direction of architect Charles Sumner Frost. It was built as part of the Plan of Chicago, a comprehensive plan for the city's development that was proposed by Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett in 1909. The pier was designed to be the city's front door to the lake and was intended to serve as a hub for transportation, entertainment, and recreation.
During the First World War, the pier was used as a training center for the United States Navy, hence its name "Navy Pier". After the war, the pier was returned to the city and was used for a variety of purposes, including as a university campus and an exhibition hall.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Navy Pier became a popular destination for Chicagoans and tourists alike. The pier featured a variety of attractions, including amusement rides, an aquarium, a theater, and a ballroom. The pier was also home to several museums, including the Chicago Children's Museum, which opened in 1946.
However, by the 1950s, Navy Pier had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being demolished. In the 1970s, a group of citizens formed the Friends of the Pier, and they successfully rallied to save the pier and began a massive restoration project. The pier was then transformed into a premier cultural and entertainment destination, and a new Ferris wheel was added in 1995.
Today, Navy Pier is a major tourist destination in Chicago, drawing more than 9 million visitors each year. The pier features a wide range of attractions and activities, including a Ferris wheel, a carousel, an IMAX theater, an indoor botanical garden, and several museums, including the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows and the Chicago Children's Museum. Visitors can also enjoy boat tours of Lake Michigan, and take in the beautiful views of the city and the lake.
Additionally, Navy Pier is also home to many shops, restaurants and cafes, and is a popular spot for special events such as concerts, festivals, and fireworks. In recent years, Navy Pier has undergone a major renovation, with the addition of new gardens and public spaces, the new Centennial Wheel and the Polk Bros Performance Lawns which host various events. The renovation project was completed in 2016, and the pier is now even more beautiful and vibrant than ever before.
The Navy Pier has played a major role in the history and development of Chicago, and it continues to be an important part of the city's cultural and entertainment landscape. It offers something for everyone, from families to individual visitors and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Chicago. With its combination of history, culture, entertainment, and natural beauty, Navy Pier is a true Chicago treasure