Chicago's Navy Pier

The Navy Pier hotels in Chicago offer a wide range of choices for the visitor. Our Navy Pier Chicago hotel rates have been negotiated directly with all our hotels to guarantee the lowest rates on Navy Pier Hotels in Chicago. Discover all our in-depth information about hotels in Chicago. You can list the Chicago Navy Pier hotels by their quality rating, just fill out the search from to the right.

About Navy Pier:
On the coastline of Near North Side's Streeterville neighborhood in Chicago, the Navy Pier reaches out into Lake Michigan 3,300 feet. The pier served several purposes over its history. Today, Chicago residents and visitors can visit this public structure for the many venues built on its length, like convention halls, fast-food restaurants, shops, and a concert hall.

Development and History

Daniel Burnham and associates had a plan for city development. The pier was part of their plan, and it was constructed in 1916. In the early 1900s before air conditioning, the attraction became a summer playground for Chicago. Then, when World War II was happening, Chicago leased the pier to the United States Navy. The Navy Pier was a training center for freshwater flattops and training carriers.

After the war, the pier was given to the University of Illinois, and they used the pier for a two-year training course for returning military veterans. When the university found a more suitable location, the pier began to be a site for public events such as the 1960's International Exhibitions where international culture in foods, crafts and performance arts took place.

The Pier Today

Finally, in the 1990s, Chicago renovated the pier and businesses moved in to claim an important piece of the pier. The pier became a successful business and civic location encouraging tourism, and boosting the economy.

Today, the Navy Pier is home to several attractions. One of the most prominent landmarks is the 150-foot Ferris wheel. Museums are included like the Museum of Stained Glass Windows. For children and the young at heart there is a funhouse maze. Theatres, restaurants and more fill the pier, but the main function of Navy Pier today is to be a place where the people of Chicago can come together.