The Navy Pier, another must-see for sentimental reasons didn’t disappoint. Presently it has shops, restaurants, a food court, IMAX Theater and a few rides like the carousel and Ferris Wheel. The latter is impressive at 148 feet, but the original was 250 feet high with a capacity for 2160 people. George Washington Gale Ferris built it in 1893.

What fascinated me were the displays of vehicles pulled from surrounding waters and the plaques describing the eerie findings. For example, an old car with flat tires and cut brake lines was recovered near the pier. Apparently a couple was heading to catch the ferry after attending a wedding reception.

A boat suffered an explosion in the engine room blowing a hold in the side and subsequently sinking. Only the captain was found on board with no identification. An ambulance was brought out the lake with the drive still alive, but unable to be saved. Both his remains and the vehicle were returned to the Asylum and Treatment Center from where they had come.

“X” marked the spot. Witnesses claim a nanny was being hit on the head and should by a child when suddenly a small bridge over a pond collapsed. The child took on a “demon-like” expression. The recovered body of the child had eyes from their sockets. An old carriage-style Hearst along with a black wooden casket was found in a water filled sinkhole. Considering it was October and the pier seemed to be gearing up for Halloween, I originally thought this was a prop.

With all the decorating and shows pertaining to Halloween in the beginning days of October, I sense the pier is the place to go for all holidays.

Navy Pier sits on the Lake Michigan on the east edge of Chicago. The best way to describe it is something similar to Coney Island or the Atlantic City Boardwalk. It's a collection of restaurants, shops, and boat tours.

Navy Pier is very easy to find, as it sits at the dead end of Grand Avenue. There are plenty of signs pointing towards it. There is also a seasonal bus line that runs from the CTA stations directly to Navy Pier.

Navy Pier is host to good restaurants such as the Billy Goat Tavern, Haagen Daas, Charlie's Ale, Dock Street Cafe, and a food court with McDonald's, Starbucks, and more. There are also kiosks along the edge of the pier with funnel cakes, popcorn, and other yummy festival foods.

The attractions at Navy Pier include a Ferris Wheel modeled after the world's first Ferris Wheel at the Chicago's 1893 World Colombian Exposition. There is also an IMAX Theatre, children's museum, miniature golf, a fun house maze, and other carnival rides. And of course, there are all sorts of local musicians playing various types of music along the water's edge.
There are also shops with various tourist items and curios.

Being a Pier, there are cruises based out of Navy Pier. There's the Seadog power boat cruises of Lake Michigan, sighseeing river cruises and dinner cruises. I took the Shoreline architectural cruise of the Chicago River. (that's in another review!)

The Navy Pier is also a great place to view the Chicago skyline. I'd definitely recommend going to visit the Navy Pier when in Chicago. The Navy Pier is a fun, safe, and entertaining way to spend a few hours.

I've been to Navy Pier numerous times—in warm weather. As any Chicago trip would be less than perfect without a stroll to the end of the Pier, I was determined to go—even in February.

As February is not high tourist time at the Pier, there was a sense of peaceful calm to it all. Unique ice craters covered the shores of Lake Michigan, as a result of the waves, I imagined.

Despite the chilling winds, we made our way to the end of the Pier, in order to savor the sights of flags flying in all of their glory, beautiful views of the Chicago skyline, and of the calm ice covered lake.

As you make your way back up the Pier, I recommend hopping inside to take in the fun and warm up a bit. The botanical gardens, complete with jumping water, were a great way to warm up. If you have kiddos, the Children's Museum is right inside.

Be sure to grab a bite to eat at any magnificent eatery on the Pier (I recommend Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.). And, on your way out be sure to pay a visit to Bob Newhart— wonderfully embodied on the front garden outside of the Pier.

Navy Pier in winter, not to be missed!

Navy Pier is a very large shopping area with little shops and food places all set on, well, a pier. There is also a very large Ferris wheel, boats you can buy rides on, and, I think, miniature golf as well. As you can probably assume, this is a large tourist attraction. Prices are pretty high and there are normally a lot of people. I encourage stopping by for a little bit, maybe catching a ride on the oversize Ferris wheel and heading somewhere else for the rest of the day. While this can be an interesting place to visit and a good one to say, "Oh, I've been there," about, it can become quite nauseating.

Navy Pier is a great spot to go in Chicago. No matter if you are single, dating someone, or married, there is always something to do at the pier. Navy Pier is an excellent experience for everyone out there. It is something you will remember for a long time. I would definitely recommend it to everyone who reads this. It is one of the best ways to spend your time in Chicago. Make sure you don't forget to go on the Ferris wheel, and make sure you check out the magic stand in the indoor section. Overall, this is a fantastic way to spend some time in the great city of Chicago.