I wanted to go to Navy Pier, not because I knew much about it, but I guess I thought since it was a popular landmark, it had to be good. Well, I wouldn't say it was a complete waste of time, but I would say that it appeals to a very narrow audience. I would say Navy Pier is ideal for people in the Navy, groups who want to drink, or families with little budgetary constraints. I did enjoy the ferris wheel view of Chicago, and I would recommend it if you happen to be at Navy Pier anyway, but I would not go to Navy Pier just for that. The whole pier is crowded, touristy (cheesy), and expensive.

Pricey, touristy, and depressing. Please don't waste time and money at Navy Pier. Most of what is there can be found at any mall in America. The two reasons I do go there are for the IMAX theater and the Chicago Shakespeare theatre (really, really terrific). The food is terrible and overpriced, and the whole place seems like a drain on the wallet. If you have to go, pack a lunch and enjoy walking around outside (admittedly, it does have lovely views).

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.

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.