What to See and Do at Navy Pier and Lakefront

What to Visit at Navy Pier and Lakefront

• Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
• Buckingham Fountain
• Oak Street Beach

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

Things to do at Navy Pier and Lakefront

culture

Navy Pier Centennial Wheel

The pier combines views of the lake, public spaces and attractions. Centennial Wheel offers another perspective of the skyline from its gondolas.

Activities for your visit

• Stroll through the public spaces of the dock.
• Arrange a ride on the Centennial Wheel if you want to ride the wheel.

Tips for this place

• The walk along the pier and entering the wheel are different experiences.
• Attractions may suspend their operation due to weather conditions.

Book observation wheel tickets ↗

The walk through Navy Pier is free. This link is for Pier Park attractions, including the Centennial Wheel.

Reference sources and location

• Navy Pier Centennial Wheel

Navy Pier General Reference; does not locate the Centennial Wheel line or entrance.

Reference coordinates: 41.891389, -87.599722.

Wikidata Navy Pier

heritage

Buckingham Fountain

Grant Park's monumental fountain is part of the historic lakefront landscape and downtown open walks.

Activities for your visit

• Observe the sculptural details of the fountain from public paths.
• Walk around Grant Park and look towards the lake.

Tips for this place

• Water operation is seasonal and may change.
• Check Park District notices; the ride does not guarantee a water show.

Access ↗

Free access to the public environment of the fountain. Check operating notices and event closures.

Reference sources and location

• Chicago Park District Buckingham Fountain

Venue reference; it does not indicate an entrance, ticket office or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 41.875792, -87.618944.

Wikidata Buckingham Fountain

beach

Oak Street Beach

An urban beach allows you to see the lake and the profile of buildings on the north coast of the center from the promenade and the sand.

Activities for your visit

• Walk along the shore and observe the contrast between the lake and the buildings.
• Check the beach conditions before planning a day of swimming.

Tips for this place

• Swimming is only allowed in authorized areas and periods with lifeguards.
• Check beach information and lake trail notices.

Access ↗

Public access to the beach. Swimming is subject to season, lifeguards and water conditions.

Reference sources and location

• Chicago Park District Oak Street Beach

Venue reference; it does not indicate an entrance, ticket office or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 41.903, -87.623.

Wikidata Oak Street Beach

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-Day Navy Pier and Lakefront Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Navy Pier and a view from the wheel

   Stroll around Navy Pier and plan a ride on Centennial Wheel if you want to add the paid attraction.

2. Day 2

   Grant Park and the North Shore

   Visit Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park and head to Oak Street Beach for a walk along the lake; check your notices.

Tips for Visiting Navy Pier and Lakefront

• The three stops are in different sectors of the shore.
• The operation of fountains and attractions and swimming depend on the season and conditions.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to Eat at Navy Pier and Lakefront

Chicago cuisine tells of its communities: deep dish pizza, traditional Italian sandwiches and jibarito with Puerto Rican roots.

A pizzeria classic

Deep dish pizza

High edge pizza with plenty of cheese and tomato sauce on top. A classic to share during your visit to Chicago.

Reference: Choose Chicago · Local cuisine

Stalls and neighborhood stores

Chicago style hot dog

Beef sausage in bread with poppy, mustard, onion, relish, tomato, pickle, peppers and celery salt. The local combination is served without ketchup.

Reference: Choose Chicago · Local cuisine

Italian-American tradition

Italian beef

Beef sandwich cut very thin and cooked in its juices. A specialty born in the Italian community of Chicago.

Reference: Choose Chicago · Local cuisine

Flavors of the Puerto Rican community

Jibarito

Two sheets of fried plantain replace the bread and wrap the filling. A creation linked to the Puerto Rican community of Chicago.

Reference: Choose Chicago · Local cuisine

A bite of Chicago

Pizza puff

A pocket of dough filled with pizza ingredients and served fried. Iltaco brought its Original Pizza Puff to Chicago cuisine in 1976.

Reference: Iltaco · History of the Original Pizza Puff

Italian-American cuisine

Chicken Vesuvio

Roasted chicken with potatoes, garlic and white wine, often accompanied by peas. Another classic of the Chicago Italian tradition.

Reference: Choose Chicago · Local cuisine