Where is Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Navy Pier is located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It lies between Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive and is situated along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It is famous for its Ferris wheel, restaurants, shops, and entertainment for visitors.

Navy Pier Location Map, Chicago, Illinois

Top Attractions Inside Navy Pier

  • Centennial Wheel – Iconic Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater – Renowned theater hosting plays, musicals, and family performances.
  • Children’s Museum – Interactive exhibits and educational activities for children of all ages.
  • Dining & Restaurants – Variety of eateries featuring local cuisine, casual dining, and waterfront views.
  • Shopping & Retail – Shops offering souvenirs, fashion, and local artisan products.
  • Seasonal Festivals & Events – Concerts, fireworks, and cultural events throughout the year.
  • Lakefront Cruises – Boat tours departing from the pier, offering scenic views of the city and lake.

Navy Pier Facts

Official NameNavy Pier
Location600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, USA — Lake Michigan waterfront
Latitude & Longitude41.8916° N, 87.6079° W
Total AreaApprox. 50 acres (≈20 hectares)
Established / OpenedOpened July 15, 1916; major redevelopment completed 1995–1999
FounderCity of Chicago / Chicago Plan Commission
Managed ByChicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
RegionChicago Lakefront / Downtown Chicago, Illinois
AddressNavy Pier, 600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Zip Code60611
Area Code312 / 872
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) – UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptEntertainment, dining, shopping, lakefront recreation, cultural events, family attractions
Main Sections / AreasFerris wheel & rides, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, exhibition halls, restaurants, retail shops, parks & promenades
Famous AttractionsCentennial Wheel, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Children’s Museum, Polk Bros Park, Fireworks displays, boat tours
Annual VisitorsApprox. 9 million visitors
Entry Fee TypeFree public access; individual attractions / rides / museums require paid tickets
Ticket Price RangeFerris wheel & rides: ~$5–$20 per person; museums / attractions: ~$10–$25 per person
Ticket OptionsSingle-attraction tickets, combination passes, guided tours, seasonal event tickets
Best Time to VisitMay–October for lakefront activities; year-round for indoor events & dining
Nearby AirportChicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – ~18 miles (29 km); Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – ~12 miles (19 km)
TransportationCar, taxi, rideshare, CTA buses & trains, walking & bike access along lakefront
Official Websitehttps://navypier.org

Distances from Navy Pier to Nearby Landmarks

  • Millennium Park – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Art Institute of Chicago – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Magnificent Mile – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Chicago Riverwalk – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Shedd Aquarium – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Field Museum of Natural History – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Willis Tower – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Chicago Theatre – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Grant Park – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Lincoln Park Zoo – 8 km (5 mi)
  • John Hancock Center – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Chicago Water Tower – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Oak Street Beach – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Chicago Cultural Center – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Wrigley Building – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Adler Planetarium – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Navy Pier Ferris Wheel – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Chicago Children’s Museum – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Chicago Pedway Entrance – 3 km (1.9 mi)