18 Attractions to Explore Near Navy Pier
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Centennial WheelThe Centennial Wheel is one of the most recognizable icons at Navy Pier in Cook County, Illinois. Opened in 2016, it stands 200 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline for up to 15 minutes on a single flight. During the day, guests can take in panoramic views as far away as 60 miles along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. By night, LED-lit cabs provide a whole different experience under the stars with views even further out into the horizon!
Chicago Children's MuseumThis Museum is a vibrant and exciting place for kids of all ages and offers hands-on exhibits, workshops, performance art, and interactive activities that help the youngest members of our community discover and explore their natural potential. Continuous year-round programming further engages children in creative arts, science and technology, history, health and nutrition literacy. The museum also hosts regular family days, storytelling events and sleepovers to keep everyone engaged.
Milton Lee Olive ParkThis Park is named after Medal of Honor recipient and Chicago native Milton Lee Olive. There are plenty of opportunities to picnic, hike or bike along the trails, while kids can have a blast at the playground and splash pads. You can also tackle fishing or canoeing on Wolf Lake if you're looking for an outdoor activity. People also come to relax, as the wildlife and wildflowers that fill the park provide breathtaking views that make it easy to forget about all your worries for a few hours.
Ohio Street BeachOhio Street Beach is a popular destination for sunbathers and swimmers alike. Situated right off of Lakeshore Drive between North Avenue and Oak Street Beach, Ohio Street Beach features breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, great sand beaches, and opportunities for recreation with plenty of beach volleyball nets and walking trails nearby. Whether you're in the mood to relax with a good book or take a dip into the lake, Ohio Street Beach has something to offer visitors.
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA Chicago)The Museum Of Contemporary Art is a staple of Cook County and one of the most well-known art museums for modern and contemporary art. MCA Chicago offers a vast range of exhibitions, performances, talks, tours and educational experiences for all ages. Some of their most notable works include photography by Cindy Sherman, painting from Richard Tuttle, sculptures by Barbara Kruger, textile work from Sheila Hicks and installations from artists such as Rafa Esparza and Katie Herzog.
RiverwalkRiverwalk, is an oasis of vibrant activity situated alongside the banks of the Chicago River. Visitors can explore beautiful waterfront trails that stretch for over 25 miles and feature picnic areas, benches, bike-friendly paths and spectacular views of the skyline. Along their journey they can find restored wetlands, striking sculptures, historical sites and an abundance of wildlife which all contribute to making this a truly unique experience. Special events are also held throughout the year.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating RibbonMaggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is a breathtaking experience that marries art and recreation. Two side-by-side ribbons of ice are winding pathways, creating a unique pattern amid the beauty of nature. Guests can choose from 400 free-skate sessions in the winter and roller rink sessions in warmer months, providing a year-round activity for the whole family. With iconic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline to marvel at.
Tribune TowerTribune Tower, is an iconic building with a rich history. It is the headquarters for the Chicago Tribune newspaper and was designed by Howells & Hood. The design of its neo-Gothic style was based on models from 14th-century French churches. In addition to its distinctive look, Tribune Tower contains pieces from more than 150 of the world’s most famous structures like the Taj Mahal and The Great Pyramid of Giza.
Chicago RiverThe Chicago River is an iconic part of Illinois. Starting out as a small stream near Lake Michigan before passing through both downtown Chicago and several urban and rural neighborhoods, the river has been a vital part of the county's history. From providing transportation routes for settlers to being looked upon as a source of recreation in its most recent iteration, the body of water has experienced immense change over the years.
Maggie Daley ParkMaggie Daley Park, offers an oasis of beauty and fun within the heart of the Windy City. Featuring a skating ribbon that wraps around a large centerpiece of lagoons and lily pads, walking paths, and lots of open space, the park is filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here visitors can take part in rock climbing, mini golfing, tennis courts, a field house cafe and play garden. To experience some of nature’s gifts first hand there are also wildflower gardens.
Chicago Architecture CenterThe Chicago Architecture Center is a vibrant hub for discovering amazing architecture and design in Cook County, Illinois. It offers highly interactive exhibits from renowned local architects, tours led by expert docents, engaging programs for all ages that explore the cultural significance of various buildings and sites around the city, and even an impressive shop full of unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
Magnificent MileThe Magnificent Mile is an iconic stretch of many of the city's finest attractions and entertainment. From world class luxury shopping to lakefront park amenities, the Magnificent Mile is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Windy City. Magnificent Mile covers 13 blocks along Michigan Avenue that are filled with some of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks and landmark stores, including the John Hancock Center, Water Tower Place Shopping Mall and Tribune Tower.
DuSable BridgeThe DuSable Bridge is a monument of rich history. First constructed as a toll bridge in 1859, it served to bridge a physical gap between the northern and southern sides of the Chicago River. In 2010, after 150 years of service and over 3 million cars crossed, the beloved old swing-style bridge was replaced with a modern-style bascule lift bridge. Despite its age, not all aspects of the old bridge have been lost — its moveable arms are still in operation today!
The Wrigley BuildingThe Wrigley Building, is an iconic building that is a must-see for architecture and history lovers. The building began construction in 1920 and was completed only two years later in 1922. Designed with inspiration from Spanish baroque style, the Wrigley Building features an ornately decorated exterior including white terracotta walls and marble accents. Inside its lobby you can find an intricately painted ceiling made of Guastavino tiles where famous artists have held concerts in the past.
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River MuseumThe McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is an exciting destination for those interested in local history and science. Located on the Chicago River, this museum showcases five levels of the iconic movable bridge, which can be seen operating from a unique Glass Gallery located on the fifth level. The first and second levels contain exhibits about Chicago River history and engineering, with interactive displays guiding visitors through the city’s changing landscape.
875 North Michigan Avenue875 North Michigan Avenue, is a world-renowned structure that is instantly recognizable for its majestic presence. Built in 1925 and formerly known as The John Hancock Center, the building stands at an incredible 1 128 feet tall and boasts 99 floors of gleaming glass, steel, and concrete. It was built by architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan, who gave it an innovative design to make it the tallest concrete structure in the world at the time of construction.
Chicago Sports MuseumThe Chicago Sports Museum is a great spot for any sports fan! It houses decades-worth of sports memorabilia, ranging from equipment used by the Bulls to articles written about the Cubs. Visitors can spend hours exploring its interactive exhibits, including simulating plays with an interactive wall and taking virtual reality tours of Olympic sites. The museum also features a theater where they show classic matches and highlight top players in all your favorite sports franchises.
875 N Michigan Ave875 North Michigan Avenue is a stunning piece of architecture located in the heart of a bustling city. This building was designed by award-winning architects and boasts an impressive aesthetic with its towering height and sleek glass exterior. The lobby has modern furnishings and finishes, creating a sophisticated first impression. It is home to numerous tenants as well as amenities such as office space, terraces for outdoor gatherings, fitness centers, and gourmet dining establishments.
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Navy PierNavy Pier is one of the most popular attractions in Cook County, which offers a wide range of activities and entertainment possibilities. Visitors can walk or bike along its three-quarters of a mile promenade, enjoy food and drinks at one of its many eateries, ride a Ferris wheel with unparalleled views of the city skyline, take an architectural tour upriver, or experience the action-packed thrill rides that map out the pier's perimeter.