Navy Pier

July 22, 2011





Kathy



Navy Pier

If you had asked me what the number one tourist attraction in Chicago was last week, there is a good chance that Navy Pier would not have even made my top 10. I had never been and never really thought of it as part of the character of the city that I knew and loved. Most likely because the pier has become a tourist destination in since being renovated and built up in the early 90s, about the time I stopped visiting Chicago with any regularity.







Viewing the pier from the top of the John Hancock tower intrigued me, I was especially interested in the large Ferris Wheel and when we had a free night, we headed over to see what all of the fuss about Navy Pier was.





I must say that I can see why the pier has gained such popularity, it is full of just the sort of tourist magnets that most popular touristy areas have. Of course it is for that reason that it did not really capture my fancy. I totally get the artificiality of places like Orlando and Vegas. Tourist hotspots that have been built up on crass commercialism and manufactured amusements. But Chicago is so full of rich history and fascinating places that the creation of such an artificial attraction seems unnecessary.





All the trappings of touristy stuff are there, it reminded me in many ways of Key West, with jet boats, schooners and even a Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. There are all sorts of shops, water excursions and rides. A Children’s museum and a variety of other attractions including the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, an IMAX theatre, the Chicago Funhouse Maze and various rides.







One of the more interesting features is the beautiful Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. The first museum in America dedicated to stained glass. It is a fascinating and beautiful permanent and free to visit exhibition of stained glass doors and windows. It includes the largest collection of Tiffany windows in the world, most all of the windows coming from Chicago area buildings.





There are also a number of satellite locations of some famous bars and restaurants, including the aforementioned Margaritaville, Harry Caray’s bar & restaurant, and a Billy Goat Tavern (home of the famous cheezborger, cheezeborger of SNL fame). In each case the original locations are the ones to visit, but I guess the average tourist doesn’t much care.





The Ferris Wheel was the highlight for me, the 150 ft, tall ride seems massive until you realize that it is only 1/5 the size of the first Ferris Wheel that was built in Chicago in 1893 for the World Columbian Exhibition. The ride offers a great view of the city skyline and a grand view of Navy Pier itself, so that you can truly appreciate the massive size of the pier, which covers over 50 acres. Visiting the Pier was a mixed bag, I am glad that we went and experienced it, so next time we can focus on something that hits closer to the true spirit of the City.



Navy Pier