Chicago’s place on the lake definitely makes the city memorable for tourists, and one of the top tourist attractions is undoubtedly Navy Pier. But this iconic Chicago location has a long history filled with many different uses– it wasn’t always the fun-filled attraction it is today! Our gourmet popcorn company loves to highlight Chicago’s icons, and today, we’ll explore the storied past of Chicago’s most recognizable public place.
Navy Pier’s Construction
Navy Pier was originally built to serve as a docking point and cargo area for freighters on Lake Michigan. Construction started in 1914, ended in 1916, and cost around $4.5 million. Although it was mostly populated by warehouses, the developers realized that the end of the pier could be used as a recreational area for Chicagoans, with cool winds relieving the heat during the summer.
Although the pier was built primarily for marine purposes, and four more piers were supposed to be built, it turned out to be much more successful as a meeting place for Chicagoans and tourists. Mass-produced cars and trucks made marine freight much less necessary, and the other piers were never built. During the ’20s and ’30s, the pier incorporated more entertainment features like a children’s park, picnic areas and a dance hall and found new popularity as a destination.
Navy Pier’s Other Uses
While now we think of the Pier as an iconic Chicago destination that is always seen on postcards, it served much more utilitarian purposes for many years. With the United State’s involvement of World War II, the Pier reverted back to heavy marine usage. It was leased to the Navy and became the home of the USS Wolverine and the USS Sable. It was used a training station for 60,000 sailors as well as 15,000 pilots.
After WWII, the Navy and city of Chicago gave the pier over to the University of Illinois. It became the location of a two-year degree program for veterans to receive a college education. It also hosted events during this time. When the University moved to its downtown Chicago campus in the ’60s, the Pier fell out of use.
Without a purpose, the Pier basically became an eyesore for Chicago. Until the late ’80s, there were no plans for its use, and no one wanted to invest in rebuilding it. But finally in 1989, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority planned and executed a $200 million renovation, giving us the Navy Pier we know today.
Today’s Navy Pier Attractions
The early ’90s renovation installed many of the attractions people flock to the Pier for, including:
- the 150-foot Ferris wheel
- the IMAX theater
- the Chicago Shakepeare Theater
- the Children’s Museum
- Smith Museum of Stained Glass
- fast food dining areas, including the famous Billy Goat’s Tavern
- a concert stage
- an interactive fountain
There are also multiple fair rides located on the pier, and throughout the year, various festivals celebrate the season. During the summer, weekly fireworks shows from the Pier can be seen throughout the city but are best enjoyed on the Pier itself. This summer, Navy Pier will host the AeroBalloon for its second summer stay– you can observe the city from 350 feet up in the basked of a huge helium balloon anchored on the Pier.
In August, you can check out Tall Ships 2010, where Pepsi and the Pier will partner to bring over 20 historic, tall ships in a mile long display to Chicago. The festival featuring the Tall Ships will feature events such as “ship viewing, on-deck tours, sailing excursions, nightly fireworks, arts and crafts, entertainment, and interactive greening initiatives.”
Navy Pier has attractions throughout the year and is always one of Chicago’s top destinations no matter the season. But as summer approaches, we’re more excited for the Pier than ever!
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