Located on Lake Michigan, just East of Chicago’s Downtown, Navy
Pier has been a Chicago landmark since it first opened in 1916.
Originally designed as both a shipping and recreational facility, the
Pier also served as a military training site during two world wars, a
venue for concerts and exhibitions, and the temporary home for a
once-fledgling University of Illinois’ Chicago campus.
As the Pier fell into disuse during much of the 1970s and 1980s, the
State of Illinois and Chicago embarked on a joint plan whereby, in 1989,
ownership of the Pier was transferred to the Metropolitan Pier and
Exposition Authority, the same body which oversees Chicago’s McCormick
Place. The Authority moved swiftly to redesign Navy Pier into one of the
country’s most unique recreation and exposition facilities.
Navy Pier now showcases a unique collection of restaurants and shops
in addition to unequaled recreational and exhibition facilities — in a
setting like no other.
Ramada Lake Shore Chicago 4900 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60615 (773) 288-5800
