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Summary:   If you're looking for tours of chicago, you can't go wrong with a walking tour of Chicago's Navy Pier!

Ferris wheels, boat tours and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company - this is just a small sampling of what you’ll encounter during a walking tour of Chicago’s historic Navy Pier. In spite of how extremely cold it can become on the Lakefront during Chicago’s famous frosty winter months, Navy Pier is still open 365 days a year. Even more amazing, the chill doesn’t stop locals and tourists alike from flocking to Chicago’s biggest playground!

Located four blocks east of Michigan Avenue at 600 East Grand, Navy Pier has been around since 1909, and before you even enter the pier itself, you have the opportunity to purchase an architectural boat tour at Shoreline Sightseeing. Docked to the left of Lake Point Towers condominiums on the Chicago River, Shorelines two-floor tour boats travel down the river alongside some of Chicago’s most historic buildings, landmarks and skyscrapers. Shoreline’s 90-minute Combo Lake & River Cruises, lake-only cruises, architectural cruises along the river, Skyline tours and water taxis operate beginning in March and they operate until it’s too cold to cruise - typically towards the end of October or beginning of November. You may purchase tickets online at www.shorelinesightseeing.com or at the ticket booth near the dock or on Navy Pier.

After you’ve learned all you can about Chicago Architecture and the history of Navy Pier, head to the entrance of Navy Pier to good old Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. This casual eatery has an outdoor eating area that spills onto the Navy Pier walkway. Killer shrimp, tasty clam chowder, ice cold beer and a variety of kids meals are served up as well as refreshing smoothies and wild-eyed worthy jumbo onion rings.

Start walking past Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and you’ll find everything from cotton candy, popcorn stands and souvenir kiosks to water taxis and even more boat rides ranging from the casual to the formal including Chicago’s First Lady, Mystic Blue, Spirit of Chicago, Wendella Sightseeing and the popular Seadog Speed Boat. There’s also a variety of other great eateries including Billy Goat Tavern, Capi’s Italian Kitchen, Riva Cafe and the popular Charlie’s Ale House, featuring down home cooking and a selection of more than 70 beers. Grab a hi-top table inside Charlie’s Ale House when it’s cold and take advantage of the large outdoor patio during the hot summer months - one of the best spots for people watching.

As you walk further and further along the pier, stop for a moment and take a ride on Navy Pier’s 150-ft. high ferris wheel. It’s only $5.00 and it’s open year around. The best time to take a ride is at night when the spokes sparkle with bright lights high above the pier. Just next door is one of Navy Pier’s many performance stages, he 1500-seat Skyline Stage. Skyline features performances by local and national artists ranging from dance, theater and comedy to live rock, blues, jazz, reggae, pop and experimental music performances. The illuminated vaulted-roof structure (the only pavilion built directly on Chicago’s lakefront) can be seen from miles away and it is generally open May through September. Call 312-595-PIER for performance schedules and pricing.

Yes, there’s a beer garden here too and it’s huge! Navy Pier’s appropriately named Bud Light stage hosts live performances by buzz-worthy local bands, while the Family Pavilion Stage features year-round Improv, singing and dance performances - for free! Navy Pier’s cast of characters, including singers, dancers and actors, are always on hand to welcome you and your family to the Pier.

After walking the length of the pier, you’ll come to a cul-de-sac of sorts where you can stand at the edge and gaze out onto beautiful Lake Michigan. The hum of sail boats, seagulls and sporty wave runners is all you’ll hear with the hustle of the crowd far behind you.

If you want to get to Navy Pier fast and without any hassles, take the subway red line to Grand Avenue, exit, and then hop on a free Navy Pier Trolley. You can also take one of several dozen bus lines along Michigan Avenue, Chicago Avenue or Grand Avenue. Most will drop you off a few steps away from the entrance to the pier. Buses and subways are $1.50 for one ride and $1.80 for two. Taxis are plentiful as well and once you’re at the Pier, you can rent a bike or a four-person “buggy bike” to ride along the Lake Shore Drive bike path as far as your legs will take you!

If you must drive, keep in mind that the Navy Pier parking garage tends to fill quickly and prices are rather steep. Visitors will pay a $22 flat fee on weekends (Saturday-Sunday). For all other times, the cost is $14 for an hour or less, $19 for 1-3 hours, $22 for 3-8 hours and $25 for 8-24 hours. Many Navy Pier restaurants offer coupons for $2.00 off parking to patrons, so inquire within.

No matter how you get there, or where you go once there, you are sure to enjoy a visit to Chicago’s Navy Pier!

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