Navy Pier

Contrary to all the fun-haters posting poor reviews, there is something magical about Navy Pier. Yeah, cliche be damned: it is magical. Maybe its just a nostalgia thing, I admit. But, come on: you're walking in late September on Navy Pier. You've got on that jacket that is one stage before you dig out the winter coat. You probably find an old piece of gum or a movie ticket to Jurassic Park 2 or some other movie you completely forgot you saw in the pocket. The cityscape is all around you and the breeze chills you just a bit. With your arm around your steady, you look up to see a smattering of stars and fireworks exploding above the lit up ferris wheel. You'd sneak a kiss but you don't want to ruin the moment--so, instead, you pull her closer and smile to yourself.

I get it... I've been watching too much Friday Night Lights. But gosh guys, is it isn't that bad.

Althoughy Navy Pier is a very "touristy" place to go in Chicago I do think it something that you have to do. That being said it was my favorite part of my trip to Chicago. I absolutely loved it. I had so much fun just walking and people watching. I didn't spend much time in the park but the time I did spend up there was so much fun. I only went up there so that I could go on the Ferris Wheel (another thing everyone should do) the view from even half way up made me completely fall in love with the city. Definetly take a day out of your trip to walk the pier

An absolute tourist trap. The only benefits it has to offer are its Ferris Wheel rides (you've got to try it at least once in your life), the view from the end of the peer, fireworks, and overpriced knick-knacks. I think if you go to Navy Pier with the understanding that it will be a touristy experience then you'll have an okay time. Just please don't associate it with genuine Chicago.

Navy Pier has its charm but overall is just "ok" in my opinion. Grab some expensive Garretts popcorn and wander around for a bit. A group of us did see a Cirque du Soleil performance here that turned out to be a fun time. Worth a visit, but don't plan to spend too long here-- there are much cooler sights in Chicago.

On a summer night in Chicago, with the bright lights of the ferris wheel and the fire works... I know Chicagoans are over this place, but as someone from outside the city, it is definitely worth seeing

I lived in Chicago for 3 years and went here once. Way too busy, way too overpriced, way too many tourists, and for the most part if you've been once you never really need to go again. If you're coming to Chicago for the first time it's worth a visit, if not save yourself some time and look for a place that's less of a tourist trap.

Don't waste any money by adding Navy Pier to the Chicago "Go Pass." The pier is currently being renovated and the only charge is the $21 parking. I recommend parking at a cheaper location and walking. Not much really going on at the pier, right now (Sept 2014), worth seeing.

It was under construction when I went this past Spring, which included no ferris wheel. No doubt pretty touristy, but for me it was more about the different view of the city and being way out on the water. Oh, and the greedy seagull defending its right to upset it's bowels. Anyway, I think it's worth checking out at least once if you like long walks with a cool breeze and a view, especially if you're in tourist mode.

Yeah, as everyone mentioned, it's touristy as hell, but it's a must see if it's your first time in the city. The only time I really enjoy visiting is during their Christmas festival which basically packs the place full of incredible Christmas trees. Unless there's an event you want to see here, might as well skip Navy Pier on most visits to Chicago.

The only thing that appeals to me are the twice-weekly fireworks. I'm a sucker for fireworks. Aside from that, pretty touristy. Not as a good as SF's Fisherman's Wharf (which is also touristy, but slightly more palatable).