A Rich History on Chicago’s Waterfront

Navy Pier Marina Enhances Pier Tourism

Published: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:00 am

1916

Since its inception, Navy Pier has mirrored Chicago’s evolution, shifting from industrial powerhouse to cultural landmark while staying true to Daniel Burnham’s original vision: to serve as a vibrant public space where the city meets the water. When Burnham unveiled his Plan of Chicago in 1909, he imagined piers that would reclaim the lakefront for recreation without ignoring the economic lifeblood of Great Lakes shipping. His idea was revolutionary — combining public promenades with working docks, a blend that would define Chicago’s most beloved pier.

After Burnham’s death, architect Charles Sumner Frost carried the concept forward, designing Municipal Pier No. 2, the world’s first dual-purpose pier for both shipping and civic life. When it opened in 1916, crowds flocked to its breezy decks, bandstands, and grand public buildings. The Pier soon became a hive of activity, hosting concerts, boat races, exhibitions, and festivals while also serving package freighters and excursion boats. Even during World War I, the Pier adapted by housing regiments, Red Cross units, and recruits.

1920s

In 1927, the pier was renamed Navy Pier in honor of World War I servicemen. Through the 1930s it remained a major cultural and commercial hub, but shifting freight patterns and the Great Depression dimmed its fortunes. World War II revived it as the nation’s largest naval training center, followed by two decades as the first Chicago campus of the University of Illinois.

1960s

By the 1960s the rise of modern ports and convention centers left Navy Pier underused. True revitalization began in the 1980s and ’90s, when civic leaders launched major redevelopment. With the support and vision of then Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Pier reopened in 1995 with new public spaces, shops, restaurants, and its now-iconic Ferris wheel, quickly becoming the Midwest’s top leisure destination.

2000s

As it approached its centennial, Navy Pier embraced a new identity. A nonprofit steward, Navy Pier Inc., unveiled a “Centennial Vision” prioritizing green space, cultural programming, and public access, reimagining the Pier’s landscape with shaded walkways, performance lawns, and a lively social waterfront. The taller, climate-controlled Centennial Wheel debuted in 2016, along with Polk Bros. Park, expanded dining options, public art, and major festivals. In 2019 the Pier ushered in next-level enhancements with a 220-room Hilton Curio Collection hotel and the world’s largest rooftop bar. Additional attractions include Flyover, an exhilarating immersive experience, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and a myriad of culinary choices.

2025

Finally, in 2025 following a decade of tireless planning, Navy Pier Marina joined the mix, bringing a unique opportunity to recreational boaters — direct access to Chicago and Navy Pier by way of Lake Michigan. Transient, recreational, and commercial boaters alike can now effortlessly enjoy all that Navy Pier offers and benefit from exclusive discounts available to marina tenants and guests.

Today, Navy Pier stands as Burnham intended: a gathering place where Chicagoans and visitors walk, boat, dine, and celebrate the city’s connection to Lake Michigan — Chicago’s great front porch on the water offering free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect people and communities.