4 Navy Pier Tours in Chicago to Plan a Day Around

1.Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,807 reviews · from $24Our pick

At Chicago’s Navy Pier, the 15-minute Centennial Wheel ride rises nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan and makes three full rotations. Choose a regular ticket or Fastpass Express, then look across downtown, the water and the pier from a climate-controlled gondola. Tickets allow a visit up to seven days after the selected date.

“Our experience was amazing! It was easy to find and the sites, once up there, were amazing! We only went around three times, but it was just enough time for what we paid!!! Definitely worth doing.”

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2.Private Sailing on Beautiful Lake Michigan – Navy Pier, Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Sail Lake Michigan with your own group of up to six, departing from Navy Pier Marina for a two-hour private charter. Your captain adjusts the route to the wind and your interests, with possible views of the skyline, Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, and Buckingham Fountain. Bring your own drinks and music, and ask captains such as Mike or Ulysses about sailing and Chicago.

“A great time out on the lake. Our captain was very capable and informative. I would recommend for just a fun experience or for a special occasion.”

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3.Chicago’s Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 51 reviews · from $24

Take a roughly 15-minute ride on Navy Pier’s 200-foot Centennial Wheel in an enclosed gondola that seats up to eight. Your mobile ticket lets you skip the ticket-purchase line, though you may still wait to board. Look out over the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, then enjoy the pier’s dining, shops, and other attractions.

“Excellent activity choice when visiting Chicago. The Academy students were amazing, accommodating and professional. Loved this experience!”

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4.Serene Private Sunset Sail on Lake Michigan – Navy Pier, Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set sail from Navy Pier Marina for a two-hour private cruise with a US Coast Guard-licensed captain. Your route depends on wind and your interests, with possible views of Navy Pier, the skyline, Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, and Buckingham Fountain. Bring snacks and drinks, choose your music, and enjoy the sunset from the lake.

“The ENTIRE experience was WONDERFUL!!! Including the very accomodating Captain Mike. Thank you all for EVERYTHING!!”

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