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One of the things that makes Chicago such a gem is Lake Michigan. Chicagoans love to be on the water when the weather is nice, so to get the full experience on your visit, you’ll want to take advantage of a boat tour! Luckily, there are several cruises and tours available that depart from Navy Pier perfect for every vacation vibe!
Get to Navy Pier early and enjoy a drink at the Miller Lite Beer Garden. Then don’t forget to grab that selfie with the skyline!
Make a splash
For The Thrill Seeker
Seadog Cruises has thrilled over 1,000,000 people with their high speed tours. In addition to an adrenaline rush, you’ll get to see Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Museum Campus, and much more! The Seadog’s tour guides will give you a full overview of Chicago’s history. This fun ride is for adventure seekers, architecture lovers, and history buffs alike!
You’ll probably build up an appetite after an adventure like that. Luckily there are lots of places along the Pier to stop and grab a bite.
Fun for everyone
For Families
Bring the family to the Pier for some sun and educational fun! Take the Shoreline Classic Lake Tour with the family to give everyone a break from screens and from being inside the house! The tour covers the entire lakefront with vistas of the city’s landmark buildings and noted attractions including the Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium and Buckingham Fountain. The kids will love being out on the water, and they might not even realize they’re learning while it’s happening! We call that a win-win.
Make sure to stop by Dippin’ Dots or Garrett Popcorn to grab a treat for the ride home! If you’ve worked up an appetite, there are lots of restaurants right at the Pier to choose from. With $29 flat rate parking, you can park your car worry-free and spend the day enjoying everything there is to offer.
A perfect date
For Couples
For some reason, romance and the water just go hand in hand. Create an atmosphere of love with a lunch or dinner cruise! Mystic Blue offers a 2-hour dinner cruise that not only has amazing skyline views but also a DJ, dancefloor, and interactive games making it perfect for newer couples to get to know each other and have some fun. Or cozy up on the Odyssey for a delicious, seasonally inspired three-course plated dinner.
If you’re not ready for the night to end after the cruise, stop by Offshore, the nation’s largest rooftop bar, to take in more of the city with your love in one hand and a tasty cocktail in the other.
No matter what type of day you’re planning, it’s going to be a great one when you plan it at Navy Pier. With plenty of outdoor spaces to keep you entertained while you wait for your boat to board, your exciting day on the water will begin as soon as you step onto the Pier.