After a winter hiatus, Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier is back just in time for summer. Located on scenic Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers stunning skyline views, a famous Ferris wheel, waterfront dining options, and tons of family-friendly activities. It’s no wonder that the historic spot is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Here’s everything you need to know about Navy Pier’s reopening and what’s new at the Pier this year.
Reopening plans
Are you ready to take another spin on the Centennial Wheel? This iconic attraction and more will be welcoming guests as Navy Pier reopens in phases.
Photo by Heidi Zeiger
While indoor spaces remain closed, the following will be open at Navy Pier starting on April 30, 2021:
- The Centennial Wheel
- Pepsi Wave Swinger
- Carousel
- Tour boats and cruises
- Select restaurants
- Polk Brothers Park
- North and South Docks
- Pier Park
- East End Plaza
- Parking garages
Initial hours of operation will be Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. The parking garages will be open with a new, contactless payment system. Navy Pier will roll out the second phase of reopening on Memorial Day (May 31, 2021).
Health & safety measures
Navy Pier has gone above and beyond to ensure guest health and safety. The Pier recently earned GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation, the cleaning industry’s gold standard for outbreak prevention, response, and recovery.
A few things to know about new safety measures at Navy Pier:
- Guests must wear a face mask at all times.
- Capacity within events and spaces will be limited to allow for physical distancing.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers are now available throughout the Pier.
- The cleaning team will use electrostatic anti-microbial spray treatments on all rides and sanitize high-touch surfaces, common areas, and attractions after each use.
- Social Distancing Ambassadors will be circulating the Pier and offering friendly reminders about physical distancing.
A new hotel
Photo by Mike Schwartz
Sable at Navy Pier, which opened in March 2021, is the first ever hotel to open on Navy Pier. This unique location means it offers unparalleled views of Lake Michigan. Every room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the lake and the skyline.
Photo by Mike Schwartz 
Photo by Mike Schwartz 
Photo by Mike Schwartz
Along with can’t-be-beat views, the hotel also offers a brand new dining option. Lirica features Latin-inspired cuisine, an expansive bar, and spacious outdoor seating with waterfront vistas. The best part of the new Sable hotel — it’s just steps away from everything Navy Pier has to offer.
May fireworks displays
Navy Pier’s famous fireworks show is a beloved part of the summer season in Chicago. This year, the city will get even more of the dazzling display. Fireworks will light up the sky every Saturday in May for a ten-minute spectacle starting at 9 p.m. Find a spot anywhere on Navy Pier, on a boat cruise, or along the nearby lakefront. The full summer fireworks schedule will be announced at a later date.
For more information on Navy Pier, including opening updates and safety information, visit navypier.org.