Ferris Wheel, cruises, cultural events, ice skating, etc. Navy Pier is a staple of Chicago history, being the longest public pier in the world, and among one of the most visited places in the world. Inspired by the vision of Daniel Burnham, the Pier was originally opened in 1916 as Municipal Pier #2 as a place "Built by the City, for the People." As the US entered World War 1, the Pier housed soldiers, Red Cross workers, and home defense workers while serving as barracks for recruits and a jail for draft dodgers. In honor of the Navy personnel who served in World War 1, the pier was renamed "Navy Pier" in 1927. Throughout the years, the Pier has been home to the Navy again, the University of Illinois' first Chicago Campus, and trade shows. In 1960 when McCormick Place took over as the home for trade shows, the vacant Pier was found to be useful for large scale events, but failed to continue in popularity as more and more events and the shipping industry moved away from it. It fell into disuse in 1966 until 1976, during the bicentennial celebration, the City reconsidered breathing life back into this historical building and was designated a Chicago Landmark. Explore more about the history of Navy Pier here:
http://www.100yearsofpier.com/ and come join us by flying into Chicago O'Hare International Airport and taking the Blue Line to downtown!
Event Field: Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport [KORD]
Time: 2300Z-0300Z [6PM-10PM CDT]
