Navy Pier - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Centennial Wheel is one of the most recognizable icons at Navy Pier in Cook County, Illinois. Opened in 2016, it stands 200 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline for up to 15 minutes on a single flight. During the day, guests can take in panoramic views as far away as 60 miles along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. By night, LED-lit cabs provide a whole different experience under the stars with views even further out into the horizon!

This Museum is a vibrant and exciting place for kids of all ages and offers hands-on exhibits, workshops, performance art, and interactive activities that help the youngest members of our community discover and explore their natural potential. Continuous year-round programming further engages children in creative arts, science and technology, history, health and nutrition literacy. The museum also hosts regular family days, storytelling events and sleepovers to keep everyone engaged.

This Park is named after Medal of Honor recipient and Chicago native Milton Lee Olive. There are plenty of opportunities to picnic, hike or bike along the trails, while kids can have a blast at the playground and splash pads. You can also tackle fishing or canoeing on Wolf Lake if you're looking for an outdoor activity. People also come to relax, as the wildlife and wildflowers that fill the park provide breathtaking views that make it easy to forget about all your worries for a few hours.

Ohio Street Beach is a popular destination for sunbathers and swimmers alike. Situated right off of Lakeshore Drive between North Avenue and Oak Street Beach, Ohio Street Beach features breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, great sand beaches, and opportunities for recreation with plenty of beach volleyball nets and walking trails nearby. Whether you're in the mood to relax with a good book or take a dip into the lake, Ohio Street Beach has something to offer visitors.

The Museum Of Contemporary Art is a staple of Cook County and one of the most well-known art museums for modern and contemporary art. MCA Chicago offers a vast range of exhibitions, performances, talks, tours and educational experiences for all ages. Some of their most notable works include photography by Cindy Sherman, painting from Richard Tuttle, sculptures by Barbara Kruger, textile work from Sheila Hicks and installations from artists such as Rafa Esparza and Katie Herzog.

Riverwalk, is an oasis of vibrant activity situated alongside the banks of the Chicago River. Visitors can explore beautiful waterfront trails that stretch for over 25 miles and feature picnic areas, benches, bike-friendly paths and spectacular views of the skyline. Along their journey they can find restored wetlands, striking sculptures, historical sites and an abundance of wildlife which all contribute to making this a truly unique experience. Special events are also held throughout the year.