From its versatile journey as a crucial dock for freights to becoming a training complex for the Navy during World War II and to finally being redeveloped as a massive one-stop entertainment destination on Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline, the Navy Pier has served diverse functions over the centuries. This 3,300-foot-long (1,010 meters) pier named in honor of the Great War's naval veterans hosts a legion of recreational options that span museums, restaurants, retail, entertainment, and outdoor activities. A whirlwind attraction that juts out into the Great Lake, the pier's highlight is the iconic Ferris Wheel that spins against the Chicago skyline. Dinner cruise ships ply the waters around the pier, inviting visitors to step aboard a vibrant extravaganza. The pier is also home to the botanical Crystal Gardens, Chicago Children's Museum, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater that showcases Shakespearean productions.
