Navy Pier Centennial Wheel: Entry Ticket
Get some of the best views of Chicago from this circular skyline spinner
- 1 ride in the Centennial Wheel on Navy Pier
- Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Tickets and Information
- Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Address: 600,East Grand Avenue, 60611, Chicago
- Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00 - 20:00 | Friday & Saturday: 11:00 - 21:00 | Sunday: 11:00 - 19:00
Is Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Worth Visiting
- If you enjoy ferris wheels, definitely, yes!
- A fun way of seeing the surrounding area.
What Users of the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel See
- Some of the best views of the city and coastline
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About Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel is one of Chicago's most famous attractions and offers amazing views of the city and Lake Michigan. Often referred to as the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, or just the Centennial Wheel, it stands at 200 feet (61 metres) tall and offers views of the surrounding area. It was built to commemorate the Navy Pier’s 100th anniversary in 2016!
It has 42 fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas so you can enjoy rides on it all year round! Each gondola can accommodate up to 8 passengers, providing comfort and safety in all weather conditions, and it takes around 12-15 minutes for a rotation on the wheel.
Enjoy panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, and landmarks like the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower during your ride. The experience is especially magical at sunset or when the city is lit up at night.
VIP Gondola: For an even more luxurious experience, you can opt for the VIP gondola! The experience gives you a special gondola which features plush seating, a glass-bottom floor, and speedy-boarding! The VIP ticket also includes a commemorative photo for memories of the special occasion! Click HERE to see the ticket details.
The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel is a quintessential Chicago experience that offers the fun of a ferris wheel with the great views of the surrounding area as well as a peaceful ride as you gently complete the rotations.
Interesting Facts About the Centennial Wheel
- Historic Significance: The Centennial Wheel replaced an older Ferris wheel that had been in operation since 1995. The new wheel was part of a $43 million renovation project for Navy Pier’s centennial celebration.
- Engineering Marvel: The wheel was constructed with advanced engineering techniques, ensuring a smooth, safe, and enjoyable ride. It’s also designed to withstand Chicago’s sometimes harsh weather conditions.
- Sustainability: Navy Pier is committed to sustainability, and the Centennial Wheel is part of that effort. The wheel is energy-efficient and is part of a broader initiative to make the pier more environmentally friendly.
Additional Attractions Nearby
- Navy Pier: Besides the Centennial Wheel, Navy Pier offers various attractions, including the Chicago Children's Museum, an IMAX theatre, dining options, and boat tours.
- Navy Pier: Play The Park Pass: We offer a great combination ticket for the Navy Pier, which includes the Centennial Wheel, Virtual Rush, Wave Swinger, Navy Pier Carousel and the Light Tower. Click HERE to see the ticket.
Popular Tickets
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Navy Pier Centennial Wheel FAQs
- Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel?
- Although it isn’t compulsory, no, we do still suggest it, yes. Booking online can save you a lot of time from having to queue at the ticket counter.
- Is the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel is wheelchair accessible.
- Is the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel operational all year round?
- Yes, with it having sealed air-conditioned capsules, the ferris wheel does operate all year round.
- Does the Navy Pier have parking available?
- Yes, Navy Pier does have parking facilities but there is a cost to it.
- What is the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel?
- The Centennial Wheel is a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago which offers amazing views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
- When was the Centennial Wheel built?
- The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel opened in 2016 to celebrate Navy Pier's 100th anniversary. It replaced the original Ferris wheel that was built in 1995.
- How tall is the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier?
- The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel is 200 feet (61 meters) tall.
- How long does a ride on the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel take?
- The ride typically lasts about 12-15 minutes, including three full rotations.
- Is the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier open year-round?
- Yes, it operates year-round and features climate-controlled gondolas to provide comfort in any weather.
- Do I need to purchase tickets in advance for the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel?
- It's recommended to buy tickets online to secure your preferred time, especially during peak hours, yes. Click HERE for ticket options.
- Is the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, it is wheelchair-accessible, and Navy Pier staff assist passengers as needed.
- What kind of views can I expect from the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel?
- Riders can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, and surrounding areas.
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Fun Facts
- Inspired by History: The Centennial Wheel pays homage to the first Ferris wheel, which debuted in Chicago at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
- Double the Height: At 200 feet, it's nearly twice as tall as Navy Pier's original Ferris wheel from 1995.
- LED Lights: The wheel features over 7,000 LED lights, creating dazzling displays at night.
- VIP Gondola: The special VIP gondola has leather seats, a glass floor, and priority boarding.
- Wind Resistant: The Centennial Wheel is engineered to withstand winds of up to 115 mph!
- Bird’s Eye View: On clear days, riders can see as far as 50 miles from the top!
- Made in the Netherlands: The Centennial Wheel was manufactured by Dutch company Dutch Wheels and shipped to Chicago!
Useful Information About Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
Tips for visiting
- Book Tickets Online: We suggest booking tickets online. The wheel can get busy, so queues can form at the ticket counter and booking online helps you to avoid them.
- Combination Tickets: Consider one of our great combination tickets that give you access to more than just the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel. Click HERE for combination ticket options.
- Best Times to Visit: To avoid long lines, it's best to visit early in the morning or later in the evening, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons.
How to get there
- Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, 600,East Grand Avenue, 60611, Chicago
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 - 20:00Tuesday: 11:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 11:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 11:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 11:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 11:00 - 21:00
- Sunday: 11:00 - 19:00
