Explore things to do at Navy Pier
From recreation to relaxation & entertainment to education, Navy Pier offers activities & experiences for all.
One of the hidden gems of Navy Pier is that guests can fish – for free! – on Lake Michigan. Grab your fishing line, hook and worms and head to the Pier for a fun fishing outing with remarkable lakefront and city views.
Fish along the North Dock of Navy Pier and arrive early to enjoy sunrise views as you fish for Chicago’s perch, salmon, bass and trout. As Lake Michigan does not begin to freeze until January, this is a great activity through the fall. Relax with friends, family and other fishers at Navy Pier and expand your community. Navy Pier is also one of the top spots for catching perch, so you won’t want to miss it! For a behind-the-scenes look, check out some of these YouTube videos featuring fishing outings at Navy Pier from local fishers.
Between 5 – 10 a.m. every day, guests who present their valid fishing license and Navy Pier parking ticket will receive validated parking for $6 for great savings.
Make a day of it at the Pier and explore the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion or ride the year-round, climate-controlled Centennial Wheel. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat, shop and visit one of our cultural attractions like Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Chicago Children’s Museum.
Please visit Chicago Park District’s website for a full list of fishing areas in the city.
More Than You Imagine
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.
Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier's 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. In 2020, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.