Courtesy of navypier.com
After months of hard work, Navy Pier’s new Centennial Wheel will finally open to the public at noon on Friday, May 27.
The redesign and opening of the new Centennial Wheel was done to mark the 100-year anniversary of Navy Pier, and is the first stage in a large-scale redevelopment of the Pier. The Centennial Wheel is the result of a worldwide search that lasted six months to find the perfect replacement for the former Navy Pier Ferris Wheel.
European company Dutch Wheels, who built the Pier’s previous wheel, was chosen to design and construct the new Centennial Wheel. The state-of-the-art DW60 now includes completely enclosed cars, and is the only of its kind in the United States. However, similar wheels are operating in Hong Kong, Azerbaijan and Baku. The Centennial Wheel features two-sided cars that allow for easier loading. The wheel can also withstand winds of 115 mph winds and its safety-glass enclosed cars are capable of withstanding the strongest of storms.
Tickets to ride the new Centennial Wheel are now available online and cost just $12 for an individual ride. Riders can skip what’s sure to be long lines by purchasing a fast-pass ticket for $25.
While at Navy Pier this summer checking out the new Centennial Wheel, we invite you to enjoy lunch or dinner at Riva Crab House, which boasts one of the best dining views in all of Chicago. Take in the incredible sites of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline while dining on Chicago’s best seafood menu, prime steaks and daily specials.
Make online reservations for Riva today!
If you’re not up for a full meal, sip a cold beer at the MillerCoors Beer Garden at the east end of Navy Pier. The Beer Garden opens Memorial Day weekend and will serve Miller, Coors, Blue Moon and Leinenkugel products. Brats soaked in beer, burgers and hand-tossed pizza slices are also available at the Garden.
There is so much to see and do on Chicago’s Navy Pier in the coming months. It’s going to be an amazing summer as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary!
Riva Crab House
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312.644.7482
© 2024 Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants
Photography by Nick Ulivieri