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| Area (sq km): | 9,166,600 | |
| Population: | 297,000,000 | |
| Nationality: | American | |
| Local Name: | US, America |
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| Language: | English, Spanish |
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| Time Zone: | -5 to -11 GMT | |
| Currency: | 1 dollar = 100 cents |
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| Rate: | www.xe.com | |
| Capital: | Washington DC | |
| Dialling Code: | +1 | |
| Electricity: | 110V/50Hz | |
| Internet Code: | .us | |
| Religion: | Protestant, Roman Catholic, Mormon |
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| Climate: | Subtropical, Mountain, Desert | |
| Government: | Constitutional Democracy | |
| Inoculations: | None | |
| Driving: | Right | |
| Int'l License: | Required | |
| Banking: | M-F 9.00-18.00 | |
| Major Airports: | Atlanta(ATL), Chicago(ORD), Denver(DEN), Las Vegas(LAS), Los Angeles(LAX), Miami(MIA), New York(JFK), New York(LGA), San Francisco(SFO) |
Landmark Navy Pier Chicago
When preparing your “things-to-do list” in Illinois, a visit or two to Navy Pier Chicago should definitely be at the top. It is the ideal place to have a complete fun day for families or individuals of any age. The range of things to do at Navy Pier in Chicago is impressive.
There are boat rides, rides on a huge Ferris wheel, a carousel, an interactive children’s museum, a theatre, an Imax cinema, a stained-glass-window museum, parks, gardens, restaurants, concerts and… more. Time is what one needs to enjoy all that is on offer at Navy Pier. The pier is 1,010 metres long and is located on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan at the end of Illinois Avenue.
The origins of Navy Pier date back to 1914. It took two years to construct at a cost of $4.5 million. It opened in 1916 with the purpose of serving freight shipping, warehousing and some recreation. During its history, Navy Pier has served many purposes such as a shipping point and a cultural centre.
It also served as government offices during the two World Wars and as a Navy college. It went through a period of decline until, in 1995, after a multi-million marvellous redevelopment, Navy Pier became the most visited site in Chicago.
Navy Pier attractions
Some of the favourite Navy Pier attractions are: the 150 foot tall Ferris wheel. If you are not afraid of heights it is ideal for panoramic views and photographs. Take a ride on the beautiful old-fashioned carousel with its hand-painted animals. The interactive Chicago Children’s Museum is greatly enjoyed by children and parents. The Stained Glass Museum where 150 stained glass windows are displayed is a most unusual treat.
The awesome IMAX Theatre, with its enormous 60 x 80 ft screen, is indeed a “wow experience”. A performance at the Shakespeare Theatre and a couple of drinks at one of the bars along the Navy Pier Chicago will complete the day beautifully.