Boston has Faneuil Hall, San Francisco has Pier 39, Chicago has the Navy Pier, a family friendly architectural expanse hovering over Lake Michigan with more to offer than one might expect in photographs.

Part food court, part stained glass museum, part carnival, part IMAX movie theater. Chicago Navy Pier has been around since the early 20th century, initially used for freighters as part of a public infrastructure plan before being converted into a partial college classroom for the University of Illinois to better serve recent WWII veterans in 1946 before falling into a period of disuse from 1965-1989 until it's renaissance period saw the pier being turned into a public area that housed theater, public art, family friendly stores and a sizable food court that could cater to just about anybody looking for anything.

Place offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan and fantastic shots of Chicago both night and day for any tourist or any local taking pride in the Windy City. Family friendly environment has an array of rides for parents and kids to enjoy. Parking is available but expensive as Chicago is a very expensive city. But it's worth the free admission to spend time at the Navy Pier in style.

A good place to spend an evening with family or friends, after a busy day. Lots of shops, eateries and other attractions add to the fun. If you are able to go out on the days they have firework (guess that will be Wednesdays and Saturdays through summer), it is worthwhile. The fireworks are excellent and so is the vibrant crowd. A good place to sit and relax especially if you have people to chat with, while enjoy the swift breeze coming off the Michigan Lake. Also good for couples to relax and rejuvenate.

You can have a lot of fun there, there are many restaurants and shops where you can buy souvenirs and a good view to the Chicago Skyline. But most of the Shops and Restaurant are closing early.
There are many buses to the Navy Pier
And a ride with the Ferris-wheel is awesome!
I really like the Naviy Pier in Chicago

A lakefront park where families or friends may stroll, dine or just plain hang out. There are a rides and other activities for groups to enjoy. Several cruise around Chicago starts from here especially the popular Shoreline Architecture Cruises.

Navy Pier no longer has anything to do with the Navy, and is really just a tourist trap hub of souvenir shops. You'll only find fellow tourists there, and there are much more interesting places to spend your time at when in Chicago.