Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
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Instant Confirmation
E-tickets accepted
Flexible Tickets
USD 23
The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel is one of Chicago's most recognisable landmarks — a 196-foot Ferris wheel on the city's iconic lakefront that offers 360° panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan from enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. Installed in 2016 to celebrate Navy Pier's 100th anniversary, it runs three full revolutions per ride in all weather and all seasons.
Your admission ticket gets you one ride on the Centennial Wheel — approximately 15 minutes of sweeping views across one of America's great skylines. Book your tickets on Thrillark and enjoy the most scenic perspective in Chicago without breaking a sweat.
Your admission ticket gets you one ride on the Centennial Wheel — approximately 15 minutes of sweeping views across one of America's great skylines. Book your tickets on Thrillark and enjoy the most scenic perspective in Chicago without breaking a sweat.
Key Highlights
- 196 feet tall — 46 feet taller than its predecessor, with views stretching in all directions
- 360° panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan
- 42 climate-controlled gondolas — each seats up to 8 passengers
- Three full revolutions per ride — approximately 15 minutes of uninterrupted views
- LED lighting system illuminates the wheel after dark for an equally spectacular night ride
- Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day
- Located at Navy Pier — Chicago's most visited lakefront destination
- Operates year-round in all weather — heated gondolas keep you comfortable in winter
About Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Navy Pier has been Chicago's lakefront gathering point since 1916, and the Centennial Wheel — installed in 2016 to mark the pier's 100th anniversary — is its most iconic attraction. At 196 feet tall, the wheel is a significant upgrade from the original 1995 Ferris wheel, with modern gondolas, advanced LED lighting, and an elevated perspective that puts the full sweep of the Chicago skyline in front of you.
Each enclosed gondola features padded seating, panoramic windows on all four sides, LED lighting inside the cabin, TV screens, and speakers — though the real entertainment is always the view outside. Three full revolutions take approximately 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in the skyline from every angle: north to the skyscrapers of the Loop, west across the city grid, south along the lakefront, and east across the open expanse of Lake Michigan.
The experience is different at every time of day. Morning rides offer clean blue-sky views across the water. Afternoon visits capture the full city panorama in the best light. Evening rides — especially after dark when the wheel's LED lighting illuminates the gondolas and the Chicago skyline glitters below — are consistently described as spectacular. And on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Navy Pier Summer Fireworks add another layer entirely. Book your tickets on Thrillark.
Each enclosed gondola features padded seating, panoramic windows on all four sides, LED lighting inside the cabin, TV screens, and speakers — though the real entertainment is always the view outside. Three full revolutions take approximately 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in the skyline from every angle: north to the skyscrapers of the Loop, west across the city grid, south along the lakefront, and east across the open expanse of Lake Michigan.
The experience is different at every time of day. Morning rides offer clean blue-sky views across the water. Afternoon visits capture the full city panorama in the best light. Evening rides — especially after dark when the wheel's LED lighting illuminates the gondolas and the Chicago skyline glitters below — are consistently described as spectacular. And on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Navy Pier Summer Fireworks add another layer entirely. Book your tickets on Thrillark.
Inclusions
- Admission on the Centennial Wheel
Exclusions
- Food and beverages (available throughout Navy Pier)
- Hotel transfers and transportation
- Parking
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Insiders' Tips
Visit after dark for the most dramatic experience — the Chicago skyline lit up at night, viewed from a glowing gondola above Lake Michigan, is genuinely spectacular. On Wednesday and Saturday evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day, time your visit to catch the Navy Pier Summer Fireworks from the wheel. Tickets are valid for 7 days after your chosen date, so you can plan around the weather.
Additional Information
Opening Hours
- Open daily: 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- Children under the age of 3 enjoy free entry
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Valid Photo ID
- Wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
Non-refundable: All bookings are final once confirmed. Please review your travel dates carefully before completing your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ride?
Each ride consists of three full revolutions of the wheel, taking approximately 15 minutes. You'll complete three full loops with uninterrupted views throughout.
Are the gondolas enclosed?
Yes — all 42 gondolas are fully enclosed and climate-controlled. They are heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer, so the experience is comfortable year-round regardless of Chicago weather.
Is the Night ride worth it?
Absolutely — many visitors rate the after-dark Centennial Wheel ride as one of their favourite Chicago experiences. The illuminated skyline, the reflections on Lake Michigan, and the glowing LED gondolas all combine to create a genuinely memorable perspective of the city.
When are the Navy Pier Summer Fireworks?
Fireworks take place every Wednesday and Saturday evening at Navy Pier from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with additional shows during special events throughout the year. Timing your Centennial Wheel ride to coincide with fireworks makes for an extraordinary experience.
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