Navy Pier, Chicago

A cool place to spend a hot day on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier extends for over 1,000 m (3,300 ft) along the lakefront. Designed by city planner Daniel Burnham and built in 1916, the pier first served as a cargo facility for lake freighters, with a network of warehouses stretching along the shoreline. In the pre-air conditioning years, the pier also served Chicagoans as one of the coolest places in the city, quickly becoming a popular venue for public gatherings and entertainment. Now the city's top tourist attraction, the pier features a children's museum, fountains, fast-food eateries, souvenir vendors, and a Ferris wheel. The older crowd can enjoy lakefront views, boat cruises, and a range of live shows. Planning Chicago trip won't be overwhelming when you use Inspirock's itinerary maker.