the many lives of navy pier

Most people know Navy Pier as one of Illinois's most popular attractions, but that is only the most recent incarnation of this more than a century-old structural marvel. It has had several previous uses, and there are hints at these prior lives if you know where to look...

The tour starts in the middle of the outdoor plaza at the eastern end of Navy Pier. Make use of this app's map function to navigate with each map stop showing where you should stand to get the best views. Everything on this wheelchair-accessible tour route is very compact and covers approximately 0.2 miles (0.4 kilometers). Most stops can be experienced in two ways: 1. listen to the audio or watch the video from expert tour guide Mike or 2. read the descriptions at each stop. Regardless of which option you choose, you will not miss any content.

Tours With Mike is a Chicago-based, expert tour guide who has been creating and delivering amazing experiences since 2005. Mike's goal is to make design and history fun and interesting. In addition to eAtlas app-based tours, he also offers in-person walking tours, free virtual tours, and private tours. Check out tourswithmike.com for details.

Navy Pier Overview

Life #1: Commercial Pier

Life #2: Navy Facility

Architectural Details

Life #3: University Campus

Life #4: People's Pier

Discover Navy Pier's fascinating evolution that has spanned more than a century!

The Many Lives of Navy Pier

printers row landmark district

The Printers Row area has had many lives: a prolific vice district, a bustling publishing center, a zone of urban decay, and a revitalized residential neighborhood. Throughout all these incarnations, it has always been one-of-a-kind. Despite being next to Chicago's Loop, the city's central business district, many people do not know much about this landmark area filled with unique features, beautiful lofts, and wonderful stories.

This Tours With Mike guided tour can be experienced in two ways: 1. listen to the audio from expert tour guide Mike or 2. read the descriptions at each stop. Regardless of which option you choose, you will not miss any content. The tour starts right across the street from Dearborn Station (47 W Polk Street), and it is close to the Harrison (Red Line), LaSalle (Blue Line), and Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren (Brown, Orange, and Pink Lines) CTA train stations. 

Make use of this app's map function to navigate with each map stop showing where you should stand to get the best views, not the building addresses. Sandmeyer's Bookstore is the only spot that is not wheelchair-accessible, but it is optional and no content about it is covered in the interior. Everything else on this wheelchair-accessible tour route is very compact and covers approximately 0.4 miles (0.6 kilometers). Printers Row also has many great places for food and drink either before, after, or even during the tour!

Tours With Mike is a Chicago-based, expert tour guide who has been creating and delivering amazing experiences since 2005. Mike's goal is to make design and history fun and interesting. In addition to eAtlas app-based tours, he also offers in-person walking tours, public virtual tours, and private tours. Check out tourswithmike.com for details.

There is one interior on the route and a couple of optional spaces to explore. I recommend checking out their hours in advance before starting your tour:
- Dearborn Station: http://dearbornstation.com
- Sandmeyer's Bookstore: https://sandmeyersbookstore.com
- Harold Washington Library Center: https://chipublib.org/locations/34

Dearborn Station (Across The Street)

Dearborn Station (Interior)

Printers Row Neighborhood

Lakeside Press Building (across the street)

Lakeside Press Building (up close)

Second Franklin Building (across the street)

Second Franklin Building (up close)

Donohue Building & Annex (across the street)

Rowe Building (up close)

Printers Row Park & Lit Fest

The Levee

Transportation Building (across the street)

Pontiac Building (across the street)

Mergenthaler Linotype Building (across the street)

Harold Washington Library Center (in the distance)

Discover the fascinating evolution of downtown's former publishing district!

Printers Row Landmark District

Mike McMains

Inciteful Games Holdings LLC © 2024 - All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use