Uss Chicago

USS Chicago Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites in Chicago: A Comprehensive Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: The USS Chicago and Its Significance

The USS Chicago stands as a testament to the city’s enduring naval heritage and the broader legacy of American maritime prowess. Four United States Navy vessels have carried the name “USS Chicago,” representing the city’s industrial might and its close relationship with the U.S. Navy, from the late 19th century to the present day. Although none of these ships remain as museum pieces, visitors can explore their legacy through prominent Chicago landmarks, military museums, and memorials.

Notable among these is the USS Chicago Anchor Memorial at Navy Pier—a free, accessible landmark that honors the service of the ships and their crews. Navy Pier itself is a vibrant destination, blending history, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Complementing this are institutions like the Chicago History Museum, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, and the Museum of Science and Industry, each offering exhibits and educational resources that illuminate Chicago’s naval contributions and the stories of the USS Chicago ships. Additionally, the Museum of Science and Industry’s U-505 submarine exhibit provides valuable context to the era of submarine warfare, echoing the modern USS Chicago (SSN-721).

This guide offers an in-depth overview of how to experience the USS Chicago legacy firsthand. You’ll find historical context, practical visitor tips, and cultural insights, ensuring a memorable and enriching visit to Chicago’s premier naval heritage sites (Chicago History Museum, Pritzker Military Museum & Library, Navy Pier, Museum of Science and Industry).

Battleships and heavy cruisers steaming in column off Kamaishi during bombardment

U.S. Navy Boeing Vertol UH-46D Sea Knight helicopter delivering cargo to USS Chicago guided missile cruiser during 1970-1971

Battleships and heavy cruisers steaming in column off Kamaishi during World War II bombardment

USS Chicago heavy cruiser CA-136 in 1945 and guided missile cruiser CG-11 in 1976 comparison

U.S. Navy Kaman HH-2D Seasprite helicopter landing aboard USS Chicago guided missile cruiser in Gulf of Tonkin

USS Chicago CA-136 Baltimore-class heavy cruiser off Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1945 with Measure 21 camouflage and Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk seaplanes on catapults

USS Chicago CA-136 heavy cruiser docked at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard May 7 1945

USS Chicago CA-136 Baltimore-class heavy cruiser underway in 1945

USS Chicago CG-11 guided missile cruiser docked at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard 1961

Exploring the USS Chicago Legacy and Naval Museums
USS Chicago Anchor Memorial at Navy Pier
Chicago’s Broader Naval Heritage
Visiting Chicago Naval Heritage Sites: Practical Guide
Summary of USS Chicago Visitor Experience
References and Official Links

Exploring the USS Chicago Legacy and Naval Museums

Origins and Namesakes

The name “USS Chicago” honors the city’s vital role as a national transportation hub and symbol of American spirit (Britannica - Chicago). Each ship named USS Chicago has played a distinct role in U.S. naval history:

USS Chicago (CA-14): The First of Her Name

Launched in 1885 and commissioned in 1889, the original USS Chicago was a protected cruiser—one of America’s first steel-hulled warships. During her service, she participated in training and diplomatic missions and served as a submarine tender in World War I before decommissioning in 1928.

USS Chicago (CA-29): World War II Service

Commissioned in 1931, this Northampton-class heavy cruiser was a formidable presence in the Pacific during World War II. She participated in major battles, including the Coral Sea and Savo Island, before being sunk in the Battle of Rennell Island in 1943.

USS Chicago (CA-136/CG-11): Cold War and Missile Age

The Baltimore-class USS Chicago, commissioned in 1945, saw postwar service before a 1960s conversion into a guided missile cruiser (CG-11). As CG-11, she played a vital command role during the Vietnam War, serving until 1980.

USS Chicago (SSN-721): The Modern Era

The current USS Chicago is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine, commissioned in 1986. She remains active as of 2025, supporting U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific with missions ranging from anti-submarine warfare to intelligence gathering (uscarriers.net).

Visiting Chicago’s Military Museums and USS Chicago Exhibits

While no USS Chicago vessel survives as a museum ship, the city’s museums offer rich context:

Chicago History Museum

Location: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Tue–Sun, 10 AM–4 PM
Tickets: Adults $19, Seniors/Students $14, Children under 12 free
Highlights: Military exhibits featuring Chicago’s naval history (Chicago History Museum)

Pritzker Military Museum & Library

Location: 104 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Hours: Tue–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM; Sun, 12 PM–5 PM
Tickets: General admission $10
Highlights: Naval history collections, special lectures (Pritzker Military Museum & Library)

Museum of Science and Industry

Location: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM–4 PM
Tickets: Adults $21.95, Children $12.95
Highlights: U-505 submarine exhibit (Museum of Science and Industry)

Navy Pier

Location: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Hours: Open year-round
Tickets: Free access; event prices vary (Choose Chicago - Navy Pier)

Guided Tours and Special Events

Many museums and Navy Pier offer guided tours—check individual websites for schedules.
Look for commemorative events on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and naval anniversaries.
Boat tours on Lake Michigan often include commentary on Chicago’s maritime history (Choose Chicago - Boat Tours).

Practical Visitor Tips

Confirm hours and ticket prices on official museum sites before visiting.
Accessibility: All major museums and Navy Pier are wheelchair accessible.
Public transit: Convenient via CTA.
Parking: Consider public transit; parking downtown can be expensive.
Photography: Permitted in most exhibits (no flash); check policies.

Q: Can I visit an actual USS Chicago ship?
A: No vessels are preserved as museum ships, but related exhibits are available.

Q: Where can I learn about USS Chicago history?
A: Chicago History Museum and Pritzker Military Museum & Library.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, most museums and Navy Pier offer guided or themed tours.

USS Chicago Anchor Memorial at Navy Pier

Historical Background and Cultural Significance

The USS Chicago Anchor Memorial at Navy Pier honors the legacy of ships bearing the city’s name. The anchor—believed to originate from the guided missile cruiser USS Chicago (CA-136/CG-11)—symbolizes the city’s connection to naval service and commemorates the crews who served (uscarriers.net, waymarking.com).

Location, Description, and Accessibility

Location: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Description: Outdoor memorial featuring a large naval anchor and interpretive plaque.
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and amenities (choosechicago.com).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Getting There

Hours: Outdoors and accessible 24/7 year-round.
Admission: Free; no tickets required.
Getting There: Reachable by CTA bus, car, or on foot from downtown; parking available but busy in peak seasons.

Special Events, Visitor Tips, and Nearby Attractions

Events: Navy Pier hosts historical walking tours and maritime-themed events; check the Navy Pier website for schedules.
Best times: Summer brings pleasant weather and vibrant crowds; early morning/late afternoon offers the best photo lighting (travellersworldwide.com).
Combine with: Boat tours, the Chicago Riverwalk, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Photo tip: The anchor with the skyline makes a memorable shot.

Nearby Attractions

Centennial Wheel: Panoramic city and lake views.
Chicago Children’s Museum: Family-friendly discovery.
Chicago Riverwalk: Dining, entertainment, and scenic walks.
Art Institute of Chicago: World-class art collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a ticket required?
A: No; the memorial is free and open to all.

Q: Is the memorial wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, as is all of Navy Pier.

Q: Are there dedicated tours?
A: Not specifically, but many Navy Pier tours feature the memorial.

Chicago’s Broader Naval Heritage

Chicago Maritime Museum

Located at 1200 W 35th Street, the Chicago Maritime Museum showcases the city’s rich maritime legacy through ship models, artifacts, and detailed exhibits on Great Lakes naval operations and the USS Chicago.

Hours: Tues–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM; Sun, 12 PM–5 PM
Tickets: Adults $12; discounts for students, seniors, and children
Guided tours: Additional $5; free first Friday of each month at 1 PM (advance reservation recommended)
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with free parking

Veterans’ Associations and Digital Resources

The 721 Association connects former USS Chicago crew and supporters, offering events and oral histories. Online resources like HullNumber.com provide ship histories, deployment records, and photographs.

Thematic Tours and Safety Tips

Local companies like HopChicago offer themed walking and bus tours that include Navy Pier and other military sites. Chicago’s downtown and Navy Pier are generally safe, but standard urban precautions are recommended (Timeless Travel Steps).

Enhance Your Visit: Photography, Reflection & Dining

Photography: Early morning/late afternoon for the best light.
Reflection: Read the memorial plaque to honor the USS Chicago’s crews.
Dining: Numerous options at Navy Pier and in the nearby Bridgeport neighborhood.

Visitor FAQs

Q: What are the visiting hours at the Chicago Maritime Museum?
A: Tues–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM; Sun, 12 PM–5 PM.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, with advance booking.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, fully accessible.

Visiting Chicago Naval Heritage Sites: Practical Guide

Navy Pier Historical Sites

Navy Pier, originally constructed in 1916, is a keystone of Chicago’s waterfront and naval history, having served as a military training center during both World Wars. Today, it integrates history with entertainment over 50 acres, including the Centennial Wheel, gardens, and interpretive plaques (Secret Chicago, Travellers Worldwide).

Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM; extended in summer
Accessibility: Fully accessible

Chicago Maritime Museum Hours and Tickets

Hours: Tues–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM; Sun, 12 PM–5 PM
Tickets: $12 adults; discounts for students, seniors, and children; free guided tours first Friday each month (Chicago Maritime Museum)

Planning Your Visits, Transportation, and Accessibility

Tours: Book guided tours at least one week in advance for weekdays, two weeks for weekends.
Transit: CTA buses and trains provide easy access; parking is paid at Navy Pier and free at the Maritime Museum.
Accessibility: Both sites are fully accessible.

Family-Friendly Activities, Dining, and Photo Opportunities

Navy Pier: Chicago Children’s Museum, rides, and the Centennial Wheel.
Maritime Museum: Hands-on exhibits for all ages.
Dining: Lakefront views at Navy Pier; local eateries near the museum.
Photography: Centennial Wheel and lake views, museum exhibits, and the anchor memorial.

FAQs

Q: Is the USS Chicago ship on display?
A: No; its history is preserved through museum exhibits and the anchor memorial.

Q: Are there free days at the Chicago Maritime Museum?
A: Yes, for Illinois residents and on select dates.

Q: Which transportation is best?
A: Public transit is most convenient for Navy Pier; free parking for the Maritime Museum.

Summary of USS Chicago Visitor Experience

The USS Chicago legacy is a cornerstone of the city’s maritime identity, commemorated through the Anchor Memorial at Navy Pier and a network of museums and associations. Visitors can:

Experience the memorial for free, 24/7, at Navy Pier (USS Chicago Anchor Memorial)
Explore military and maritime history at the Chicago History Museum, Pritzker Military Museum & Library, and Museum of Science and Industry
Engage with the community through veterans’ groups like the 721 Association
Deepen their visit with guided tours, themed excursions, and digital resources

Chicago’s robust infrastructure, accessibility, and nearby attractions—such as the Art Institute, Chicago Riverwalk, and Centennial Wheel—make it an ideal destination for anyone interested in naval history and American heritage. For the latest updates and travel tips, consider using the Audiala app and official museum websites (Chicago Maritime Museum).