Uss Chicago

ChicagoUnited States of America 41° N · 87° W

The USS Chicago stands as a symbol of the city of Chicago’s enduring naval heritage and American maritime strength, carrying its name across four…

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Uss Chicago
Modern radar installation under the wing of Curtiss Seahawk plane recovered by USS Chicago
Photograph of a Curtiss Seahawk plane featuring a modern radar installation under the wing, being recovered by USS Chicago (CA-136) after a flight. Image released on August 14, 1945, from U.S. Navy archives.
Battleships and heavy cruisers steaming in column off Kamaishi during bombardment
Historic image of battleships and heavy cruisers steaming in column off Kamaishi during the bombardment of the iron works, as seen from USS South Dakota (BB-57). Closest ship is USS Indiana (BB-58), followed by USS Massachusetts (BB-59), with cruisers Chicago (CA-136) and Quincy (CA-71) at the rear.
U.S. Navy Boeing Vertol UH-46D Sea Knight helicopter delivering cargo to USS Chicago guided missile cruiser during 1970-1971
U.S. Navy Boeing Vertol UH-46D Sea Knight (BuNo 153405) of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3, Det.101, delivering cargo to the guided missile cruiser USS Chicago (CG-11) during 1970-1971. The squadron was assigned to the combat stores ship USS White Plains (AFS-4).
Battleships and heavy cruisers steaming in column off Kamaishi during World War II bombardment
World War II image showing USS South Dakota (BB-57) perspective of battleships USS Indiana (BB-58), USS Massachusetts (BB-59), and cruisers Chicago (CA-136) and Quincy (CA-71) bombarding Kamaishi iron works.
USS Chicago heavy cruiser CA-136 in 1945 and guided missile cruiser CG-11 in 1976 comparison
Side-by-side comparison of the U.S. Navy cruiser USS Chicago as Baltimore-class heavy cruiser CA-136 in 1945 and rebuilt as Albany-class guided missile cruiser CG-11 in 1976, showing significant modifications after conversion.
U.S. Navy Kaman HH-2D Seasprite helicopter landing aboard USS Chicago guided missile cruiser in Gulf of Tonkin
A U.S. Navy Kaman HH-2D Seasprite of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7 (HC-7) lands aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Chicago (CG-11) in the Gulf of Tonkin during the years 1970-1971.
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
The U.S. Navy Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Chicago (CA-136) photographed off the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Pennsylvania, on 7 May 1945. The ship displays Measure 21 camouflage paint and has Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk seaplanes on catapults. The cruiser was commissioned for 1 1/2 years before joini
USS Chicago CA-136 heavy cruiser docked at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard May 7 1945
Historic image of the U.S. Navy heavy cruiser USS Chicago (CA-136) docked off the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in Pennsylvania, USA, on May 7, 1945
USS Chicago CA-136 Baltimore-class heavy cruiser underway in 1945
The U.S. Navy Baltimore-class heavy cruiser USS Chicago (CA-136) underway at sea in 1945 during World War II.
USS Chicago CG-11 guided missile cruiser docked at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard 1961
The U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Chicago (CG-11) docked at Berth No. 15 of Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California during 1961. The ship was undergoing modernization between 1959 and 1964. In the background are the stores ship USS Procyon (AF-61) being recommissioned and the

What the USS Chicago legacy is

Four United States Navy vessels have carried the name USS Chicago, reflecting the city’s industrial might and its relationship with the Navy from the late 19th century to the present. None survives as a museum ship, but visitors can explore the ships’ legacy at Chicago landmarks, museums, and memorials.

The USS Chicago Anchor Memorial at Navy Pier is a free outdoor landmark honoring the ships and their crews. Chicago’s museums and maritime sites offer further context on the city’s naval history, including the Museum of Science and Industry’s U-505 submarine exhibit.

History

The name USS Chicago honors the city’s role as a national transportation hub and a symbol of American spirit.

  • USS Chicago (CA-14) Launched in 1885 and commissioned in 1889, the original USS Chicago was a protected cruiser and one of America’s first steel-hulled warships. She took part in training and diplomatic missions, served as a submarine tender during World War I, and decommissioned in 1928.
  • USS Chicago (CA-29) Commissioned in 1931, this Northampton-class heavy cruiser served in the Pacific during World War II. She took part in the battles of the Coral Sea and Savo Island before being sunk in the Battle of Rennell Island in 1943.
  • USS Chicago (CA-136/CG-11) Commissioned in 1945, this Baltimore-class cruiser served after the war and was converted into a guided missile cruiser (CG-11) in the 1960s. She served as a command ship during the Vietnam War and remained in service until 1980.
  • USS Chicago (SSN-721) The current USS Chicago is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine commissioned in 1986. As of 2025, she remains active, supporting U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific with missions including anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering.

Navy Pier was constructed in 1916 and served as a military training center during both World Wars. Today, its more than 50 acres combine historical features with attractions including gardens and the Centennial Wheel.

What to see

USS Chicago Anchor Memorial and Navy Pier

The memorial’s large naval anchor is believed to have come from USS Chicago (CA-136/CG-11). An interpretive plaque explains the memorial’s connection to naval service and commemorates the crews who served. The memorial is at Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.

Navy Pier also has historical walking tours and maritime-themed events. Its attractions include the Centennial Wheel, gardens, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and interpretive plaques.

Museums

Chicago History Museum
At 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, the museum has military exhibits featuring Chicago’s naval history.

  • Hours: Tue–Sun, 10 AM–4 PM
  • Tickets: Adults $19, Seniors/Students $14, Children under 12 free

Pritzker Military Museum & Library
At 104 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, this museum and library has naval history collections and special lectures.

  • Hours: Tue–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM; Sun, 12 PM–5 PM
  • Tickets: General admission $10

Museum of Science and Industry
At 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, the museum features the U-505 submarine exhibit, offering context on submarine warfare and the era of the modern USS Chicago (SSN-721).

  • Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM–4 PM
  • Tickets: Adults $21.95, Children $12.95

Chicago Maritime Museum
At 1200 W 35th Street, the museum presents ship models, artifacts, and 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 tours on the first Friday of each month at 1 PM. Advance reservation is recommended.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible, with free parking

Practical visiting information

Hours, admission, and accessibility

Navy Pier is open year-round. Its general hours are daily, 10 AM–10 PM, with extended hours in summer. General access is free, though event prices vary.

The anchor memorial is outdoors and accessible 24/7 year-round. Admission is free; no tickets are required.

Navy Pier and the major museums are wheelchair accessible. The Chicago Maritime Museum and the anchor memorial are also fully accessible.

Getting there and parking

The anchor memorial can be reached by CTA bus, car, or on foot from downtown. CTA buses and trains provide access to Navy Pier and other sites. Parking at Navy Pier is paid and can be busy during peak seasons; downtown parking can be expensive. The Chicago Maritime Museum has free parking.

Guided tours and events

Many museums and Navy Pier offer guided tours; check individual websites for schedules. The Chicago Maritime Museum recommends advance reservations for its free first-Friday tours. For weekday tours, book at least one week in advance; for weekends, book two weeks in advance.

Look for commemorative events on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and naval anniversaries. Lake Michigan boat tours often include commentary on Chicago’s maritime history.

Tips

  • Confirm hours and ticket prices on official museum websites before visiting.
  • The anchor and skyline make a memorable photograph. Early morning and late afternoon offer favorable photo lighting.
  • Photography is permitted in most museum exhibits, but flash is not allowed; check individual policies.
  • Read the memorial plaque to learn about the crews commemorated there.
  • Local companies such as 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.

Nearby places

Navy Pier visits can be combined with boat tours, the Chicago Riverwalk, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Children’s Museum. The Centennial Wheel offers panoramic city and lake views. The Chicago Riverwalk has dining, entertainment, and scenic walks, while the Art Institute of Chicago has art collections.

Navy Pier has dining options and lakefront views. There are also numerous dining options in the nearby Bridgeport neighborhood, with local eateries near the Chicago Maritime Museum.

FAQ

Can I visit an actual USS Chicago ship?
No. None of the USS Chicago vessels is preserved as a museum ship; their history is represented through museum exhibits and the Navy Pier anchor memorial.

Where can I learn about the USS Chicago ships?
The Chicago History Museum and Pritzker Military Museum & Library cover Chicago’s naval history. The Chicago Maritime Museum also has exhibits on the USS Chicago.

Is the anchor memorial free, and do I need a ticket?
The memorial is free, open to all, and does not require a ticket.

Is the memorial wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The memorial and Navy Pier are accessible.

Are there dedicated tours of the memorial?
There are no tours specifically dedicated to the memorial, but many Navy Pier tours feature it.

Are guided tours available at Chicago’s naval heritage sites?
Yes. Many museums and Navy Pier offer guided or themed tours. Check individual schedules; advance booking is recommended for museum tours.

When is the Chicago Maritime Museum open, and are there free days?
It is open Tues–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM, and Sun, 12 PM–5 PM. Free guided tours take place on the first Friday of each month at 1 PM. The museum also has free days for Illinois residents and on select dates.

Which transportation is best for visiting?
Public transit is convenient for Navy Pier. The Chicago Maritime Museum has free parking.