“It is packed on weekends so if you are there on a weekday, you might have more fun.” Kristyn Burtt had told me weeks in advance about the ‘Butterfly House‘ and the ‘Navy Pier‘ in Chicago, when I mentioned my upcoming travel plans.

Fortunately, I would be there during the week. Yet I feared the crowds nonetheless, as the 2024 Democratic National Convention was in town at the same time as I.

The pier is a little over a mile from the River Hotel, where I was staying, by Google Maps. Still, I asked hotel staff for directions as well. Trust me, often they know routes that don’t show on Google and if you’re on foot it turns out quicker. Sure enough, the clerk came through and gave me a more direct route.

First noticeable feature at the Navy Pier is the ‘Centennial Wheel‘ that soars to 200 feet in height. Although I’m not afraid of heights (like someone I know, Kristyn) I don’t go out of my way to prove myself. So, I stayed on terra firma.

Although I didn’t go in, there’s a Children’s Museaum at the pier, too.

There’s, also, a pavilion with five stages. Sadly, no one nor group were performing during my time here.

Also available at the pier are a ‘Swing Ride’ and a ‘Merry-Go-Round.’

This cruise takes you up the shoreline of Lake Michigan and even offer evening departures so you can experience the city lit up. My next trip to the Windy City, I will definitely join the passengers aboard.

There’s plenty of spots to grab food at the Family Pavilion you’ll also find many shops and kiosks both inside and out.

As you can tell there weren’t many people here on a weekday and some of the smaller vendors on the walkway, weren’t open. But it wasn’t food I was after on this visit. I had other plans for that, and you’ll read about them in another chapter.

It was the ‘butterflies‘ that drew me here, as the ‘Butterfly House’ had just opened the day before.

It is absolutely beautiful inside and although I didn’t see as many butterflies as I expected, it was still an adventure. And to be honest, it was my first.

The butterfly below was as large as my hand! I was amazed at its size.

You can see a few of the butterflies on the netting behind me. And as always, when in Rome, I came with a Cubs hat.

Upon leaving the exhibit, you’re obligated to go through a plastic ‘decontamination zone’ … I use that term lightly and laughingly as I don’t know what else to call it…but you spin around slowly so one of the workers can make sure there are no butterflies escaping with you.

While I was being checked for escapees, I had the opportunity to speak to the worker about a couple subjects.

Firstly, on how they get the butterflies into the house to start with.

The well-informed young woman went on to explain how they are brought in while still in their ‘Chrysalis Stage‘ and allowed to grow from there inside.

The other question I asked was as simple as kind of dumb (remember, the only dumb question is one not asked).

When it’s over, how do you capture them all? “With a butterfly net,” she said laughingly as I exited.

Lastly, I give you ‘Butterflies‘ by Kacey Musgraves as a dedication to all those that have inspired me to start enjoying life once more. I was hiding in doubt until you brought me out of my own chrysalis. Thank you!

Another chapter of Chicago is coming soon.

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