Come Fly With Me: “Flyover Chicago” is open!

***** About a month ago, we talked about a new attraction at Navy Pier. It is called “Flyover” and was created by the Pursuit Hospitality Company. While it was designed to attract tourists and show them Chicago in a unique way, after being witness to the actual program, I believe that Chicagoans can also learn a great deal in seeing Chicago in this amazing and often breathtaking manner..

Back in the pre-Covid days, Navy Pier had an I-Max theater, which has been converted to handle this amazing new project. This is in many ways as vibrant as theater is.The process is quite simple.

Act One: The group is brought into a room that is wall lined with pictures of specific places and people in Chicago. During this period, we learn about places like China Town, Manny’s Deli, Little Village and more. Once the group is in the room in total, the giant screen brings a narrator on who explains the next steps to this program. We then meet our guide, who will take us on the rest of our journey.

Act Two: We are led to another room, where the magic doors have opened to reveal a round room with more screens on the walls, but of more import, in the very center a screen that will reveal the real story of Chicago and its neighborhoods with photos that are powerful and immersive. There are some stories that will educate the viewers on areas where they might never have gone.

Act Three: Our guide now leads us to the final leg of our journey, the 9 minute flight that is both breathtaking and can be a little scary ( if you are squeamish), but it is by far a wonderful experience. You will fly in what feels like a roller coaster ride ( you are belted in for safety) over a screen that will bring you to the lake ( under the 4th of July fireworks), through tunnels in Lincoln Park, to the tops of Chicago’s skyscrapers, along Michigan Avenue, and even along side the “L” train where we peer inside watching the people. When we flew near Buckingham Fountain and in other water spots, we could feel the water on our faces, making this even more realistic than one might think possible. We experience car chases, sporting events and even part of the Water and Air Show ( a major Chicago summertime entertainment). You even go inside the landmark Chicago Theatre where you will be witness to a concert. These 9 minutes are magical and well worth the $24.96 ( an odd amount to say the least) for adults ( 14 and up) and $14.95 for 13 and under. Military rate is $19.95.

The entire experience is 30 minutes. Children must be 40″ tall. Children under 13 MUST be accompanied by an adult. FYI- there are several experiences where stair climbing is involved, but they do have elevators for those who are in need of same The immersive journey starts every 15-20 minutes during business hours starting at 11 a.m.

Navy Pier is located at 600 East Grand Avenue (directly across from the Children’s Museum) and can easily be reached by public transportation. Garage parking is available and of course there are many activities in addition to the Flyover project, so make a day of it. To pick a time and pre-order your tickets, visit www.experienceflyover.com

I had a blast and will go back with the grandkids. The young lady sitting next to me is one of Chicago’s “influencers”. Her name is  Virginia ( Ginny) Krosel. She understands video better than I, so she took a video almost the entire trip and it is posted at Instagram. I believe you can find it by going to

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3-oD3cOfnF/?igsh=NWQ0eDAzNGJ0OWg3

Have fun!