Chicago Boating Basics
The waters of Lake Michigan have historically been a destination for avid sailors and power boaters for decades. However, boating on Lake Michigan, Chicago specifically, is vastly different than inland boating, so knowing what to expect and how to prepare for Lake Michigan can make the overall experience much more enjoyable.
Each summer there are over six thousand boaters that reside within Chicago’s ten harbors that stretch from the far southside all the way to the northern border of Chicago. Harbor season in Chicago runs from May 1 through October 31 and the city harbors are managed by Westrec/Suntex Marina Group for the Chicago Park District.
For this entry I wanted to address the basics of boating in Chicago, and help with the following: how to get onto the lake, where to fuel up while on the lake, and finally suggest a couple spots on the lake that should be part of each visit.
Getting onto the lake:
When trailering your boat to Chicago you should be aware that the city only has four public boat launches within the harbors. However, only three are open this summer – the ramp at Jackson Park Inner harbor, located in the South Shore neighborhood (6400 S Lakeshore Drive) is closed for 2022.
Open ramp locations are:
31st Street Harbor: 3155 S Lake Shore Drive. Open Monday – Friday power boats only. This ramp has very limited parking, and is closed on the weekends.
Burnham Harbor: 1559 S Lake Shore Drive. Open seven days a week power boats only. Large parking lot and easy to access from express ways. This harbor can get extremely busy if there is concert or event at Soldier Field, or Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island.
Diversey Harbor: 2601 N Cannon Drive. Open seven days a week power boats and personal water craft permitted to launch. The only launch ramp on the northside of the city and the only one to permit jet skis and personal water crafts.
There is also a public launch ramp at Daley Park on 3150 S Western Avenue, but that is for entry to the Chicago River and getting to Lake Michigan would require going up the river and through the Chicago Lock.
Fueling up on the lake:
There are several gas docks within the Chicago Harbors. Hours for fuel vary depending on the time of year – most are closed Monday and Tuesday at the very beginning and after October 1st through the end of the season. Confirm hours by using the Chicago Harbors website – linked here.
Starting from the northside:
Belmont Harbor has a large fuel dock that serves both unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel. There is also a free pump out station at the fuel dock. The hours vary, but the fuel dock is open 7 days a week from mid-May through September.
Diversey Harbor has a single fuel dock that is managed by the Diversey Yacht Club and only serves unleaded gasoline. The hours vary and can be confirmed by reaching out to the yacht club directly – linked here.
Burnham Harbor has multiple fuel pumps serving both unleaded and diesel fuel, as well as a free pump out station. The fuel dock is open 7 days a week mid-May through September.
31st street Harbor also has multiple fuel pumps serving both unleaded and diesel fuel, as well as a free pump out station. The fuel dock is open 7 days a week mid-May through September.
A couple suggestions of where to cruise on the lake:
The Playpen is an area that is located just north of Navy Pier. The area is protected by a break-wall and is the premier spot for boaters anchoring for the day. On nice summer days one might see hundreds of boats in the area. Known for its amazing city views, the Playpen is must for those looking to experience Chicago boating. Once a year throngs of boaters attend the Chicago Scene Party, a massive rafting event in the Playpen that has been dubbed a “wet and wild floating Mardi Gras”.
Chicago River is access through the Chicago Lock, and has become a popular cruise over the years. Navigating to the lock, which is located just south of Navy Pier, requires a little preparation. Boats entering the locks need to follow the guidance of the lockmaster and will need to obey the entry/exit procedures. Life jackets are required for all passengers entering the locks, and the Army Corp of Engineers operates the locks and will communicate via VHF radio. Upon entering the Chicago River boaters will get a glimpse of Chicago’s famed architecture, but be aware there are lots of commercial vessels on the river.
I was always a fan of cruising along the coast from Belmont harbor south to the outer perimeter of the Playpen. The views from Lake Michigan of the city during the cruise are amazing!