111 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Dock
Offered
Mooring
Not Offered
Day Trip
Not Offered
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124 Reviews
by Kevin m. - Verified user on Oct 29, 2024
The location is incredible, love that the docks are composite so you don't have to worry about slivers. Would love to stay here again. I wish they could do something about the homeless person living in the far shower of the men's bathroom, the marina staff said there is nothing they could do.
by Donald Z. - Verified user on Oct 07, 2024
The staff handles the reservations asap, placed us on a tdock so we had room for our dinghy; clean and comfy marina close to all.
by Brian S. - Verified user on Sep 24, 2024
Absolutely fantastic location! Docks are in good shape. You are paying for location. Staff is unengaged, bathrooms/showers were in need of more frequent cleaning and the laundry....one small washer and dryer stuck in a closet for over 400 slips???? really??
by Cheryl O. - Verified user on Sep 23, 2024
The staff is very accommodating!
by Doug J. on Sep 23, 2024
Only got 2 stars because of great location. Staff was friendly when you could find them. Saw no dock hands, only friendly lady (Joan) in the office. Showers and bathrooms are TOTALLY inadequate and consistently dirty. Laundry almost non-existent. Very expensive. Chicago bills itself as a world-class city. This marina is NOT!
by Tsali B. - Verified user on Sep 20, 2024
We love DuSable and the fact that it is in downtown Chicago. The staff worked so well with us when we had an unexpected death in our extended family and had to leave early. Will always recommend this marina!
by Mike L. - Verified user on Sep 16, 2024
We love this harbor for its’ location to the river walk and downtown Chicago. Bathrooms are clean and fine. The outlets in the women’s bathroom didn’t work for our entire 5 day stay which would have been an issue if it was warmer as the boat would be hot. Over all, a great place. We will be back next season.
by tom c. - Verified user on Sep 16, 2024
Had a great time at DuSable harbor. Minus the guy who hit the outer break wall in a boat and 1/2 sunk it wanting me to bring him out there to retrieve whatever contraband he left on the boat. Obviously, not the marina's issue, but one of the weirdest experiences I have had boating.
by Michael D. - Verified user on Aug 31, 2024
Great location! Quiet and calm marina right near all that you can want to do in Chicago!
by Teresa C. - Verified user on Aug 29, 2024
The marina staff are not helpful. They were unable to be reached by radio and then when we checked in said they gave us codes by email and we did not receive and gave us a hard time to get codes. The marina staff just sits there and looks at their phones. Also no one was there to help us tie up. The docs are also littered with grills and dock boxes and other items that make it cluttered.
by Doug E. - Verified user on Aug 21, 2024
The view from the marina was spectacular and the actual docks were in fairly good shape, but that's where it ends.
Nobody answered the UHF
The wifi rarely worked
Showers and bathrooms are discustingly dirty and outdated.
The so called laundry room was located in a closet with only 1 washer and 1 dryer that hadn't been cleaned in who knows how long.
Nobody was around to help with lines when docking boat
Young staff was extremely unknowledgeable with local information.
They were eating their french fries at the computer instead of helping.
Way too expensive for the horrible amenities that are offered.
I would never recommend this marina
by Laurie R. - Verified user on Aug 17, 2024
Ok
Bathroom dirty .in the wall in the stalls
Slick floor
by Anne H. - Verified user on Aug 15, 2024
The location was Fabulous, there aren’t many staff but the three I spoke to were lovely people and very helpful. I will note they were more responsive to a request through the app as I arrived- I was unable to hail anyone on the VHF nor by telephone. The docks were all in terrific condition. I felt safe, so close to downtown.
I was amazed at how fast the local boaters drive with in the marina itself , an accident waiting to happen in my opinion.
by Todd W. - Verified user on Aug 14, 2024
Great Harbor. Absolutely love the Slip we were in (A-2). Great Staff
by Harold G. - Verified user on Aug 11, 2024
It was great - location can’t be beat and the staff is always friendly and helpful
by Ben C. - Verified user on Jul 28, 2024
You are paying for the location. The staff was nice on the phone but I never saw a single staff member in 48 hours there. Random boats coming and going at all hours. The docks were nice but the amenities were well below the sticker price required.
by Brett G. on Jul 22, 2024
Great stay, clean bathrooms and nice floating docks. Thank you.
by Kevin F. - Verified user on Jul 21, 2024
Great docks and easy access, Makes Chicago fun 🛥😎🥂
by Adam C. - Verified user on Jul 19, 2024
Stubbing location and easy access to all Chicago has to offer. Nice bathroom and shower facilities
by paul s. - Verified user on Jul 16, 2024
Great locations docks are in great shape. Would return in a heart beat.
by Spencer T. - Verified user on Jul 15, 2024
They always do a good job.
by Lawrence R. - Verified user on Jul 09, 2024
We really enjoyed our stay here. We were able to extend our stay by one more day, which pleased us very much. However, our gate code did not work Monday morning at about 7:30 am as I came back to the dock after venturing outside the dock. This could have easily become a major issue with the office closed and nobody else to contact for assistance. I was lucky enough to find someone working on a boat near the gate who agreed to let me onto the dock. The next transient boaters might not be so lucky. Please look into this. I am curious who shut down or did not extend the gate code as part of my extra day booking. Your review email arrived in my email at just about the same time I found myself locked out of the dock.
by Dante c. on Jul 08, 2024
Amazing location. Easy to walk to everything on the Riverwalk and other close by locations. The staff were very friendly and very helpful. I had engine trouble and the assistant harbor master was great at helping me when I had to stay an extra nite. Will definitely be back at this marina.
by George P. - Verified user on Jul 04, 2024
The whole time I was there the water was covered with some kind of fuel. And the smell of fuel was strong. Other than that it was an enjoyable experience.
by Charlie B. - Verified user on Jun 23, 2024
Great location, adequate facilities
About DuSable Harbor, The Chicago Harbors
Please Note: 2-3 night minimum may be charged for special events of holidays. DuSable Harbor has a 30' minimum.
DuSable Harbor is located in the heart of downtown Chicago at the foot of Randolph Street. Surrounded by a towering skyline and being the only harbor with slips close to the loop, it is a very popular mooring location. Hemmed in by the Columbia Yacht Club to the south, the harbor was completed in 2000 by closing in part of Monroe Harbor, thus the entrance is thru Monroe Harbor headed north along the eastern breakwater. There are 420 slips at DuSable with accommodations for boats 30’-90’ in length.
Transient docking is available; please visit our Dockwa page or call the harbor office for reservations any time after May 1st. Waste pump-out equipment is provided on a no-charge basis on the end-cap of D-Dock. The harbor monitors VHF channels 9 and 16 and the switch to/working channel is 67.
Captains & Crew: All of of our overnight transient slips are on floating docks.
Mailing Address: 150 N Lake shore Drive Chicago, 60601 Secondary Address: Columbia Yacht Club Please include both
Harbor Master: John Meidinger
Services
Amenities
Info
Photos
A Wanderer's Guide to DuSable Harbor
It is hard to get closer to downtown Chicago than DuSable Harbor. Walk the iconic Chicago Riverwalk, bike along Lake Michigan on the Lakefront Trail, take a picture at the Bean, eat deep dish delivered to your boat, or venture out for some delicious Chicago cuisine. There is no shortage of activities accessible by land or water from DuSable Harbor to explore all Chicago has to offer.
Approach and Dockage
Despite Lake Michigan’s reputation for kicking up some wind and waves, DuSable Harbor is well protected behind two breakwalls. The entrance is about 0.8 miles south of the Chicago Harbor Lock and there is only one way in and out of the harbor. Head through the red and green markers past the secondary breakwall and turn to your starboard side. Head between the mooring field and the breakwall towards the large ship, which is the Columbia Yacht Club. Continue past the Columbia Yacht Club and you will enter DuSable Harbor. There are 8 docks labeled with a letter A-H, with A being the farthest north dock. Transient slips are throughout the marina so be sure to check where your slip is located. Friendly and helpful dockhands are available to help you tie up.
Monroe Harbor, also operated by the city, offers mooring balls that you pass when headed into DuSable for $1/foot (at time of writing). They offer a regular tender service as well to pick and drop you off on land and to bathrooms/showers. While the mooring field is relatively protected, be cautious as it can get rocky, making it uncomfortable for some to stay onboard. If DuSable is filled, some stay on a mooring ball until a transient slip opens up.
Marina Amenities
Bathrooms/Showers The bathrooms and showers are locked by a code and located next to Cafe Michelle and the public bathrooms (that do not require a code to access). Depending on where you are, it can be a short or long walk from your slip.
Laundry A single dryer and washer coin operated is located in the same building as the bathrooms and showers.
Pump-Out Free self-serve pump-out is located at the end of Dock D 24/7.
Pet-Access DuSable Marina is located along the Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, which is a heavily trafficked paved running, walking, biking path with green spaces perfectl for taking a pet to shore.
Proximity to Attractions by Land
Chicago Riverwalk (0.4 miles) The 1.25 mile path takes walkers alongside the Chicago River. Dotted with restaurants, parks, and sights, it is one of the best ways to experience the architecture of the city. Take a run on a weekday morning before it gets crowded, or on a warm afternoon grab a drink at one of their many outdoor bars and watch the pedestrian and water traffic go by. If you want to travel the Chicago River by water and not in your boat, grab a kayak or hop on an architecture tour.
Lakefront Trail (0 miles) Once you step off your dock, be sure to look rigth and left for walkers, runners, and bikers along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail. This 18-mile trail lines Lake Michigan and is a great way to take in some Chicago and Lake Michigan views by bike or foot. It can get popular before/after work and especially on weekends, so just be sure to keep a lookout for bikers or joggers before hopping on.
Millenium Park (0.7 miles) One of Chicago’s most iconic parks, take a picture at the Bean, walk through Lurie Gardens, get your feet wet at Crown Fountain, or if you’re lucky, attend one of many music fesivals open to the public.
Navy Pier (0.5 miles) Take a stroll along the Lakefront Trail to Chicago’s Navy Pier, for some beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Grab a bite to eat or depending on the time of the year, check out one of their seasonal displays or events.
Museums (1+ miles) There is no shortage of impressive and engaging museums, many within walking distance from DuSable Harbor. The hardest part won’t be trying to get there, it will be deciding which one to go to. Museums within 1.5 miles include The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Contempoary Photography. Chinatown (by water taxi or 3.2 miles by foot) You can get to Chinatown by land, but one of the best ways is by watertaxi. Hop on at the Chicago Riverwalk and cruise to one of the city’s most unique neighborhoods, which dates back to 1912. The neighborhood has some impressive sites, such as the Ping Tom Memorial Park or the Pui Tak Center, and great dining options, so be sure to come hungry. Some favorites include Chiu Quon Bakery and Dim Sum and Imperial Restaurant.
Dining Options (Varies) There are no shortage of great places to eat in Chicago, and for some of the better dining options, encourage you to explore beyond what’s only available within walking distance. There are several guides to help figure out where to eat based on your tastes, but some favorites include the burger at Au Cheval, sandwiches at J.P. Graziano Grocery, donuts from Stan’s Donuts and Coffee, breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, and deep dish pizza from Pequod’s (they deliver).
Proximity to Attractions By Water
Chicago River If you don’t want to take an archituecture tour, or perhaps you have a local friend who knows enough and is looking for a boat ride, cruise up and down the Chicago River yourself. There can be some boat traffic, especially on weekends, but it’s hard to beat cruising this iconic waterway in your own vessel (and impressing your Chicago friends). Just heads up that you do have to enter and exit through the Chicago Harbor Lock.
Playpen/Monroe Harbor Anchorage On a calm, warm day, head over to the Playpen or Monroe Harbor anchoarages and drop the hook. Jump into Lake Michigan’s blue water while looking up at the Chicago skyline–it doesn’t get more peak-Chicago summer than this. Weekends can get busy, but plenty of room for several boats in both locations.
Chicago Harbor Lock Constructed in the 1930s to reverse the flow of the Chicago River to prevent sewage from entering Lake Michigan, the Chicago Harbor Lock plays an important role in serving as a barrier to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. (Don’t worry, the Chicago River is much cleaner than in the 1930s.) The lock operates 24/7.
