111 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Dock
$3.50/ft - $6/ft
Mooring
Not Offered
Day Trip
Not Offered
Book faster with the free Dockwa app
93 Reviews
by Mathieu F. - Verified user on Sep 12, 2023
Location, location, location, as they say. You are certainly paying a premium (by Lake Michigan standards) to have a slip with the amazing backdrop of downtown Chicago, but we found it worth every penny. We enjoyed the 360-degree views from Navy Pier, to the Riverfront, to Monroe Harbor to the constant activity just offshore. The reasons for missing a 5-star rating were the usual unfortunately: lousy WiFi and so-so bathrooms (c'mon DuSable, for these prices, give us decent TP for Pete's sake!). Aside from that, this is an amazing location with easy bike access to everything.
by Stephanie B. - Verified user on Sep 04, 2023
Our only issue was no connection to internet. We tried the user and password given in several variations and could not get internet. Still love this marina and will return!!
by Christian C. - Verified user on Aug 27, 2023
Love DuSable for visits to the City. Hard to beat access to the Loop, Theaters and Shopping. All walkable and a great selection of walkable fine or informal dining.
by ron p. - Verified user on Aug 19, 2023
Very clean and inviting. The staff was also very accommodating. We will plan to return again soon.
by Robert V. - Verified user on Aug 13, 2023
Great staff. Great atmosphere
by Tom G. - Verified user on Jul 23, 2023
excellent staff and facilities
Marina Response:
Thank you for the review! We hope to see you again soonby Michael K. - Verified user on Jun 25, 2023
Great location to down town with awesome views of the city. The harbor staff was not very helpful. I could never reach them via VHF or phone for assistance. We had an issue with the water hookup which the harbor staff was not helpful resolving but fortunately our boat neighbor was. This has been our third trip to Chicago by boat and staying at DuSable. We will stay at DuSable for future boat trips to Chicago. Maybe next's year staff will be better.
by Blane S. - Verified user on Jun 12, 2023
Awesome everyone was super helpful.
by Steve m. on Sep 26, 2022
DuSable is a great place to stay when you are in Chicago. It is close to downtown, easy to get transportation to museums, restaurants, theaters and all of downtown. Most are even walkable.
The Harbor Master is awesome! He knows the City and is very helpful!
by Graeme W. - Verified user on Sep 24, 2022
Great location, walk-able to everything in Chicago. Livvy bike rental right near dock (not cheap). Staff was helpful and friendly. Held my Amazon orders which was great.
Negatives, even though we liked the stay but considering how much we paid;
1) Give the bathrooms a coat of white paint, make them feel less like a prison.
2) New shower curtains for the showers, current ones are old and ratty.
3) I didn't know they made toilet paper that thin, I used 10x as much, spend another few bucks!
4) Laundry was tucked into a small dirty closet, single washer/dryer. This is important for transients!
It's the small things that make a '5'.
by Jeff F. - Verified user on Sep 11, 2022
Stay was great! Location, Location,Location. Was right in the middle of everything. The only problem is the staff are non responsive. They don’t answer the VHF for any assistance, and are not very helpful when asked a question. The washrooms smell and laundry dirty. Had a fedex delivery to the marina and after it was reported delivered on Friday they still couldn’t locate before we left on Sunday. That all being said it’s the place to be for visiting the city.
by Rodrigo R. - Verified user on Aug 24, 2022
The staff at DuSable harbor is excellent! My pleasant experience begins from the moment I arrive when I ask for assistance to bring my boat in to the helpfulness of the staff throughout my stay. All are very friendly, helpful and super accommodating. A superior team like this does not just happen by accident. It stems from the leadership of John the Harbor Master and the example he sets. Keep up the good work DuSable crew. I look forward to my stay next year!
by Gordy K. - Verified user on Aug 13, 2022
Great harbor. Perfect location to walk to navy pier. Highly recommend
by Patty S. - Verified user on Aug 11, 2022
Great location and facilities
by Duane Z. on Aug 07, 2022
Stayed four nights at DuSable, in a slip very close to the shore. Thought it might be noisy, but it was quite pleasant for the most part, barking dogs on a nearby catamaran and a guy constantly yelling from a high-rise building for them to shut up notwithstanding. Staff was helpful when docking. Restrooms were kept pretty clean. Expected nicer for the price, but they were fine. Great access to the city by foot or bike. Glad we were able to get a slip here.
by Mark N. - Verified user on Jul 04, 2022
Clean harbor, good docks, dog friendly, great view and access to down town Chicago
by David K. - Verified user on Jun 27, 2022
When we arrived our slip was occupied and they were fully booked. However after waiting at a T dock for 2 hours, the manager and assistant manager got us into a good slip. They were very helpful!
by Harry H. on May 31, 2022
What’s not to like? Great location, great staff, beautiful views of Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan and grocery store in easy walking distance. Harbormaster John and staff were so friendly and helpful to us. Self-service pumpout at no extra charge. Clean showers and toilets and washing machine and drier. If we return to Chicago we will certainly stay at DuSable Marina. We highly recommend it.
by Carlos J. - Verified user on May 14, 2022
Absolutely excellent! John confirmed our reservation as soon as I spoke with him on the phone and provided all the information just in time for our arrival… We will be back for sure!
by Kate C. on Nov 06, 2021
Great location to explore Chicago. Safe and secure docks, even in some big winds that can come across Lake Michigan. Bathrooms, showers only OK but worth it for the proximity to everything Chicago has to offer. Easy to communicate with staff and make reservations.
by Andrew H. on Oct 01, 2021
Great marina and great location!
by Jonathan F. - Verified user on Sep 27, 2021
I love the location of DuSable Harbor. It is convenient to downtown shopping, dining, and the beautiful historic Catholic churches.
by Andrew D. - Verified user on Sep 27, 2021
Harbor staff was very friendly and accommodating.
by Clarke G. - Verified user on Sep 26, 2021
It’s not cheap but the location is perfect. Plus the staff were more than willing to help me out with a problem I was having. As far as I’m concerned this is the only Chicago marina i will stay at.
by Carol C. on Sep 20, 2021
Great place to stay. Covid and short staff made it impossible at times to catch lines for everyone or even get to the phone on weekdays quickly. The harbor office near C dock was very clean and each of the staff we met were always pleasant and helpful. Mail sent to address on Google ends up at the yacht club boat but DuSable staff found it and delivered to our boat. We stayed 5 days, felt very safe, took architecture tour, and visited many areas of Chicago. I would definitely stay again at DuSable!
by Tim H. on Sep 16, 2021
Great stay. Helpful staff!
by Jose v. - Verified user on Aug 29, 2021
Love it! best of Chicago
by Ken n. - Verified user on Aug 19, 2021
First time at Dusable. I was I pleasantly surprised at the service there. john was Jonny on the spot to help us dock and also gave turn by turn instructions for our guest to get to the parking lot. Nice friendly people all around. We will be back.
by Matthew M. - Verified user on Aug 16, 2021
great location and friendly staff. will be back next year.
Marina Response:
We look forward to seeing you again!by Brad B. - Verified user on Aug 03, 2021
Good harbor. They got back to me really quickly on the stay request. Only item for improvement is the dock code they are giving out is not correct.
by Ben L. - Verified user on Aug 02, 2021
Wonderful location! Very secure and great access to Navy Pier, shopping district and theater district! Showers and bathrooms weren't the best we've ever seen, but they were clean and more that adequate. Staff was very helpful. We plan on going back again!
by Scott T. - Verified user on Jul 26, 2021
easy to find. everything as expected. good location.
by Greg L. - Verified user on Jul 13, 2021
It was great to be back to Chicago and DuSable after the last year. We enjoyed our time as always and are looking forward to being back next year!
Marina Response:
Thank you for the review! we look forward to seeing you again soonby Kitten G. - Verified user on Jun 22, 2021
Our stay was amazing! The only Thing that would make it better is if the cost wasn't so high
by Mike K. - Verified user on Jun 21, 2021
Excellent location with very good protection. Shower and boater facilities in bad need of an upgrade.
by Bruce O. - Verified user on Jun 15, 2021
We have been coming to DuSable Harbor each year for six years. Sean has made such a difference as harbormaster. He and his team put in the effort to find a slip that will work well for us, meet us on the dock as we arrive and take good care of us during our stay. It's a challenging marina area to keep up with since it is in the middle of an urban center with lots of non-boaters passing through. His team works hard to keep it all clean and nice.
Marina Response:
Jolly thank you so much for your kind words and thank you for staying with us at DuSable Harbor. We always look forward to your stay and hope to see you again soon!by Sean S. - Verified user on Jun 03, 2021
Sean and his crew do a great job!
They make things easy every time we need a slip.
by Anatoliy L. - Verified user on Sep 21, 2020
You can't beat the Chicago skyline, marina location one of the best on the lake. Walked to museums and restaurants. A bit noisy, perhaps, but you trade it for the spectacular view. Staff is friendly and very responsive.
Facilities is a big disappointment - I felt I was back in USSR. Shelfs of the marina shop were empty. Store itself opens pretty late - good luck finding ice if you leaving early, plan accordingly. Bathroom/toilet is in sad shape - weren't dirty, but dilapidated, bare concrete and scary looking fixtures. Its pretty expensive marina (double or more the price of the others), plus electricity is separate charge. I hope they will bring the marina building from the prohibition era into the modern time soon, I'd be happy to visit again and give 5 stars.
by Mitch P. - Verified user on Aug 24, 2020
Arrived late but was provided slip assignment and dock/bathroom code via email. Made for a super easy stay. Harbor staff seem attentive and friendly.
by David E. on Jul 13, 2020
Our stay at DuSable was just as good if not better then the past 3 stays. Our family appreciates the ability to boat, shop, and eat within minutes walking of our slip. Thank you for being a part of our family's memories.
by Brian S. - Verified user on Jul 05, 2020
Fantastic great time
by Richard K. - Verified user on Jul 04, 2020
Received the wrong gate code and wrong bathroom code and security guard couldn’t assist.
by Anonymous on Jan 29, 2020
Excellent location for access to downtown Chicago. Close to literally 100's of restaurants and bars. Facilities were older but clean, great friendly staff.
by William L. - Verified user on Oct 27, 2019
Bathrooms, showers, laundry all dirty. Wi-Fi doesn’t have range to even 2nd slip in from office. Nice to be on downtown Chicago, but otherwise, one of the worse marinas we have been to ESPECIALLY considering the exorbitant fees.
by Michelle P. on Sep 23, 2019
Great location, so close to many of the cities great attractions. The marina and staff were outstanding, we look forward to our next stay there.
by Jeff H. - Verified user on Sep 22, 2019
Marina and staff were excellent we definitely will be back
Marina Response:
We look forward to seeing you again!by April S. - Verified user on Sep 16, 2019
We love the convenience of DeSable. Never saw a single dock person the whole time we were there including when we docked but I spoke with them on the phone and they were very nice!
by Susan B. - Verified user on Sep 14, 2019
We want a place where the boat didn’t rock all night long and this was it. It everything is pretty much in walking the. A clean Marina.
Staff is friendly but not helpful. We called in before we got to the marina and asked for help, the guy said they were understaffed and asked when we would be in I said 2 minutes and he said he would be there and then didn’t show. It was windy and a helping hand would have been greatly appreciate.
by Gigi G. on Sep 12, 2019
Location 5 Stars. Staff very friendly and accommodating. Marina very nice with most slip holders seasonal. Only negatives that gives it less than 5 stars is: Laundry room very small with only one washer and dryer, pump out is via a service boat which is good but it is $25; no fuel dock, & marina is pricey. But it is worth staying downtown and close to everything. Very well protected from the elements.
by David G. on Sep 11, 2019
Loved it! Did not want to leave!
by John C. - Verified user on Sep 09, 2019
We were there for 4 days and location, location, location. Access to everything. They would of gotten 5 stars if it wasn’t for the bathrooms & showers. Definitely in need of an upgrade. They were frequently dirty. Not worthy of the location.
by Mark B. - Verified user on Sep 06, 2019
There was supposed to be a convention cord for the power. Dock has twin 50, and I need twin 30.
by James C. - Verified user on Sep 04, 2019
Very helpful staff . Good power and WiFi. Very convenient to City. Easily able to adjust details of our stay as well.
by Daniel R. on Sep 04, 2019
Clean docks, bathrooms, and helpful staff. Fantastic location to spend a weekend. Really enjoyed my stay.
by Danny T. - Verified user on Sep 03, 2019
DuSable Harbor is a wonderful Marina with OUTSTANDING MANAGERS AND A GREAT HARBOR MASTER!! The location could not be more perfect!!
Marina Response:
On Behalf of the other managers and myself, we sincerely appreciate the kind words!by Alan S. - Verified user on Aug 27, 2019
I gave them four stars not because our stay was perfect but they made right by it and it was a very nice marina . the showers and bathroom were very clean, and the location is right downtown. The problem was that there was another boat in our slip when we arived. Not thier falt but unfortunately the phone contact number went to voice mail and I wasn't able to contact them. We had to take another slip but then couldn't leave the boat in fear of whosever slip it was would come back .That is what cost them a star. Would still book there again.
Marina Response:
We're sorry to hear this situation took place. We take a lot of pride in making our guest stay as effortless and enjoyable as possible. Please come stay with us again, we hope to gain that addition star!
*Disclaimer* In the event this were to happen to anyone else. Please come see us in the harbor office, and we will make proper accommodations for you.by Wayne B. - Verified user on Aug 26, 2019
Great center city location, marina clean, easy walking distance to Navy Pier and numerous other attractions, free self pumpout at any time at end of D Dock, WiFi spotty at best.
by stacy p. - Verified user on Aug 25, 2019
Love the staff and loved our stay😎
by Laurel Z. - Verified user on Aug 20, 2019
Staff is friendly and helpful. When our dock assignment got changed at the last minute they worked hard to make it right for us.
Marina Response:
ljzwit, thank you for the kind words. We are glad to hear you had an enjoyable stay at our harbor. Visit again soon!by Mark C. on Aug 20, 2019
Been going there for years. Perfect location.
The staff and particularly the harbormaster... excellent!
Thank you.
Marina Response:
Always a pleasure mainstreetmarine, Visit again soon!by Anonymous - Verified user on Aug 12, 2019
We enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back. Wanted to leave you feedback about needing some attention to the bathrooms, we were not disappointed in our stay!
Marina Response:
We're sorry to hear your stay with us was unsatisfactory. We appreciate your feedback, we'll use that to continue our quest in providing outstanding service.by Sandra T. - Verified user on Jul 28, 2019
Stay was very good, in close proximity to Navy Pier & the downtown restaurants. Easy Uber access. Wi-Fi not good @ all. Dockside cafe was good also. Would recommend
by Tom V. - Verified user on Jul 22, 2019
After four days at Dusable marina I can say that we leave very pleased. The location is second to none. The beautiful Chicago skyline to the west and Lake Michigan to the east. You couldn’t ask for more. Although it is a large marina the staff cares.
When we arrived we were greeted by a staff member in a small boat. This is how they navigate from dock to dock.
He explained where the marina office was and a few other essentials.
This is the best marina in the Chicago land area!!
by Jeff S. on Jul 08, 2019
DuSable is the absolute best location available if you're looking to walk into the heart of Chicago and enjoy the city. It's a 10 minute walk to Navy Pier, 10 minutes to the parks, convenient to just about everything.
The staff (John) was exceedingly helpful. He was quick to respond to questions and very accommodating. We decided to extend our stay by a night and John was quick to make that happen for us. We really appreciated his time/service.
The docks were well taken care of (floating) and docking was a breeze based on how well protected this harbor is.
This was our first trip to DuSable and will not be our last. This is well taken care of and well run marina. I'd highly recommend it. A great spot.
Marina Response:
Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate you and families understanding with a less than ideal situation, however I'm very pleased to hear our accommodations were well received. Please visit with us again soon! -Johnby Petrit N. on Jun 18, 2019
We got a transient for Friday & Saturday. The staff were very friendly, helpful and hospitable. The location was beautiful and the Chicago city and Navy Pier views from the boat were spectacular. Perfect harbor to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoor attractions and chicago sightseeing. We will stay there again and definitely recommend it to any boater.
Marina Response:
Marinasi, thank you for the review! We are glad to hear you had an enjoyable stay at our harbor. We look forward to seeing you again soon!by Michael H. - Verified user on Sep 26, 2018
Marina help was practically non-existent. The cafe at the marina opened and closed according to when employees showed up. The laundry is a one machine joke. Restrooms are very unpleasant.
Marina Response:
mdhervey, we are are sorry to hear that you had an unpleasant stay with us. We will take your words into consideration and use it to make our Marina better this summer! We hope that you will stay here again in the future.by Jan I. - Verified user on Sep 15, 2018
5 stars for location and the marina itself! 3 stars for the rest rooms & showers. The marina staff needs a better map of the area to give to boaters!
by Elizabeth P. - Verified user on Sep 12, 2018
Location cannot be beat!!! Right downtown within walking distance to a really cool unique grocery store. Dockhands were helpful but not intrusive. Highly recommend.
Marina Response:
Thank you for the review! We hope to see you again soonby Jim G. - Verified user on Sep 05, 2018
Great staff. Friendly. Helpful. Super accommodations. Clean, safe harbor
Marina Response:
Thank you for the kind words!by Shelly L. - Verified user on Sep 04, 2018
Sean and Keith went out of their way to make sure that our stay was as enjoyable as possible. A big thank you to each of them.
Marina Response:
Thank you for the review! we are glad to hear you had an enjoyable stay at our harbor.by Kimberly C. - Verified user on Sep 04, 2018
The Marina had awesome views of the City. Staff was friendly and welcomed us. We would definitely stay there again!
Marina Response:
We look forward to seeing you again soonby Sandra R. - Verified user on Aug 27, 2018
Wonderful! I was celebrating my birthday with 3 other boats from Hammond Marina! Slips were the correct size and we had the electrical hook-up needed to run our boat!. Thanks!
Marina Response:
We are happy to hear you had a great stay!by Frank K. - Verified user on Jul 17, 2018
The entire staff was always helpful,
Marina Response:
Thank you for the kind words! We hope to see you again soon.by Mike L. - Verified user on Jul 06, 2018
Great harbor with a fantastic view and access to the city. Very accommodating as we had to stay an extra day due to weather.
Marina Response:
We hope to see you again soon!by Michael P. - Verified user on Jul 06, 2018
Nice location downtown, shopping nearby. Bathrooms are a long walk. The docks are nice. They do not have fuel
Marina Response:
We hope to see you again soon.by Richard K. - Verified user on Jul 01, 2018
The seagulls were horrible we were at the end of the T dock
It was covered in poop literally covered. Within minnthey were landing on our boat and pooping everywhere. According to the sail boats around they are there until around Aug first
It was no use cleaning the boat
They just kept coming.
Nice marina, great staff.
Great restaurant right by office
So you don't have to go into town if you choose not to.
I would never stay there again because of the seagulls there were thousands of them, we felt like we were in the movie, the birds.
by Michael S. - Verified user on Jun 30, 2018
The staff met us at the dock. Very helpful to see someone hailing us and showing us where to go. Everyone we met there was friendly and helpful. We thought the shower/bathroom was a bit chilly and dark, but otherwise a good place to stay. Thanks!
by Christopher W. - Verified user on Jun 26, 2018
wifi doesn't work and staff could not help
by james d. - Verified user on Jun 21, 2018
Beautiful place to stay in the heart of Chicago, just south of Navy Pier! Easy walk to Navy Pier, and public transport readily available. Rates aren’t cheap, but location, location, location!!
by igor v. - Verified user on Jun 18, 2018
my family loves this place
by Loren H. - Verified user on Jun 17, 2018
Very good. Friendly marina. Will be back
by Russell H. - Verified user on Jun 14, 2018
Very smooth transaction. Harbor staff was very helpful. Thanks to all.
by Max S. - Verified user on May 29, 2018
The overall facility was ok. However the first night I was there (5/18), I returned to the boat rather late (2am) and my gate code did not work. Thankfully the security guy was there. I saw he was in the car and tapped on his window. Unfortunately he was reclined in his seat, mouth open, fast asleep. After tapping progressively harder, he finally woke up, righted his seat and scolded me for tapping on his window. After making me try the not working code once again, he begrudgingly slammed his car in drive, pulled forward the 20 feet to the gate and tried my code. Still not working he was able to let me in with his code but made it very clear that this would be the only time that he would help. Needless to say, it was not an overly positive experience.
by John M. - Verified user on Oct 06, 2017
Very convenient location and wonderful stay. Great slip and fantastic views of Chicago.
by Anne C. on Sep 28, 2017
Wonderful friendly marina. We were on F dock so a real hike to the showers and office. Bathrooms were clean with great water pressure. Staff were very helpful and took the time to help with directions and information. Beautiful location with easy access to my favorite grocery ever close dog park and easy to get anywhere in the city. Was pricey but well worth the stay.
by Mark C. - Verified user on Aug 21, 2017
This review refused to accept my "awesome" click.
Great marina is run very well, friendly and helpful. Facilities are very good. Great location.
Wifi is terrible.
Oh did not appreciate Dockwa taking full payment upfront!
by Craig C. - Verified user on Aug 19, 2017
Bath/toilet room just okay. No boaters lounge. Fantastically awesome location! Power boaters tend to create big wake in Marina basin
by Phil S. - Verified user on Aug 13, 2017
Great location and friendly staff.
by Craig M. - Verified user on Jul 22, 2017
Dock hands so-so. ( No help on docking, not very knowledgeable on area). Good location. Wi-Fi so-so. Pump out very good. City map should be provided. We enjoyed our stay in Chicago.
by Jessica B. - Verified user on Jul 08, 2017
Staff friendly and helpful. Clean bathrooms. Great security. Friendly boat neighbors. Thank you. Was at the end of dock F. No water pressure. VERY loud Gulls from 4:30 am till 10 pm. Land a lot on the boats.
by Chris P. - Verified user on Jul 03, 2017
A phone call would have been nice before giving my reserved slip away and having to move after tied up. Also, no one answered when calling on radio. Other than that, it was very nice.
by James W. - Verified user on Jun 11, 2017
Great marina, staff is very helpful and friendly. It the best marina to stay at in the city.
by Jonathan C. on Jul 24, 2012
This is an easy marina to get to and is close to everything downtown. Facilities are good but don't expect help with lines while docking. Neighbor boaters are good to help. High price to pay but it is downtown.
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.