Great Lakes Marina Guide

One of the oldest active shipyards on the Great Lakes, operating since 1901 on Lake Macatawa with direct Lake Michigan access. Eldean offers a 75-ton Travelift, full-service yard, and resort-style amenities. Named inaugural "Marina of the Year" by Marina Dock Age magazine and a certified Michigan Clean Marina. Coordinates: 42.769°N, 86.200°W.

Municipal marina on Little Traverse Bay, a designated Harbor of Refuge that will never turn away a vessel in need. Walking distance to charming downtown Petoskey with the Gaslight District’s shops and restaurants. Excellent base for exploring Walloon Lake, Charlevoix, and the Beaver Island archipelago. Coordinates: 45.376°N, 84.960°W.

One of the most prestigious marinas on the Great Lakes, recognized by Motor Boating Magazine as a Top 10 Port in North America. Features a protected 90-acre deep-water harbor connected to Lake Michigan by a private channel. Surrounded by upscale shopping, dining, and award-winning golf. Coordinates: 45.383°N, 84.963°W.

Municipal marina at the head of Grand Traverse Bay, walking distance to downtown Traverse City’s acclaimed restaurants, wineries, and craft breweries. Gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Old Mission Peninsula wine country. Reservations through the Michigan DNR system. Coordinates: 44.768°N, 85.622°W.

Private dockominium marina on Muskegon Lake, tucked inside the sand dunes just south of the channel to Lake Michigan. Naturally protected harbor with ethanol-free fuel. Muskegon is a popular Great Loop stopover and offers the Lake Express high-speed ferry to Milwaukee. Coordinates: 43.225°N, 86.326°W.

Milwaukee’s premier full-service marina and boatyard at the confluence of the Kinnickinnic and Milwaukee Rivers. The 75-ton Travelift and 100-ton crane handle everything from mast stepping to major refits. Accessible from Milwaukee Harbor without passing under any bridges. Winter storage facility is one of the largest on Lake Michigan. Coordinates: 43.020°N, 87.907°W.

Part of the SkipperBud’s network and one of the largest dealers on the Great Lakes. Located on the west shore of Sturgeon Bay with easy access to both Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Door County’s charming villages, cherry orchards, and state parks are all within reach. Sturgeon Bay has been a major shipbuilding center since 1918. Coordinates: 44.828°N, 87.380°W.

Milwaukee County’s lakefront municipal marina on the shores of Lake Michigan, adjacent to Veterans Park and McKinley Beach. Walking distance to the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Historic Third Ward neighborhood. A popular and affordable option for seasonal and transient boaters visiting downtown Milwaukee. Coordinates: 43.048°N, 87.886°W.

Located just 3 blocks south of Duluth’s iconic Aerial Lift Bridge on Park Point (Minnesota Point). Full-service yard with a 50-ton lift and fuel dock. Excellent base for exploring the Duluth harbor, Canal Park, and the North Shore. One of the few marinas on Lake Superior that can handle large vessels. Coordinates: 46.772°N, 92.092°W.

Minnesota DNR-operated full-service marina 18.5 miles northeast of Duluth on the scenic North Shore. Protected harbor with fuel, repairs, and winter storage. A popular stop for North Shore cruisers traveling between Duluth and Silver Bay. Coordinates: 46.952°N, 91.773°W.

Located 55 miles northeast of Duluth on Lake Superior’s North Shore, Silver Bay Marina can accommodate boats up to 100 ft. ValvTect fuel available. A key stop for cruisers heading up the North Shore toward Grand Portage and the Canadian border. Gateway to Tettegouche State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse. Coordinates: 47.293°N, 91.251°W.

Note: Technically in Superior, WI, but just 5 minutes from Duluth and the primary large-capacity marina serving the Twin Ports area. 420 slips with fuel, service center, and transient welcome. Shore power, city water, and live-aboard accommodations available during summer. Adjacent to the SS Meteor museum ship. Coordinates: 46.714°N, 92.098°W.

Chicago’s largest harbor on the Museum Campus, with Soldier Field, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium all within walking distance. The stunning skyline views from the harbor are unmatched. A must-stop for Great Loop cruisers. Transient reservations available via Dockwa starting May 1. Coordinates: 41.854°N, 87.610°W.

Ideally situated at the mouth of the Chicago River with unparalleled access to both Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. Walking distance to Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and the entrance to the Chicago River for those heading to the Great Loop. Coordinates: 41.890°N, 87.612°W.

Full-service public marina managed by F3 Marina, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. No hidden fees or additional charges for out-of-town boaters. Season runs March 1 to November 30. The 200 ft commercial open-face dock can support very large vessels. Convenient Metra train access to downtown Chicago. Coordinates: 42.370°N, 87.816°W.

Located on Chicago’s north side at the edge of Lincoln Park, Montrose Harbor is a popular fishing destination with stunning skyline views. The adjacent Montrose Beach and Montrose Point bird sanctuary make this a unique urban-nature marina. Coordinates: 41.964°N, 87.638°W.

Indiana’s first designated Clean Marina with 918 deep-water slips, just 12 nautical miles from downtown Chicago. Adjacent to the Horseshoe Casino with nearby restaurants and entertainment. Transient dockage available at $1.50/ft or $35–$65/night. An affordable alternative to Chicago’s harbor system with easy lakefront cruising access. Coordinates: 41.690°N, 87.494°W.

Operated by the Michigan City Port Authority in beautiful Washington Park, adjacent to the historic Michigan City East Pier Lighthouse. Walking distance to the beach, zoo, and waterpark. Transient rate based on dock length with a $50/night minimum. Popular stop between Chicago and the Michigan harbors of New Buffalo and St. Joseph. Coordinates: 41.729°N, 86.906°W.

Full-service marina and boat dealership on the southern tip of Lake Michigan at 31 Lake Shore Dr. Authorized dealer for Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, and Yamaha. Two hoists (50-ton and 12-ton) handle haul-outs and winter storage. On-site accessories and parts shop. Coordinates: 41.726°N, 86.905°W.

One of the largest marina complexes on the Great Lakes with 1,500 slips on Sandusky Bay. Part of the Safe Harbor Marinas network with first-class amenities including a heated pool and upscale bathhouses. Year-round services and easy access to Cedar Point, the Lake Erie Islands, and downtown Sandusky’s restaurants. Coordinates: 41.449°N, 82.741°W.

Downtown Sandusky’s waterfront marina offering a dock-and-dine experience with restaurants just steps away. Non-ethanol fuel dock and on-site ship store. Convenient launch point for day trips to Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island via the Jet Express ferry terminal nearby. Coordinates: 41.459°N, 82.709°W.

Cleveland’s premier downtown marina in the inner harbor, walking distance to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, and Cleveland Browns Stadium. Intimate 53-slip marina ideal for transient cruisers wanting to explore Cleveland’s revitalized waterfront. A popular Great Loop stop. Coordinates: 41.508°N, 81.696°W.

Full-service state park marina on Lake Erie’s central basin with 380+ slips and direct access to some of the best walleye fishing on the lake. Platinum-certified Clean Marina by Ohio Sea Grant. Located between Cleveland and Erie, PA. The lodge and state park offer trails, swimming, and cabin rentals. Coordinates: 41.857°N, 80.949°W.

Located at the gateway to the Lake Erie Islands, Port Clinton is the primary departure point for Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island, and Middle Bass Island. The walleye capital of the world — world-class charter fishing available daily. Marina features a pool, restaurant, and full yacht club amenities. Coordinates: 41.512°N, 82.938°W.