Information
Landmark: Waukegan HarborCity: Waukegan
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Waukegan Harbor, Waukegan, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
Waukegan Harbor sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan in Waukegan, Illinois, its docks lined with sailboats rocking gently in the breeze.It’s a lively spot where locals and visitors launch boats, paddle kayaks, or just enjoy the water, with well-kept docks and a range of services for nearly any activity on the waves.Waukegan Harbor sits about 40 miles north of downtown Chicago, where fishing boats sway gently in the breeze.It sits where the Waukegan River meets the lake, giving you a straight shot to the open waters of Lake Michigan.The Waukegan Port District runs the harbor with a team of seasoned marina managers, keeping the docks neat and the services running smoothly.Waukegan Harbor’s marina offers about 1,000 boat slips, welcoming everything from nimble fishing boats to towering sailboats and sleek motor yachts rocking gently in the water.The marina opens each spring in early April and winds down by November, matching the rhythm of the Great Lakes boating season when gulls circle and masts sway in the breeze.The marina offers boat slips with sturdy docks, each fitted with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups and fresh water taps.At the docks, you’ll find satellite TV, a free storage box by your slip, carts ready to haul your gear, and secure parking just a short walk away.Security’s tight yet unobtrusive-the harbor stays under watch around the clock, with guards on patrol and cameras catching every ripple in the water.Boaters can use free Wi‑Fi anywhere in the marina, making it easy to check the forecast from the deck or stream music while relaxing aboard.Marina guests have access to clean restrooms and hot showers, plus laundry machines ready for a fresh load.Anglers can use the designated fish cleaning stations, each with a sturdy table and running water.At the marina, you can pull up to a full-service fuel dock where ValvTect-treated fuel flows clean into your tank, and the crew offers free pump-outs to help keep the water clear.Launch and Repair: The new ramps make it easy to roll a trailered boat into the water with barely a splash.The harbor’s got a travel lift, ready to hoist boats from the water for repairs or fresh paint.You can borrow a courtesy bike to pedal around the harbor, or hop on the shuttle that runs between the parking lots and the boat docks.The ship’s store stocks marine gear and everyday essentials-everything from sturdy rope to a fresh tin of varnish.Waukegan Harbor draws crowds for boating, fishing, and charter trips, with anglers heading out onto Lake Michigan in search of Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, lake trout, and yellow perch-sometimes reeling in a silver-bright fish just as the sun catches the water.From the marina, plenty of charter boats head out, taking guests on guided fishing trips that can run from a quick half-day on calm waters to a full day chasing big catches under the sun.Boating: The marina offers floating docks, slips in every size, and modern comforts, welcoming weekend guests as warmly as the locals who tie up for the season.When marinas welcome pets, boaters are far more likely to bring their dogs or cats along, tails wagging as they step onto the deck.Just steps from Waukegan Harbor, you’ll find the Waukegan Municipal Beach-a mile of soft sand where people swim, cast a line for perch, or stretch out under the warm sun with the lake shimmering in front of them.The Waukegan Harbor Lighthouse, built in 1899, stands at the end of a long weathered pier and remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.Visitors can stroll along the pier or wander up to the lighthouse, pausing to watch gulls wheel over the water.The Harborfront and North Harbor districts are buzzing with new construction, transforming into lively mixed‑use neighborhoods where apartments sit above cafés, shops, and rooftop patios, all adding fresh energy to the waterfront.At Waukegan Harbor, the boating season is packed with gatherings that draw both locals and visitors-Mother’s Day wine-and-paint nights, Father’s Day craft beer tastings, lively themed weekends like Aloha Weekend, and even outdoor movies under the glow of string lights at the marina-all weaving together a lively, welcoming hub where people come for fun and stay for the sense of community.You can reach Waukegan Harbor at 55 South Harbor Place, Waukegan, IL 60085-call (847) 244‑3133 or toll‑free at 1‑800‑400‑SLIP.The marina’s open most years from April 1 through November 1, welcoming boaters and anglers with everything from fuel docks to a quiet spot on the pier where gulls wheel overhead.Perched on Lake Michigan with roomy slips, tidy docks, and lively festivals that spill music into the night air, it’s a top spot for water lovers across the region.Whether you’re casting a line, setting sail, or just feeling the breeze roll off the lake, Waukegan Harbor offers visitors a first-rate experience year after year.
