New Navy Pier Marina now accepting 2025 transient reservations

Navy Pier Marina © Navy Pier Marina

Construction of Navy Pier Marina in the heart of Chicago made great strides this winter, setting its sights on opening by early Summer 2025.

Crews continue to work through the winter, braving the frigid temps and snow, driving piles, connecting miles of pipes and conduits, and installing scores of docks. Meanwhile, off-site in nearby Buffalo Grove, IL, the marina's one-of-a-kind Boater Amenities Building is being fabricated using 12 recycled shipping containers, each of which is being skillfully adapted and reconfigured into a 2-story building that will be home to Navy Pier Marina's offices, ship's store, gathering areas, and bathrooms.

As a culmination of this work, Navy Pier Marina is thrilled to announce that reservations will open for Summer 2025's transient dockage, both daily and hourly, as of February 28, 2025. Outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, sailors, and more from Lake Michigan and beyond will have immediate access to the many attractions of Navy Pier and Downtown Chicago for vessels up to 180' LOA—all thanks to Navy Pier Marina.

"We are thrilled with the progress of construction resulting from our team's collective efforts," said Randy D. Podolsky, developer of the project. "This marina is a testament to the collaboration, hard work, and dedication of its design engineers, Edgewater Resources; marine general contractor, J.F. Brennan; container conversion specialists, S.I. Container Builds; dock manufacturer, Structurmarine; and their many valued subcontractors."

Additionally, boaters have acknowledged how difficult it can be to locate and take advantage of a "rendezvous" spot in Chicago, where several vessels can moor together. Navy Pier Marina now offers the space and flexibility to accommodate your entire group, regardless of how many vessels comprise your party. Brokers, dealers, boat clubs, marinas and yacht clubs - to name a few - will find unprecedented space to moor in the same location with online reservations in advance. Any group, including friends and family, can now easily plan for their rendezvous to Chicago's premier boating destination!

"Weber Yachts and SkipperBud's have scheduled their client rendezvous for this summer, and we look forward to hosting them. We are also excited to welcome Barton and Gray Mariners Club, Spring Brook Marine Group, Yachts Chicago, Chicago Big Boat Rentals and Knot My Boat Charters to be amongst the first to join the Navy Pier Marina family," added Podolsky. "We look forward to welcoming these groups and their customers, along with all transient boaters, to our new marina in the coming months."

Historically, Navy Pier's lack of a recreational marina has prevented waterborne tourists from enjoying all that Chicago's lakefront has to offer. Beyond basic docking and mooring capabilities, Navy Pier Marina features unique and modern amenities, such as a bicycle repair station and a pet relief area, ensuring comfort for all souls on board.

Reservations are expected to fill quickly and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reserve your spot today here.