Navy Pier Marina: A New Chapter in Chicago’s Maritime Legacy

Some places are best experienced from the water. Chicago is one of them.

For years, boaters cruising the southern shores of Lake Michigan could take in the iconic Chicago skyline, but they had no easy way to step off the boat and into the city’s energy. No waterfront access for boating clubs, Great Loop cruisers, or friends meeting up for a summer rendezvous.

That changes in summer 2025 with the opening of Navy Pier Marina—a long-awaited destination, built right where it belongs: in the middle of it all.

Let’s Rewind…

Long before it became one of Chicago’s top attractions, Navy Pier was designed as a vital link between the city and the water. When it opened in 1916 as part of Daniel Burnham’s grand vision, it was known as Municipal Pier No. 2—a massive structure built to support commercial shipping while also serving as a public gathering space along the lakefront.

Over the years, the pier’s role shifted with the times. During World War I, it became a hub for soldiers, Red Cross workers, and military training, a purpose it would serve again in World War II, when it was officially renamed Navy Pier in honor of those who served. In the decades that followed, it continued to evolve. First as the location of a temporary branch of the University of Illinois, then as an exhibition hall, and finally, after a major revitalization geared towards public use in 1994, as one of the most visited landmarks in the Midwest.

But through all these transformations, one thing was always missing: a place for boaters to access the city. Despite its prime location on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier never offered transient dockage for the very recreational boaters who navigate the waters it was built upon.

Until now.

A Marina That Almost Never Was

The Navy Pier Marina project has been nearly a decade in the making, stalled by red tape, city politics, and shifting tides in leadership. But if there’s one thing boaters know well, it’s how to navigate a challenge. For lifelong boater and USCG Auxiliary member Randy Podolsky, the vision for this project was always clear: connect the boating community to Chicago’s waterfront in a way that had never been done before.

For the first time, transient boaters will have a front-row seat to the city’s energy, with the skyline towering above them and Navy Pier’s attractions just steps away—an entirely new way to experience Chicago.

More Than a Dock: A World-Class Destination

Whether you’re cruising the Great Loop, day-sailing on Lake Michigan, or stopping in for a few nights, this marina is built to welcome everyone from solo travelers to flotillas. Boating clubs, fleet rendezvous, and groups of friends can now dock together, something that was nearly impossible in Chicago before.

Here’s what sets Navy Pier Marina apart:

• Transient dockage for boats up to 180 feet LOA, with options for hourly and overnight stays
• A first-of-its-kind boater amenities building, constructed from repurposed shipping containers, featuring showers, laundry, and lounge areas
• Concierge service, 24-hour security, and an on-site ship’s store
• Easy access to provisioning, ensuring boaters have everything they need for their journey

But the biggest draw? Location, location, location.

Dock, Dine, and Explore Chicago Like Never Before

Stepping off your boat at Navy Pier Marina puts you right in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities. Within minutes, you can be sipping a cocktail on a rooftop bar, strolling along the Magnificent Mile, or catching a show at a historic Chicago theater.

Need a bite? From deep-dish pizza right around the corner at Giordano’s to fresh seafood at RPM Seafood, Chicago’s culinary scene is at your fingertips. Looking for an adventure? A quick bike ride gets you to Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, or a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. And for those who just want to embrace some good ol’ R&R after a long day on the water, Navy Pier offers everything from waterfront dining to live music and fireworks.

Plus, for marinas, boating clubs, yacht dealers, and event organizers, Navy Pier Marina also offers something unprecedented: a place to gather. Whether you’re planning a brokered showcase, a fleet rendezvous, or just a weekend getaway with friends, Navy Pier Marina is the new centerpiece of boating on Lake Michigan.

A Boater’s Gateway to Chicago— And a Historic Moment for the City

This project is about restoring a missing connection between Chicago and the water. Navy Pier has always been a symbol of the city’s maritime past, from its early days as a shipping hub to its role in naval training during World War II. Yet recreational boaters have never had a place here—until now. With the marina’s opening, the waterfront becomes more than just a backdrop; it becomes a place for boaters to gather, explore, and be part of the city’s energy.

And the timing couldn’t be better. As Navy Pier Marina prepares to welcome its first season of boaters, Chicago’s boating scene is experiencing a resurgence. With more visiting boats, more on-the-water events, and the return of large-scale showcases, the city will finally embrace its potential as a premier boating destination on the Great Lakes.

Reservations for summer 2025 are now open on Dockwa, and demand is high. Secure your spot today and be part of this historic new chapter on the water.

Book a Reservation on Dockwa Today!