Navy Pier Marina: Explore the Heart of Downtown Chicago by Boat
March 27, 2025
Navy Pier Marina: Explore the Heart of Downtown Chicago by Boat
This summer, a much-anticipated and long-awaited marina will finally come to Navy Pier in Chicago. The brainchild and passion project of Chicago native and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member Randy Podolsky, Navy Pier Marina will offer access to Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and the heart of Chicago for transient boaters.
Since he first became a Chicago boater in 1983, Podolsky questioned why there wasn’t transient dockage at the pier for boaters to grab lunch or dinner and even stay overnight. In 2016, he was invited to share his vision with Navy Pier leadership, and Navy Pier Marina was born.
The vision for the marina is different than most—it is dedicated primarily to transient boaters, with space for charters and some seasonal commercial use. “There is nowhere else in Chicago that offers such prolific access to the lakefront as Navy Pier Marina, and no other access has been available at such an iconic location,” Podolsky says. “While other marinas in Chicago have a few transient slips, we have over 100 and can accommodate a vast number of visiting boaters and groups.”
Boats up to 183 feet can dock at the marina with no minimum size requirements and have access to a range of restaurants, accommodations, and other attractions on Navy Pier and downtown Chicago. Visitors will appreciate laundry, showers, and an innovative Boater Amenities Building built from 12 repurposed shipping containers, which will be home to the marina offices, a ship’s store, and gathering areas for boaters.
Navy Pier Marina anticipates a June 1, 2025, opening and is already taking reservations for its hourly and overnight transient slips. The marina will also host the brand-new, in-water Chicago International Boat Show at Navy Pier Marina on August 21–24, 2025.
For boaters looking to explore Chicago, Navy Pier Marina delivers first-class service, exceptional experiences, and access to an incredible destination.
As originally published by Kate Bush for Lakeland Boating.
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SAVE this post for May events in Chicago ⬇️
From live concerts to lakefront fireworks, Chicago is just getting started.
🎤 Bruno Mars @ Soldier Field
May 16–17
🎆 Navy Pier Summer Fireworks
Begin May 23 (Wednesdays & Saturdays through Labor Day)
Dock at Navy Pier Marina and experience it all from the heart of Chicago’s waterfront.
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Navy Pier Marina Boat Show is back ⚓
Aug 20–23 — Navy Pier Marina
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24K magic is coming to Chicago ✨
Bruno Mars hits Soldier Field May 16–17—don’t just go to the show, make a weekend of it on the water.
Stay at Navy Pier Marina and experience the city from a different angle.
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Built for boating together.
Navy Pier Marina is the only marina in downtown Chicago designed for group dockage—perfect for yacht clubs, flotillas, and multi-boat getaways.
Dock side by side, stay steps from Navy Pier, and experience the city from the water.
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It’s all virtual, so anyone can participate from anywhere. No need to be present to win… just place your bids and join the fun!
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Chicago Air & Water Show returns August 15–16. Mark your calendar ✈️🌊
Catch every moment from the best seat in the city—on the water at Navy Pier Marina.�Join the waitlist for 15-16 or reserve during practice nights (13-14) now!
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Enjoy 25% off dockage—plus exclusive Navy Pier perks that practically cover the stay.
Get 25% off dockage at Navy Pier Marina through May 15.
Use code SPRING2026 when booking.
While you`re here, enjoy exclusive Navy Pier discounts:
🎡 20% off the Centennial Ferris Wheel
🍽 20% off Chef Art Smith’s Reunion restaurant
🏨 20% off Sable at Navy Pier hotel
🎭 20% off Chicago Shakespeare Theater
🧒 20% off Chicago Children’s Museum
🍹 20% off Bar Sol restaurant
🌮 20% off Beat Kitchen Cantina
🫑 20% off Chef Ciccio’s
✈️ $5 off each ticket at Flyover Chicago
🦋 20% off admissions at The Butterfly House
🍗🍕 20% off Big City Chicken & Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice
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Art meets the water📍 Navy Pier
As EXPO CHICAGO takes over Navy Pier, there’s no better place to stay than right here at the marina.
Arrive by boat, step into the city’s premier art fair, and unwind with skyline views just outside your door.
Get 25% off dockage at Navy Pier Marina now through May 15.
Use code SPRING2026 when booking.
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