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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What a season at Navy Pier Marina! ⚓️🌇
A huge thank you to everyone who made this season so special. From familiar faces to first-time visitors, we loved welcoming you to Chicago’s waterfront and can`t wait to do it all again next year!
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoBoating #LakeMichigan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️We were here for a week. The dock and amenities are new, so very nice! The view is wonderful! With the hotel right outside the gates of the marina it is a perfect place to have friends and family visits. -Michael R.
#chicagoboating #lakemichigan
We’ve loved welcoming so many Loopers to Navy Pier Marina this season!⚓
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There’s still time to make Chicago part of your Great Loop journey, and we’d love to have you.
#NavyPierMarina #GreatLoop #ChicagoBoating
🏃 Race weekend starts at Navy Pier!
The Life Time Chicago Half Pre-Race Party takes over Navy Pier today and tomorrow with live music, food, drinks, running gear, and race-day essentials. Stop by for packet pickup and stick around for the party!
September 25 & 26 @ 1PM
#NavyPier #ChicagoHalfMarathon
⚓️ Boat to the Bears for Monday Night Football
The Bears take on the Eagles at Soldier Field on September 28. Dock at Navy Pier Marina and make a night of it on the Chicago lakefront. 🐻🏈
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoBears #ChicagoBoating
🐻 Bears football is back in Chicago
The Bears take on the Vikings for their home opener this Sunday, September 20. Skip the traffic and make Navy Pier Marina your game day home base. Cruise in, dock downtown, and head to Soldier Field from the waterfront. ⚓️🏈
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoBears #ChicagoBoating
Fireworks are back at Navy Pier! 🎆
Chicago Live! Festival will light up the lakefront with a special fireworks display on Saturday, September 19 from 9:45–10:00 PM.
Reserve your slip at Navy Pier Marina and enjoy the show from the water.
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoLive #NavyPier #ChicagoFireworks
Skrillex is taking over Navy Pier for two nights 🎶
September 11 brings a full lineup featuring Dylan Brady, Frost Children, Knock2, Skrillex, slayr & Tiffany Day, followed by Skrillex open to close on September 12.
Make a weekend of it and experience it all from Navy Pier Marina.
#NavyPierMarina #Skrillex #NavyPier
