DuSable Harbor – CHICAGO
DuSable Harbor
DuSable Harbor: Downtown Chicago’s Hidden Waterfront Gem
Tucked between Lake Shore Drive and the southern edge of Navy Pier, DuSable Harbor is a serene marina escape right in the middle of downtown Chicago. With its unbeatable views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, this scenic harbor offers a rare blend of natural beauty and urban convenience.
Named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago’s first permanent settler, the harbor is steeped in historical significance while serving modern-day boaters and visitors. It features over 400 boat slips and provides access to premium amenities including a harbor store, showers, laundry facilities, and 24-hour security. It’s a top choice for seasonal docking and transient boaters looking to explore the city’s waterfront.
Beyond boating, DuSable Harbor is perfectly situated for leisure and recreation. Just steps away, you’ll find Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, and the Lakefront Trail, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful walk, jog, or bike ride. The harbor’s quiet, park-like setting offers a striking contrast to the bustle of downtown just a few blocks away.
During summer, DuSable Harbor becomes a front-row seat to Chicago’s waterfront activities—think fireworks at Navy Pier, the Air and Water Show, and weekend regattas that fill the lake with sails. Whether you’re a boat owner, a lakeside stroller, or simply someone who loves watching the water sparkle beneath the skyline, DuSable Harbor is a uniquely tranquil slice of the city.
DuSable Harbor and Monroe Harbor are both located on the Chicago shoreline along Lake Michigan. These harbors are home to two of the city’s most prestigious yacht clubs, the Columbia Yacht Club and the Chicago Yacht Club.
- Columbia Yacht Club: Columbia Yacht Club is based at DuSable Harbor. It was founded in 1892 and has a rich history in Chicago’s sailing community. The club offers a wide range of activities and services, including racing, cruising, educational programs, and social events. The club also has an active junior sailing program for young sailors. The club’s distinctive clubhouse is a former ice-breaking ferry named “Abegweit,” which is permanently moored in DuSable Harbor.
- Chicago Yacht Club: The Chicago Yacht Club, founded in 1875, is located at Monroe Harbor. It is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the United States. The club offers a variety of sailing programs, including racing, cruising, and educational opportunities for both youth and adults. The club is well known for hosting the annual Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, a prestigious long-distance sailboat race from Chicago to Mackinac Island in Michigan. The Chicago Yacht Club has two clubhouses, one at Monroe Harbor and another at Belmont Harbor.
Both yacht clubs foster a strong sense of community among their members, promoting the sport of sailing and offering social events and activities throughout the year.