The 2021 Chicago boating season is just around the corner and we’re looking forward to welcoming you back to the Chicago Harbors! Our work crews and staff are currently hard at work preparing the harbors to open and deliver a safe and responsible experience for our customers.
This year, we will continue to prioritize the public’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to update our customers on any related procedures and changes as soon as we have them.
We believe that the Chicago Harbors represent one of the best ways for Chicagoans to recreate safely outdoors and we want to thank all our customers who, in 2020, helped us lead the way in creating a responsible environment along the lakefront.
Here is a list of updates from the Chicago Harbors:
Chicago Harbors Opening Day:
The Chicago Harbors are currently scheduled to open May 1st with early arrivals permitted with limited services available on April 15th. We will promptly update our customers if these dates change for any reason.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions:
Customers of the Chicago Harbors can expect enhanced safety precautions this season to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 including:
- Daily cleaning of high-traffic touch points in the Chicago Harbors
- Sanitizer stations available at dock gates and harbor offices
- Increased PPE and protective barriers
- In keeping with State of Illinois guidance masks will be required on Chicago Harbors property (docks, parking lots, bathrooms, and other harbor facilities) when individuals cannot maintain a 6-foot distance with other persons
- Winter Storage locations will require masks to be worn this spring when individuals cannot maintain a 6-foot distance with other persons
- Customers can expect Chicago Harbors boat capacity recommendations to be posted to this page in the coming weeks
Burnham Harbor Dock Improvements:
The installation of new M, N, and O Docks at Burnham Harbor is proceeding on-schedule and is expected to be completed before May 1st. The new floating docks have arrived and the contractor overseeing the installations is reconfiguring the piles for the new piers.
Jackson Park Outer Harbor Breakwater:
The construction of the new breakwater at the entrance to Jackson Park Outer Harbor resumed last week and is on-schedule to be completed before May 1st.
Winter Damage:
The 2020-21 winter was less severe than expected and as a result winter damage to the Chicago Harbors is minimal. As stated above, we expect the harbors to open on time.
Water Levels:
Depending on how much precipitation falls this Spring, Lake Michigan water levels look to be almost one foot lower this season. This is especially good news for Jackson Inner, 59th Street, Burnham and Diversey Harbors who saw significant complications from high water levels in 2020.
