Southern Lake Michigan Harbors

[T J Furstenau]

I know that this question often has a vanilla or chocolate kind of answer, this is one that is not right or wrong, just a preference. But I'm looking for some guidance. I live in the western suburbs of Chicago, and have kept my boat in Racine for the past two seasons. I was working at a client there, it was convenient, and Reefpoint is a very nice marina. This year, new client in Alsip (SW of Chicago), and I'm thinking of exploring alternatives for a slip. My wife and I love South Haven, although that might be a bit far to allow us to get there as often as we'd like. She's not real big on downtown Chicago harbors, as to her, "Staying on the boat there is like camping in a parking lot." Also, we've got 4 little ones (9,7,5,& 3), so downtown isn't as kid friendly (beaches, swimming, etc.)What I'm looking for is some input on other alternatives. I haven't been to Michigan City, St Joe's, etc. Any recommendations/suggestions from fellow Lake Michigan sailors for a family friendly place to keep the boat this summer on the south end of the lake? Thanks -T J

 

[Ned Strain]

Take a Look at Michigan City

Although we happily sail out of a Chicago harbor, we've always been fond of Michigan City - new facilities and amenities, protected, friendly, close to good food and shopping. Borders a great park, close to a grand swimmimg beach - even a light house. I've taken the liberty of posting Chuck Synowiec's Catalina Port of Call web site for Michigan City below.Ned and Tani Strains/v Family Therapy 1995 h336Chicago

 

[Gerry]

Southern Lake Michigan Ports

Each port on the eastern side has its good and bad points. Michigan city is a nice marina, however, it is right next to the coal fired electric power plant and it does release fly ash which if you are there for any time you will be cleaning off ash on a regular basis. The nighborhood is not the greatest either. New Buffalo is a quaint little town. Most things are in walking distance and it is a secure area to walk around. Depending on where you are going the marinas are not the greatest. I had my boat there for several years. Snug harbor has not dredged its slips so its pretty shallow and the moorings is pretty expensive. A good point is its only 15 minutes from slip to lake from any of the marinas there. St Joseph. There are many marinas to choose from there at all levels of price. I stay at a marina called Pier 1000 which is on the Benton Harbor side of the river. Its mainy a older crowd so its pretty quiet at night as I have 2 kids also thats pretty important to me. Its a gated marina to so its pretty secure. There are numerous other marinas to choose from all up and down the river. Drawbacks, there really is nothing in walking distance from any of the marinas. There is a free trolly that stops at all the marinas that will take you to any of the downtowns. There are 2 car bridges that you will more than likely have to go through and one railroad bridge. The car bridges open every half hour and the railroad bridge only closes when a train is coming. South Haven is a very quaint little town, and one of our favorite stops when we are out cruising about or want to get away for a weekend, but quite a drive from Chicago. Everything is in walking distance and there is plenty to see and do. It is a small area and I am not sure how available permanent slips are. I don't however recommend getting food supplies here unless you have a car. There is only one grocery store and it charges premium for what they have. I grew up in southwest Michigan and all I can say is take some time to check out each area carefully to ensure wherever you go the area fits your needs. If you want to E-mail me for more specific information about any of the marinas feel free to do so.

 

[Richard Weaver]

Lake Michigan Harbors

T J,Have you thought about the marina in Milwaukee,WI ?I have been berthed at McKinley Marina in Milwaukee for the last 8 years.It's also very family friendly and very laid back.If you would like more information or have any questions about the marina,feel free contact me at any time by e-mail at:rweaver@firstweber.com