Brand New Chicago Marina! Welcome to the Navy Pier Marina!

The iconic silhouette of Navy Pier against the Chicago skyline just got even more exciting! Get ready to chart a new course for your Chicago adventures because the brand-new Navy Pier Marina is officially open! For years, this incredible landmark has been a go-to destination for entertainment, dining, and breathtaking views. Now, it offers a unique opportunity for boaters to dock right in the heart of the action, making a day (or even an evening) at the pier more accessible and thrilling than ever before.

Before we dive into the marina magic, let’s learn a few fun facts about our beloved Navy Pier:

Initially opened in 1916 as “Municipal Pier #2,” it was designed as a shipping and recreational facility.

During World War II, the pier was used as a training center for Navy personnel and was temporarily renamed “Navy Pier.” The name stuck!

The iconic Ferris wheel, a modern marvel, isn’t the pier’s first! The original Ferris wheel operated from 1995 to 2015.

Navy Pier boasts over 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Imagine cruising along Lake Michigan and docking your boat steps away from all the excitement Navy Pier has to offer. The new Chicago marina provides transient slips, allowing boaters to tie up and explore for a few hours or even overnight (check availability and regulations). This game-changer opens up a whole new world of possibilities for a day trip or an unforgettable evening in the city.

Don’t own a boat? No problem! Navy Pier has always been a hub for incredible boat tours and cruises. From thrilling speed boat rides to relaxing architectural tours and romantic sunset sails, there’s a way for everyone to experience the beauty of Lake Michigan from the water. Now, with the addition of the marina, it seamlessly integrates boating into your Navy Pier experience. Check out one of our favorite boats that docks at Navy Pier- perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other celebrations!

Speaking of all things boating in Chicago, Boat Safe Chicago’s Captain Brady recently sat down with Captain Mark Stevens, a key figure in bringing the Navy Pier Marina to life. We got an exclusive sneak peek into Captain Mark’s insights, and you won’t want to miss the interview dropping this Thursday on Boat Safe Chicago’s Instagram!

Captain Mark’s journey into the world of maritime life is truly inspiring. He enlisted in the Coast Guard at just 18 years old in January 1986, driven by a passion for service and the water. While he didn’t grow up in Chicago (hailing from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin), he has deep ties to the Great Lakes region through his Coast Guard service. His favorite locale visited? The beautiful Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

During Captain Mark’s distinguished career in the Coast Guard, he was primarily assigned to rescue stations on the Great Lakes and the East Coast and patrol boats in the Gulf of Mexico. He proudly served as the Executive Officer of three patrol boats and commanded all three rescue stations in the Chicagoland area: Station Wilmette Harbor, Station DuSable Harbor, and Station Chicago (formerly Station Calumet Harbor).

We also learned about the dreamer behind the Navy Pier Marina. Captain Mark calls Randy Podolsky the primary visionary.

“In the mid 80’s when Randy began boating along the Chicago lakefront, he always envisioned being able to dock at Navy Pier for lunch or dinner”, recalls Captain Mark   

This idea finally gained traction in 2016 when Navy Pier issued a Request for Proposal (RFP), and Randy submitted his vision. Nearly a decade later, his dream has become a reality!

When asked about his favorite Chicago restaurant, Captain Mark didn’t hesitate: Chef Art Smith’s Reunion at Navy Pier! And his favorite boating event? A “calm, quiet nighttime cruise in the open waters of Lake Michigan, seeing the lights of Chicago in the distance.” He also shared that his boating best friend is his wife, Michelle, with whom he lived aboard their boat for three years and even started the Great Loop adventure before COVID put a pause on those plans. They hope to reignite that dream someday. 

With the new marina, planning a full day of fun at Navy Pier is easier than ever if you’re a boater. Imagine this itinerary:

Morning: Cruise along Lake Michigan and dock your boat at the new Navy Pier Marina.

Midday: Explore the pier’s numerous shops, catch a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, or take a spin on the iconic Centennial Wheel for breathtaking panoramic views.

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the pier’s diverse restaurants, perhaps even Captain Mark’s favorite, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion.

Afternoon: Check out one of the many free events and exhibitions often held at the pier.

Evening: Indulge in dinner with a view, followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the lake (Wednesday and Saturday nights during the summer). If you’re staying overnight (if permitted), enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the city lights from your boat.

For the Boatless: Make boating part of your day by booking a scenic cruise or a thrilling speedboat adventure departing right from Navy Pier!