In accordance with Governor Pritzker’s “stay-at-home” order, all docks, boat storage facilities, parking lots, launch ramps, and other harbor properties will be closed to the public. We will keep you updated as this changes. We are monitoring updates and recommendations from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), WHO (World Health Organization), and CDPH (Chicago Department of Public Health) regarding the spread of COVID-19.
Chicago Harbor updates as of May 23, 2020 displayed in RED
Boater Pledge
As part of our effort to open the Chicago Harbors as soon as possible in a safe and responsible manner, we have created the Chicago Harbors COVID-19 Task Force to make safe and responsible recommendations to municipal officials and advocate on behalf of Chicago boaters during this time. Formed March 26th, the task force has been working in coordination with the Chicago Park District to make recommendations on how to open boating safely while also reporting on the economic impact of current closures on local marine businesses and keeping Chicago officials apprised regarding boating policies in neighboring states and municipalities.
The Chicago Harbors COVID-19 TASK FORCE is asking boaters to please sign the following pledge as part of our united effort to commit to boating safely once the harbors open:
BOATER PLEDGE ADVOCATING FOR THE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE OPENING OF THE CHICAGO HARBORS
2020 Chicago Boating Season
- Monroe Harbor We will begin installing the mooring field at Monroe Harbor on May 18th.
- Chicago Boating Season The City of Chicago has announced that the Chicago Harbors will cautiously open during Phase 3 of the city’s recovery plan! While the city has not given a date for when it will enter Phase 3, based on current health trends the mayor’s office expects it will be early-June.
- COVID-19 Safe Boating Policy: We anticipate that once the Chicago Harbors open, boaters will be required to adhere to new City of Chicago safe boating guidelines both in the harbors and on their vessels. We will update this page once we have direction from the Park District on what those guidelines will be. Please be aware, these may be different than the State of Illinois guidelines.
- Chicago Harbors Closure Unfortunately, all docks, boat storage facilities, parking lots, launch ramps, and other harbor properties are currently closed in accordance with current Chicago Park District closures. We will update you when we have an opening date. Boaters who ignore this order and attempt to bring their boat into the harbor during the closure could have their permit revoked.
- Monroe Harbor We are currently waiting on city authorization to place mooring cans in Monroe Harbor. {Note: Mooring cans are already in Belmont Harbor}.
- Extended Boating Season We have received permission from the Chicago Park District to extend the 2020 Chicago Harbors season to November 15th for all customers. Previously only “late leaver” permit holders at Burnham Harbor could stay through that date.
Harbor Offices & Boat Storage
- Chicago Harbors Administration Office While our administration office will be closed our office staff will be working remotely and will assist you in any way possible. If you need assistance the office can be reached at 312-741-3601 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. during our normal business hours Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm. Most of our forms and resources are readily available at chicagoharbors.com. In addition, payments can be made online or through the mail.
- Individual Harbor Offices Harbor offices will remain closed until further notice.
- Boat Storage Opening Pursuant with the City of Chicago’s most recent order regarding the ongoing public health crisis, we are pleased to inform our customers that the 31st Street and Montrose Harbor boatyards will open on Monday, May 4th to allow boaters to prepare for the upcoming boating season with the following policies:
- Only two (2) people per boat will be allowed in the boatyard at any time. This applies to both owners and contractors.
- Boat work must be pre-arranged with the boatyard manager at least 24 hours prior to arrival.
- Individuals who arrive without prior approval will not be permitted access.
- Approved individuals entering the yard will be required to check-in with the boatyard manager prior to entering the yard.
- Approved individuals are only allowed in the boatyard during normal operating hours from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
- In accordance with the state mandate, persons in the boatyard must wear proper face masks if they are within six (6) feet of other individuals.
- City social distancing guidelines will be strictly adhered to and social gatherings of persons will not be tolerated.
- Spring Launch at Montrose and 31st Street Boatyards: We are happy to report that we have received permission to begin launching winter storage boats starting Thursday, May 21st at our Montrose and 31st Street boatyards under the following conditions:
- Only Chicago Harbors winter storage customers at these locations will be allowed to launch.
- Once a boat is launched, it will be held at a temporary mooring at either Montrose or 31st Street, awaiting the opening of the Chicago Harbors.
- Boaters will not be charged for the temporary mooring and will continue to accrue their pro-rata slip fee credit until the Chicago Harbors open.
- Boaters will only be allowed safety checks on their vessel while it is in the water and must be accompanied by a boatyard staff member. We will update our customers once in-water maintenance is permitted. Social gatherings on launched boats will not be allowed until the opening of the Chicago Harbors.
- Access to launched boats will follow the same personnel limits, social distancing requirements, operating hours, and appointment/check-in procedures as the boatyard.
- The Chicago Harbors will remain closed to boaters from other storage locations.
- Boaters who wish to take their boat to an alternate mooring outside the Chicago harbor system are permitted to do so. Please coordinate with the boatyard manager if this is the case.
COVID-19 Refund Policy
- Full Refund: Boaters can choose to receive a 100% refund through June 1st. Please keep in mind, if you cancel your slip or mooring, you will forfeit your assignment and need to reapply to get back into the harbor system. We highly recommend that boaters who cancel and intend to re-enter the Chicago Harbor system immediately submit a new mooring/slip application to ensure their position on the new applicant list. Boaters can request specific assignments in the mooring preference “comment” section of the application.
- Re-Entering Harbor System: Due to the city’s announcement that the Chicago Harbors will likely open in early June, we have received an overwhelming number of calls from boaters who cancelled their assignments for the season, asking for their slips back. Yes! We want you back! Boaters who want their slip back must call our office at 312-741-3601 before June 1st with their request. We will begin making slip assignments after that date.
- Delayed Season: We will be issuing boaters a pro-rata credit for each day the harbors are closed past May 15th. These credits will be towards 2021 mooring fees and boaters will see them on their renewal invoice this fall.
- Charter Permits: If you are a charter permit holder and anticipate your business will be negatively impacted by the current public health situation, please contact our administration office so we can assist you further.
Chicago Harbor Information
For up to the minute Chicago Harbor information from Westrec and the Chicago Park District, visit https://www.chicagoharbors.info/covid-19
