Boat Ramps in Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois has 52 public boat ramps with GPS coordinates, Google ratings, and directions. Find the best launch near you.
Chicago Boat Launch Overview
Chicago, Illinois has 52 boat ramps mapped on BoatLaunchMap. The top-rated launch is Diversey Harbor, rated 4.8/5 from 9 Google reviews. Boaters in Chicago can access 31st Street Harbor, Lake Michigan, North Pond, and 3 more waterbodies. 5 of 52 ramps offer free public access.
Waterbodies in Chicago
- 31st Street Harbor
- 11 ramps
- Lake Michigan
- 10 ramps
- North Pond
- 7 ramps
- Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
- 7 ramps
- South Branch Chicago River
- 5 ramps
- River Canoe
- 3 ramps
Top Rated in Chicago
Diversey Harbor
4.8/5 (9 reviews)
on North Pond
| Name | Waterbody | Rating | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diversey Harbor | North Pond | 4.8/5 | — |
| Lincoln Park Conservatory (Free with Reservations) | North Pond | 4.8/5 | — |
| Jackson Park | Lake Michigan | 4.6/5 | — |
| Chicago, Illinois Boat Launch | South Branch Chicago River | — | public |
| Daley Park | South Branch Chicago River | 4.1/5 | public |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | North Pond | 4.6/5 | — |
| Hollywood Park | River Canoe | 4.4/5 | — |
| Wolf Lake Boat Ramp | Wolf Lake | — | — |
| River Park Canoe Landing | River Canoe | — | public |
| Wolf Lake Boat Ramp | Wolf Lake | — | — |
| 31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp | 31st Street Harbor | — | — |
| Lake Cottage Grove Boat Ramp | Lake Cottage Grove | — | — |
| Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Boat Ramp | Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal | — | — |
| Lake Michigan Boat Ramp | Lake Michigan | — | — |
| North Pond Boat Ramp | North Pond | — | — |
| Lake Michigan Boat Ramp | Lake Michigan | — | — |
| 31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp | 31st Street Harbor | — | — |
| 31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp | 31st Street Harbor | — | — |
| 31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp | 31st Street Harbor | — | — |
| Lake Michigan Boat Ramp | Lake Michigan | — | — |
Map of Boat Ramps in Chicago
Filter Chicago boat ramps
All Boat Ramps in Chicago
Lincoln Park Conservatory (Free with Reservations)
Jackson Park
Chicago, Illinois Boat Launch
Daley Park
Lincoln Park Zoo
Hollywood Park
Wolf Lake Boat Ramp
River Park Canoe Landing
Wolf Lake Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
Lake Cottage Grove Boat Ramp
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Boat Ramp
Lake Michigan Boat Ramp
North Pond Boat Ramp
Lake Michigan Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
Lake Michigan Boat Ramp
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Boat Ramp
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Boat Ramp
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Boat Ramp
Ping Tom Boat Launch
Chicago, Illinois Boat Launch
North Pond Boat Ramp
Goose Island Boatyard
Calumet River Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
North Pond Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
Lake Michigan Boat Ramp
North Pond Boat Ramp
Lake Michigan Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
Hammond Lake Boat Ramp
Hammond Lake Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Parking
Lake Michigan Boat Ramp
Wolf Lake Boat Ramp
Lake Cottage Grove Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
Lake Michigan Boat Ramp
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Boat Ramp
Chicago Yacht Works
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
Lake Michigan Boat Ramp
Rentner Marine Services
Lake Michigan Boat Ramp
River Park Canoe Launch
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Boat Ramp
31st Street Harbor Boat Ramp
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boat ramps are in Chicago, Illinois?+
Chicago, Illinois has 52 catalogued boat ramps with locations, ratings, and access details.
What's the best boat ramp in Chicago?+
Lincoln Park Conservatory (Free with Reservations) is the highest-rated launch in Chicago, scoring 4.8/5 (3,960 reviews).
Are there free public boat ramps in Chicago?+
Yes — 5 of the 52 launches in Chicago are marked as free public access.
Nearby Cities in Illinois
Quick Reference: Launching in Chicago
Check Conditions
Monitor weather forecasts and water conditions before each trip. Local tackle shops often post current reports that help anglers plan productive outings.
Fees & Permits
Launch fees vary by facility and season. Some Chicago ramps are free while others require daily or annual passes. Check posted signs at each location.
Safety Requirements
Illinois requires valid registration, personal flotation devices, and appropriate safety equipment. Verify your vessel meets all requirements before launching.