MWR Great Lakes Marina | Top Marina in Great Lakes, IL Skip to content

MWR Great Lakes Marina

2910 Ziegemeier St, Great Lakes, IL 60088
Services
Dockage, Storage & Launch ramp
Pricing
Contact for Rates

About

MWR Great Lakes Marina sits on Lake Michigan in Great Lakes, Illinois, serving eligible Department of War affiliates with boating and outdoor recreation. This marina near Great Lakes provides boat slips, moorings, boat storage, and a launch ramp for lake access. Boaters can sail, kayak, fish, or use the MWR Rental Center, which rents boats along with camping, sporting, and party equipment. The on-site Ship’s Store carries boating and fishing supplies, while propane refills are also available.

Beyond dockage, the waterfront setting includes picnic tables, shelters, a reservable Beach House, fishing piers, and a campground with RV sites. Adult and children’s sailing classes add a learning option during summer, and the rental center broadens the available gear for outings on and off the water. Facility use requires an eligible Department of War affiliation and valid military ID. Contact MWR Great Lakes Marina to ask about access, reservations, and available boating services.

Features

  • Boat slips and moorings
  • Summer sailing classes
  • Boat and equipment rentals
  • Lake access launch ramp
  • Fishing and boating supplies

Amenities

  • Slips & Dockage
  • Boat Storage
  • Launch, Ramp & Lift
  • Parts & Accessories
  • Rentals
  • Camping & RV
  • Restrooms & Showers
  • Waterfront & Access
  • Fishing
  • Events & Meeting Space

Why book with us

  • Launch onto Lake Michigan from the marina ramp
  • Store boats with available slips and moorings
  • Learn sailing through summer classes for adults and children
  • Rent boats and outdoor gear from MWR
  • Plan waterfront outings with picnic areas and shelters

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Illinois?

Illinois law does not set one rental age for every boat: under the Boat Registration and Safety Act, no one under 10 may operate a motorboat, including personal watercraft, while a livery may not rent personal watercraft or specialty prop craft for operation by anyone under 16.

For a motorboat over 10 horsepower, ages 10 and 11 need direct on-board supervision by a parent, guardian, or parent-designated person at least 18. At 12, an operator may go without supervision by holding a valid boating safety certificate; ages 12 to 17 may instead use that supervision. Certificate rules also depend on birth date, though renters may qualify through approved abbreviated instruction. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (dnr.illinois.gov)

Do you need a boating license in Illinois?

Yes. In Illinois, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid boating safety certificate to operate a recreational motorboat over 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft. No one under 10 may operate a motorboat. Ages 10 and 11 need direct onboard adult supervision; ages 12 through 17 need a certificate or qualifying supervision. A rental business cannot rent a personal watercraft for operation by anyone under 16. Licensed rental operators may give approved abbreviated safety instruction instead, allowing that renter to operate that livery’s rental without the certificate for up to one year. Common exemptions include qualifying nonresidents visiting up to 90 days and recognized out-of-state certificates. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (dnr.illinois.gov)

What are the best places to go boating in Illinois?

For the broadest mix of Illinois boating water, consider Lake Michigan, the Fox Chain O’Lakes, Carlyle Lake, Lake Shelbyville and the Mississippi River. Lake Michigan gives Cook and Lake counties a Great Lakes coast with bays, beaches and dunes. The Fox Chain O’Lakes spans Lake and McHenry counties, while Carlyle Lake and Lake Shelbyville are two of Illinois’s three large reservoirs.

The Mississippi River adds major river boating and backwaters, including Boston Bay and Quincy Bay. Together, these areas offer open coastal water, sheltered bays, large reservoirs, river channels and connected inland lakes.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (dnr.illinois.gov)

What are the most popular boating destinations in Illinois?

Popular Illinois boating destinations include Chicago’s Lake Michigan lakefront, known for skyline views, sailing and 26 miles of public beaches; Chain O’Lakes State Park, the heart of a nearly 6,500 acre waterway with 488 miles of shoreline; the Illinois River by Ottawa and Starved Rock, combining boating and fishing with canyon and bluff scenery; Lake Shelbyville, with three full service marinas and coves suited to kayaks and pontoons; and Rend Lake, where South Sandusky Recreation Area adds a sandy beach, picnicking and fishing to a day afloat.

Source: Illinois Office of Tourism (enjoyillinois.com)

Location

2910 Ziegemeier St, Great Lakes, IL 60088

Disclaimer

This listing was created using artificial intelligence and publicly available data. The information presented may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. Slipstream does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing content, including but not limited to contact information, pricing, services offered, hours of operation, or business status.

All content is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Slipstream expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or reliance arising from the use of this information. Users are solely responsible for independently verifying all details directly with the business.

Own this business?

Claim your listing now.

Manage your profile, showcase your services, and reach more customers.

More marinas in Illinois

Marina guides

Explore the Blog
Free to inquire · No obligation