North Point Marina
A premier Great Lakes marina offering boating, swimming, dining, and access to beautiful nature preserves and beaches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
North Point Marina
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier Great Lakes marina offering boating, swimming, dining, and access to beautiful nature preserves and beaches.
"It truly feels like a mini getaway every time we visit."
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catch breathtaking sunrises over Lake Michigan for stunning photos.
🎶 Biergarten Vibes
Enjoy live music and events at the Biergarten during summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Michigan Waterfront Views
Along the shoreline
Stunning sunrises over Lake Michigan and a peaceful waterfront perfect for strolls and boat watching.
The Biergarten
Marina area
A popular summer spot with fun events, live music, and a great atmosphere for socializing.
Forest Preserves and Beaches
Adjacent to the marina
Explore hiking trails, dunes, and beautiful beaches offering a natural escape and photo opportunities.
Boating Spectacle
The marina docks
Admire hundreds of boats, from speedboats to cruisers, in one of the largest marinas on the Great Lakes.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Marina Amenities and Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catch breathtaking sunrises over Lake Michigan for stunning photos.
🎶 Biergarten Vibes
Enjoy live music and events at the Biergarten during summer.
🚶♀️ Nature Trails
Explore adjacent forest preserves for hiking and scenic views.
🚤 Boat Gazing
Wander the docks to admire a wide variety of boats.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catch breathtaking sunrises over Lake Michigan for stunning photos.
🎶 Biergarten Vibes
Enjoy live music and events at the Biergarten during summer.
🚶♀️ Nature Trails
Explore adjacent forest preserves for hiking and scenic views.
🚤 Boat Gazing
Wander the docks to admire a wide variety of boats.
⚠️ Boardwalk Caution
Be mindful of loose boards and screws on some boardwalks.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Leashed dogs are welcome in many outdoor areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
North Point Marina is widely praised for its beautiful waterfront, friendly staff, and excellent amenities like the pool and Biergarten. Visitors enjoy the surrounding natural beauty with hiking trails and beaches, making it a great escape. However, some reviews point to ongoing maintenance issues with boardwalks and general upkeep, which detract from the experience for a few long-term visitors.
"North Point Marina is an absolute gem! We’ve enjoyed the pool all season long – it’s always clean, refreshing, and perfect for relaxing with family and friends. The staff here are incredibly friendly and always make us feel welcome. One of the highlights was definitely the Biergarten, with its fun events, live music, and great atmosphere. On top of that, the marina is surrounded by beautiful forest preserves with hiking trails and stunning beaches, perfect for outdoor adventures. It truly feels like a mini getaway every time we visit. If you’re looking for a marina with great amenities, friendly staff, and a peaceful natural setting, North Point is the place to be!"
Alissa Leicht
"Beautiful Marina. Great spot to enjoy the lake in peace."
Karl Mikkelsen
"Great location to watch the boats and enjoy the waterfront. We went when there was an exotic auto show event, and had a great time. There is a biergarden during the summer hours, which is quite popular. It appears most of the folks wandering about are the owners of the hundreds of boats in the marina. If you are just visiting, there is plenty to see and do.
Drive to the south a bit on the frontage road and you'll be surprised at the lakefront sights and if you park to stretch your legs, the photo opportunities are great."
Michael De Lio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
North Point Marina is located in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, near the Wisconsin border. It's accessible by car via Highway 132 (Grand Ave) and then following signs for the marina. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there is ample parking available at North Point Marina, especially for day visitors. Parking fees may apply during peak season or for special events.
From Chicago, take I-94 West towards Milwaukee. Exit at IL-132 West (Grand Ave) and head west. Turn right onto Green Bay Rd, then right onto North Point Drive to reach the marina.
Absolutely! North Point Marina is one of the largest marinas on the Great Lakes, offering numerous slips for visiting boats. You can also find boat rentals and charter services. 
Yes, North Point Marina is conveniently located near I-94, making it easily accessible for those traveling by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to walk around the marina and enjoy the waterfront views is typically free. However, there may be fees for specific amenities like the pool or for special events.
The marina itself is generally accessible year-round, but specific amenities like the pool and Biergarten have seasonal operating hours. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
While walking around the marina is free, there might be fees associated with the State Recreation Area, especially for vehicle entry or specific facilities like the beach or picnic areas.
Yes, booking a boat slip in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak boating season. You can contact North Point Marina directly for availability and reservation details.
The playground is generally accessible to visitors without a separate fee, but it's part of the overall marina and recreation area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming in the pool, relaxing at the Biergarten, hiking in the adjacent forest preserves, and exploring the beaches. There are also often special events like auto shows. +2
Yes, there's a popular Biergarten that offers food and drinks during the summer. Nearby Winthrop Harbor also has dining options.
Yes, families can enjoy the playground, pool, beach access, and the general atmosphere of the marina. The surrounding nature preserves also offer family-friendly activities.
Fishing is popular in Lake Michigan from boats departing the marina. While shore fishing might be limited, charter boats are available for trout and salmon fishing excursions.
Events can include live music at the Biergarten, exotic auto shows, and seasonal celebrations like Venetian Nights.
📸 📸 Photography
The shoreline offers stunning sunrise views over Lake Michigan. The docks with the boats provide great maritime photography opportunities, and the adjacent forest preserves offer scenic nature shots.
Yes, the expansive views of Lake Michigan, the dunes, and the natural preserves make it an excellent location for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Absolutely! The marina is home to hundreds of boats, offering a fantastic opportunity to capture diverse maritime photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits or specific permissions. It's always best to check with marina management if you have specific needs.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour light offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting conditions for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, or visit the Biergarten for a casual meal. The marina's open spaces and the visual interest of all the boats can keep children entertained for hours. Just be mindful of supervision near the water and any reported maintenance issues on boardwalks.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own food and drinks to enjoy a picnic, rather than relying solely on the Biergarten or nearby restaurants. While boat charters can be expensive, looking for shared fishing trips or simply enjoying the marina's ambiance can be a more budget-friendly experience.
couples
The Biergarten provides a lively yet relaxed atmosphere for enjoying drinks and live music together during the summer evenings. Explore the scenic hiking trails in the nearby forest preserves for a nature-filled outing, or simply relax on the beach. The marina's beautiful scenery and various amenities make it a versatile destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Boating Life at North Point Marina
+1For those interested in fishing, Lake Michigan offers excellent opportunities for trout and salmon. While renting an entire charter boat can be costly, some visitors seek out shared charters or guides for more affordable fishing trips. The marina serves as a convenient launch point for these excursions, allowing anglers to easily access prime fishing grounds. The sheer scale of the marina and the activity on the water make it a captivating sight for anyone interested in maritime pursuits.
Beyond the boats themselves, the marina's location on Lake Michigan provides a unique experience. The freshwater lake offers a different feel than saltwater, with generally smaller waves, yet still provides the vastness and beauty associated with large bodies of water. This setting evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection to the water for many visitors.
Exploring the Natural Surroundings
+1The marina also provides access to stunning beaches along Lake Michigan's shoreline. These beaches are perfect for relaxing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the fresh lake air. The combination of the marina's amenities and the natural beauty of the surrounding preserves creates a well-rounded destination for both boaters and land-based visitors.
Visitors often highlight the photo opportunities available in these natural settings. From the expansive lake views to the unique dune formations, the area offers diverse backdrops for photographers. The contrast between the bustling marina and the serene natural environment makes North Point Marina a visually rich destination.
Community and Events at the Marina
The marina also hosts various special events throughout the year, such as exotic auto shows and seasonal celebrations like Venetian Nights. These events draw larger crowds and add an extra layer of excitement to the marina experience, offering unique attractions beyond the usual boating activities.
While many visitors praise the friendly staff and welcoming environment, some reviews mention ongoing maintenance concerns, such as issues with boardwalks and general upkeep in certain areas. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall sentiment from many is that North Point Marina offers a great place to enjoy the lake and its amenities, with a strong sense of community.
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