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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 411 reviews
Type
Marina
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
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.
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