Monroe Harbor
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Monroe Harbor, IL Lat: 41° 52.558 Long: 087° 36.918 |
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DESCRIPTION Monroe Harbor is the largest of the Chicago Harbors and is the main recreational harbor in Chicago. There is mooring for 1,000 boats. The harbor is located right in front of the downtown heart of Chicago. It borders Grant Park and has all of Chicago's incredible offerings right in front of it. Along with Du Sable Harbor, it is the place to be if you want to explore Chicago. |
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APPROACHES The main approach to Monroe Harbor from the north is through the outer seawall at the Chicago Harbor Light. Once inside the seawall, alter course to approximately 230oT for about 1 nm. You will close with a seawall. There is an opening in that seawall at Lat 41° 52.565N Long 087° 36.07W, marked by a Fl RED light and Fl GREEN light. This will bring you into Monroe Harbor. If you are coming from the south, make your way to the opening through the inner seawall at Lat 41° 52.565N Long 087° 36.07W marked by a Fl RED light and Fl GREEN light. This will bring you into Monroe Harbor The Harbor Master is located in the NW corner of the harbor, on the grounds of the Chicago Yacht Club. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Monroe Harbor (312) 742-7643 VHF 9, 16 Monroe Harbor has mooring for 1,000 boats. There are about 3 dozen transient moorings available. There is no fuel dock but there is a pumpout station. There are no power or water hookups. Restrooms and showers are available and there is internet access. Right off the property lies Grant Park and beyond that, all of Chicago. There is simply every amenity that a visting sailor could ask for. Chicago Yacht Club (312) 861-7777 CYC was established in 1875. This is a very large and respected yacht club. It is unique in that it has a second 'station' in Belmont Harbor. It sponsors over 100 different races and events. CYC welcomes visiting sailors and has transient slips available. There is water and power at each slip. There are restrooms and showers available. The club has a locely dining room, bar/lounge and outdoor patio. Internet access is available. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's There are no repair or maintenance facilities in Monroe Harbor. See Chicago Port review for options. Go to Chicago Bockwinkels is the closest grocery store to the harbor. There are many many banks and ATM's in downtown Chicago. Chase Bank has a branch and ATMs closest to the harbor, located at the north end of Grant Park. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES Northwestern Hospital (312) 926-2000 is a full-service medical facility located northeast of the harbor. CVS Pharmacy (312) 861-0436 is the closest pharmacy, located on the north side of Grant Park. |
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PLACES TO EAT The dining experiences open to a cruising sailor in Chicago, especially in downtown Chicago, are virtually unlimited. For those who like to dine out, it is well worth getting a restaurant guidebook. In the immediate area, you may want to check out Plymouth Restaurant withs its great roof-top bar and deck. The Russian Tea Time Restaurant serves authentic traditional Russian fare. Everest - on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange, is an outstanding French restaurant serving great food and fabulous views. Millers Pub is a classic Chicago pub with a wide selection of micro brews, great food and a terrific atmosphere. Monks Pub carries a wide selection of Belgian beers. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT From Monroe Harbor, all of Chicago's exciting and varied attractions are right at hand. A visiting sailor would be well-served by a guidebook that details all of the options available. Some things to keep on your list would be the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium with over 30,000 mammals, fish and birds! There is the Oceanarium with its whales and dolphins and the Museum of Science and Industry with its prized WWII exhibit - U505 which had been captured intact off the coast of Africa in 1944. Its fascinating to go through it - just remember to duck. (I didn't a few times!) Chicago's Magnificent Mile offers outstanding shopping. Navy Pier, across the Chicago River to the north, is a huge lakefront entertainment complex and mall complete with IMAX Theatre, Childrens' Museum and outdoor amusement park. There are tour boats of every description offering everything from dinner and sunset cruises to trips up the Chicago River through the 'canyons' of the city. Explore this extensive City of Chicago tourism site to load up on ideas to get the most of your visit. Return to Chicago Return to Lake Michigan Return to Home Page |
