Please use 55 South Harbor Place, Waukegan, 60085 for GPS address directions. When on Pershing after you arrive from either Grand Ave from the north or Belvidere Rd/Rt 120 from the south, turn east at the large sign that says Waukegan Port District South Harbor. That is South Harbor Place. As you approach parking, there are traffic gates which are usually in the down-position. If that is the case, there is a turnoff to the left which will dump you into a large parking lot where there are no restrictions to park. There is a large building – “Bay Marine” – located there as well. The large, blue boat hoist is the location to the pier where I will meet you.
Make sure you give yourself enough travel time. It’s best to arrive about 20 minutes prior to our scheduled departure time, to make sure you are in the right area of the harbor, to unload your vehicle, walk down to the boat and fill-out your licenses. As a courtesy to all of our customers, we need to run a tight schedule with all of our charters therefore it is your responsibility to arrive on time.
Once you have Arrived: The Independence is located on the North Pier of the Waukegan’s South Harbor, Pier N; south of the launch ramps and south of the main pier that extends out into the lake. The South Harbor is private and I may need to let you in the gate once your party has arrived and is assembled with your food/drink/coolers. Please call me at 773-791-7990 when you arrive, are not sure if you are in the right spot, and/or are ready for me to come get you at the gate.
From the South (city of Chicago):
Take 94 West (it’s actually north for this stretch) out of the city. Just North of the Willow and then Dundee Road exits, be sure to follow signs for US-41 North. This means you stay in the left lanes and do not enter the “Edens Spur”. After about 14 miles, exit Belvidere Road – Route 120 East and stay on it for 2.5 miles. At the T-intersection, when you can’t go any further, go left on Pershing, you will be driving down a hill, then right at the sign that says ‘Waukegan Port District South Harbor Headquarters’. This is South Harbor Place. The gates are usually up and if they are, park in the lot as soon as you enter and proceed to Pier N which is right there. If the gates are down, there is a turnoff to the left for another nearby lot.
From the West or South outside of the City of Chicago:
If your most direct route north from these areas such as 88 East which takes you to 294 North then proceed and then exit route 120 Belvidere Road and head east.
When on route 120 Belvidere Road and heading east, travel about 3 miles and go left (north) on Pershing when you come to the T-interesection at the lakefront in Waukegan. Proceed north and down the hill several hundred feet and turn right at the sign that says ‘Waukegan Port District South Harbor Headquarters’. This is South Harbor Place. The gates are usually up and if they are, park in the lot as soon as you enter and proceed to Pier N which is right there. If the gates are down, there is a turnoff to the left for another nearby lot
From the North:
Shortly south of the state line and as you enter Illinois on 94, follow signs for 41 South and exit Belvidere Road – Route 120 and then follow directions as written for “From the South (City of Chicago).
Train:
The Metra Union Pacific North line – Chicago to Kenosha – also makes it very easy for customers not wanting to drive and the Waukegan train station is located just a short walk from the harbor. A one way fare from the downtown Chicago Ogilvie Station at 500 West Madison (Madison & Canal) to Waukegan Harbor is less than $6 and we encourage people to strongly consider this option. Please consult the metrarail website for schedules.
