Every Saturday and Sunday all summer. There is a "raft off" party once a summer which is basically the same thing just more people, but on average it's not uncommon for a couple hundred boats to show up every weekend. A few years back we beat the world record for most boats in a raft off. Not sure if it still stands but was something to see, I believe it was 1600 boats or something crazy like that! We have a blast every weekend out there and Mondays sure do suck!

I`m gonna have to put that on my 'to do 'list!

Dan,

Lake Saint clair is a BLAST. Worth the tow.

the chain..

As for Lake Michigan, in a 24ft boat....Theres some days that can be almost flat water, theres somedays that theres water that will make a 41 apache feel small. It can be a hit or miss depending on weather/wind. Theres something to be said though, about being on a large body of water, and being able to run freely. No jet skis cutting you off, no 3ft deep swamp zones everywhere, just you, and your boat. You'll be more than likey to come home with your props and lower unit intact, a scum free bottom, and less chance of catching the crabs or a staff infection vs. fun on the fox. I agree with the posts about Chicago being somewhat boater unfriendly, but depends what you wanna do. If bar hopping is your thing, than Chicago isn't the place. If you wanna see a great skyline, run your boat in some clean water, soak up some rays, and make your own fun, its great for that. Theres a pretty good party going on every weekend in the "playpen" just off navy pier where people drop anchor and party.

Not sure if you'd be overnighting on your boat or not. If you are, then you can always come up, launch at 31st harbor, get a slip there, and at night catch a cab to downtown for dinner. If sleeping in the cuddy isn't a option, Racine, Wi, is a great harbor, with a nice hotel right there on the water. Good boating there, and plenty to do in town, bars, food, etc. If the water is right, a trip up to Milwaukee for the day is doable from racine.

I finally made it up with my boat for the first time this year and i had a blast. Water was pretty rough so i know if i had a 24' boat i might not have had as much fun. Ill agree on the part of not being boat friendly. But id put in in hammond Indiana and boat up and stay at 31st street. Chicago river at night is worth the trip alone if you've never done it. And as far as finding something to do...all depends on how much gas you want to burn. Pick a destination and go. You'll want a gps though

"...yaught club..."

Seriously?!? That's a very creative misspelling. It actually HURTS my brain.

Mild is giving the best advice, IMO. Post up in the Northern IL section here on the board when you are thinking of coming up, and we can help you out. At least we can give you a general idea of what the Lake is going to be like for the weekend you want to come up. North wind = BAD.

Do you know what weekend the "raft off party" usually falls on? Or a website link that has info on this? My calendar could use another option.

Don`t get me wrong I love staying in Chicago and seeing the skyline and feeling "downtown" I`m just saying the river downtown could be so much more and not being able get off the boat and go to a beach is ridiculous. I tried bucking the system one day and got kicked off 6 beaches .. police were involved on one of those. lame

I agree that Racine probably is the best bet plus If Michigan to nasty your only 30 mins from the Chain O Lakes. If you have any question let me know.