The Michigan side is only an hour so away. Very boater friendly. And nice beaches, that you can beach your boat on.

I would offer this...do not FEAR Lake Michigan, just respect it. Watch the weather and judge accordingly. You'll be fine in a 25' boat.

Good thread! Thank you guys for saving me the frustration & money. I was planning on a trip across this season, I think ill get the map back out & find a new destination!

Yes,,,,,Chicago and Lake Michigan both suck,,,,,,everyone should stay away !!!

I know Saturday I decided to take a ride over to Burnham harbor to check out the launch ramp, with the lake being so low. Right now, I don't think you can launch a 19ft open bow there. So that's a whole new issue.

Lake is lower than it was in 1962. I wonder what the cigarette owners did back then to get their boats in the water?

Rent a crane lol?

Yeah Joe...I'm sweating the same thing. Rich was over at Pastrick earlier this winter with his fishing boat and said there'd be no way we could get a big boat off the trailer.

Although it will screw my mountain biking season, I'm hoping for a VERY rainy wet spring. At least there's a ton of snow up north right now, so the lakes should come up a bit with the melt...

Be careful doing that!! Last time I was there for a trade show my 38" trailer was broken into & about 45 pieces of 2- cycle eq (chainsaws) was stollen from me. They had nothing to say & were not responsible for anything. My insurance was sure it was an inside job since its a "Secured" yard, what a joke.

That sucks for sure but hey thats the "Chicago Way" this place is really going down the tubes!!!

Good and Bad
 

There is always the good with the bad about every major metropolitan area in the USA. Research like you are doing and find the best set-up for yourself and then the boat. If you don't live close to where you boat, store it close enough to lake to make short trailer hauls. I used to live in the Highland Park - Fort Sheridan area many years ago, loved it. Chain of Lakes really cool!!! Do not miss out on Blarney Island, it is a must do, once in a lifetime thing, twice if you like it!!!