Unlike cities that are land-locked, Chicago has the unique distinction of Lake Michigan to provide summer entertainment. Lake Michigan, made possible by the 10 harbors located up and down the shore, is quickly populated with boats for the summer months.

The official Chicago boating season runs from May 1-Oct. 31, while early entry permits allow some people out on the water, starting April 1.

“When the weather got warm, people were jumping the gun and getting out,” said Guy Whitney, an employee of Montrose Harbor. “Then it cooled off a little bit, but the last couple of days people have been getting out steadily.”

With harbors now open, Chicago boaters are looking forward to a boating season that has plenty to offer.

“There is a little something for everyone,” said Heather Clark, director of operations and marketing for Chicago Sailing. “Just north of Navy Pier is an area that has been termed ‘The Playpen.’ Boats gather there, anchor and have a big floating party each weekend. Sightseeing is fabulous all along the Chicago shoreline, from Wilmette to the South Shore. It’s really up to you to what you want to see.”

Not all is fun and games, as boating is an expensive hobby. Some Chicago harbors are filled to capacity and have started waiting lists. For a 30 foot stall, for the entire boating season, the prices range from $1,080 (Jackson Park Inner Harbor) to $3,585 (DuSable Harbor), and that is solely for the docking space.

When taking in consideration winter storage, a season pass and other harbor services, boaters are faced with thousands of dollars in fees to participate in their favorite hobby.

Most boats can be accommodated at all the harbors, while others, due to limitations, are designated to specific locations.

“The harbors are designed to allow for a wide variety of different sized boats,” said Clark. “Some have more slips for bigger boats. Diversey Harbor is the only harbor in the Chicago harbor system that does not allow for sailboats. There is a bridge you have to go under.”

Upkeep of its harbors is important to the Chicago Park District, illuminated by a renovation plan to the 31st Street Harbor that is set to be completed June 1.

“Total projected costs are $103 million,” said Marta Juaniza, assistant press secretary for the Chicago Park District. “The project was funded entirely by boater fees, not taxpayer dollars. The new harbor will enhance a visit to the lakefront by offering stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city’s skyline.”

Other amenities of the renovated harbor include room for boats up to 200 feet, a playground with a climbing wall and public art, a public fishing dock and winter storage for boats that is both indoor and outdoor.

Harbors located so close to Lake Michigan allow boaters easy access to get involved in all of the activities the lake has to offer.

“There is a lot to get involved in on Lake Michigan,” said Clark. “Racing is very popular at each of the yacht clubs. There are fireworks and The Air and Water Show to take in from the water, and just getting away from the city onto the water provides a great escape.”

Having an escape so close to the city sounds great, but is a practice unaffordable to the everyday person. Clark said that there are other ways to get out on the water.

“There is always crewing on racing teams [to inexpensively get on boats],” said Clark. “Sail Chicago is a non-profit organization that allows people to pay a small membership fee, and volunteer for a set number of hours, in order to get free use of boats.”

The Sail Into Summer Package is $250 and features four on-the-water sessions geared towards your level of sailing expertise. New Member Packages are $400 and feature the ability to sail for free on all member cruises and an invitation to all of Sail Chicago’s social events.

In such an urban setting, Whitney said Chicagoans should take advantage of the spacious body of water that lies directly to the east of them.

“It’s a fabulous natural resource. We don’t have mountains and we don’t have forests. We have a large body of water and we are remarkably blessed with that.”