How to Get to North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
North Point Marina is located in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, just south of the Wisconsin border. As the largest marina on the Great Lakes, it serves as the departure point for Storm Force Sportfishing charters and is easily accessible whether you’re coming from Chicago, Milwaukee, or the surrounding suburbs.
The marina’s official address is 701 North Point Drive, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096. For those using GPS, entering the full address is important to avoid confusion with other similarly named marinas in the region. Once you arrive, you’ll find ample parking and clear signage directing you to the charter slips near the northern end of the harbor.
If you’re driving from the Chicago area, the trip generally takes just under an hour. The most direct route is to take I-94 north toward Milwaukee. Exit at IL-173 (Rosecrans Road), then head east for about seven miles. You’ll turn left on Sheridan Road, continue north for a short distance, and then turn right onto North Point Drive. From there, it’s a quick drive into the marina complex.
Visitors from Milwaukee can expect a similar one-hour drive. Heading south on I-94, you’ll exit at WI-165, which turns into Russell Road after crossing into Illinois. From there, follow the same route south on Sheridan Road and turn left onto North Point Drive.
For those traveling without a car, North Point Marina is accessible via Metra’s Union Pacific North Line. This commuter rail runs from downtown Chicago through the northern suburbs and terminates in Kenosha. The Winthrop Harbor stop is just a short distance from the marina—approximately a five-minute drive or a twenty-minute walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are commonly available from the station.
Once inside the marina, you’ll find free public parking close to the docks. Storm Force Sportfishing is docked near the north end, and guests are encouraged to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before their scheduled departure to allow time for parking, locating the slip, and getting settled.
If you’re unfamiliar with the area or traveling from out of town, it’s a good idea to bring printed directions or confirm routing on your GPS ahead of time. Should you have any issues locating the boat, Captain Blake is available by phone to help guide you in.
With easy access by road and rail, a well-maintained facility, and plenty of nearby accommodations, getting to North Point Marina is simple—and the fishing is always worth the trip.