Chicago Harbor

An east-southeast view inChicago, Illinois,overlooking theJardine Water Purification PlantandNavy Pierin Chicago Harbor, including the north and south breakwaters and theChicago Harbor Lighthouse

Monroe harbor.

Generally, theChicago Harborcomprises the public rivers, canals, and lakes within the territorial limits of theCity of Chicagoand all connecting slips, basins, piers, breakwaters, and permanent structures therein for a distance of three miles from the shore between the extended north and south lines of the city. The greater Chicago Harbor includes portions of theChicago River,theCalumet River,the Ogden Canal, theChicago Sanitary and Ship Canal,Lake Calumet,andLake Michigan.

In a more narrow sense, the Chicago Harbor is that artificialharboron Lake Michigan located at the mouth of the Chicago River bounded by outerbreakwatersto the north and east,Northerly Islandto the south, and the Chicago shoreline to the west. The main entrance to this harbor is marked by theChicago Harbor Lighthouse.TheJardine Water Purification Plant,Navy Pier,theChicago Harbor Lock,Coast Guard Station Chicago, two municipal harbors (DuSable Harbor and Monroe Harbor), theChicago Yacht Club,and the Columbia Yacht Club are all located here.

ThePort of Chicagois within the greater Chicago Harbor in and aroundCalumet Harbor,the Calumet River, and Lake Calumet.

TheChicago Park Districtoperates a municipal harbor system in the greater Chicago Harbor in Lake Michigan for recreational boaters. With accommodations for 6000 boats,it is the largest system of its kind in the nation.The system comprises (from north to south) Montrose Harbor, Belmont Harbor, Diversey Harbor, DuSable Harbor, Monroe Harbor, Burnham Harbor, 31st Street Harbor, 59th Street Harbor, and Jackson Park Inner and Outer Harbors.

See also

• Chicago Area Waterway System
• Port of Chicago