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From Chicago to Waukegan, by cruise line?

Waukegan Port District explores Lake Michigan cruise line

Making Waukegan a port of call for a passenger cruise line on Lake Michigan is being explored as a way to promote the city and other area attractions.

The thought of some type of ferry service periodically has surfaced over the years, but it has been a century since the Père Marquette plied the waters between Waukegan and Chicago.

This time, the idea being floated by the Waukegan Port District calls for a cruise line with possible dinner or overnight packages and proposed stops in Chicago, Waukegan, Kenosha and Milwaukee.

Port District Chairman Hank Bogdala, a lifelong Waukegan resident and supporter of the idea, said a nautical connection between those points seems natural.

“We've got the highway, we've got the railroad. Why not the water? he said.

The port district board, which oversees Waukegan Harbor and the Waukegan Regional Airport, recently approved further research of the idea.

Bogdala said there already are many tourists, families and students in the area visiting destinations such as Six Flags Great America or Gurnee Mills. A pleasure passenger cruise line would draw people to Waukegan Harbor and Chicago's downtown, and vice versa.

“This could be a great thing for everybody, he said.

Bogdala has called several boat companies from Chicago to Milwaukee, and even as far away as Rhode Island, and has received some initial interest. The service is envisioned as being a private enterprise without subsidies, he added.

A key to such a venture would involve the speed at which a cruiser could travel.

“There needs to be a vessel that would be faster yet provide the comfort people are looking for, said Bob Brunow, a Milwaukee-based independent contractor, who for several years has sold lake cruises and worked with various boat lines.

“It's not necessarily the stops but the distance between the ports, he said.

Waukegan Mayor Bob Sabonjian said any activity that would bring visitors to the city would be worth a look.

“Never say no to an opportunity until you have all the information, he added. “It's a lump of clay. You work at it and put shape to it, and you get input from other people involved.

The port district says future passenger lines could be used for commuting along the North Shore or to travel to other destinations such as Mackinac Island.

Bogdala wants to set up a meeting soon with community representatives and other interests.

“There's a lot of discussion that needs to take place, he said.

In 2003, Waukegan was discussed as a port for a proposed high-speed passenger ferry service between Illinois and Michigan, but that fizzled.

That leaves the Père Marquette, which from 1906 to 1910 operated pleasure excursions from Chicago to Milwaukee with a stop in Waukegan as the last service to include the Lake County community.

After the excursion season ended in September 1910, the ship was being used as a car ferry when it sunk en route from Ludington, Mich., to Milwaukee. Twenty-nine passengers and crew died.

Brunow described the interest in a cruise operation as a concept that had merit.

Sabonjian said the city was interested in learning more.

“It is very much an early work in progress, and we don't claim anything more than that, he said.