Boat slips now available at Fox River Marina
Submitted by the Lake County Forest Preserves
Boat slips are currently available at the marina for the 2021 season at Fox River Forest Preserve in Port Barrington.
The marina's 169 slips are available in three lengths: 20, 25 and 30 feet. Dedicated water, electricity and a dock box are included with the 30-foot slip. These features can be purchased for an extra fee on the 25-foot slip.
Water and electricity are not available on the 20-foot slip, but a dock box can be reserved. Slip holders can enjoy 24/7 access to their boats.
To reserve a slip, fill out the form found online at LCFPD.org/fox-river-marina, email FoxRiverMarina@LCFPD.org or call (847) 381-0669 for more information.
A great deal of work was done at the forest preserve from 2002 to 2005, and again in 2014 to 2015, to improve public access and amenities, restore natural areas, and create new trail connections. The marina underwent a large renovation project when a coveted floating dock system was added, according to Dan Stearns, chief business development officer at the Lake County Forest Preserves.
The National Park Service has recognized the Fox River Forest Preserve as an access point along the Fabulous Fox River Water Trail that runs from Waukesha, Wisconsin, to Ottawa, Illinois. There are 67 other access points along the water trail.
"This is a popular place for outdoor recreation enthusiasts," Stearns said. "The surrounding water makes a great playground for a variety of sports, including wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing and fishing," he said.
There is also a four-lane public launch for boats, personal watercraft and paddlecraft. The ramp is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The daily launch fee for trailered boats or watercraft is $15 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, and $5 for nontrailered boats or watercraft.
Seasonal launch passes are also available by visiting LCFPD.org/fox-river-marina.
Acquired by the Lake County Forest Preserves in 1990, the preserve was once a seasonal recreational vehicle campground, Stearns said.
"But thanks to extensive land and shoreline restoration, and public access improvements, it is now one of Lake County's most beautiful landscapes."