Boat Launches

The Church St. Boat Launch is for launching power boats and jet skis only.

View the 2026 Church St. Power Boat Launch Permit Information and Policies Packet for further details.

Using the Boat Ramp

• The ramp is scheduled to open in mid-May and will close in late October, depending on weather and dredging conditions.
• A season launch permit must be purchased for each boat/vessel you would like to launch.
• Each vessel must have a permit attached to the port bow (front left). Permits are not transferable.
  • Need more than one permit? Email: Katie Grundin at kgrundin@cityofevanston.org
• You will receive an RFID sticker tag to access the Church Street Boat Ramp parking lot and a hang tag to be able to park your vehicle with the trailer in the lot, if spaces are available.  RFID sticker tags must be applied to the upper left windshield. 
• Evanston resident boat owners are required to show proof of residency to obtain resident rates.
• Daily launch permits are not available.

Obtaining a Season Launch Permit

• Online permit sales begin April 9, 2026 at 9am. Launch permits may only be purchased online.
  • Purchase online: Resident Permit
  • Purchase online: Non-Resident Permit
• Permits can be pick-up from the Dempster St Beach Office beginning May 9, 2026 between 11am-5:30pm.

Church Street Power Boat Ramp Rates

• Season Permit: $395 Resident* / $600 Non-Resident
• Season Permits will be half-price beginning on August 1st thru the end of the season.
• *To receive Evanston resident rates, you must have a valid ID with a 60201 or 60202 zip code AND a valid boat registration card with a 60201 or 60202 zip code.

The Dempster Street Launch Facility is for the launching, retrieval and storage of non-motorized vessels, small sailboats (sunfish, laser, etc.), catamarans, windsurfing boards, canoes, stand up paddle boards and kayaks.

View the 2026 Dempster St. Launch Facility Information, Policies & Application Packet for futher details.

Using the Launch Facility

• Only approved and permitted vessels may launch at this facility. Permits must be attached to each vessel.
• Boats must be light enough to be carried across the sand. Limited parking is adjacent to the facility.<li"></li">
• The facility officially opens on May 9, 2026 and closes on October 20, 2026.
• The facility hours are 9 a.m. to dusk.
• All persons, regardless of age or swimming ability, must be wearing a Type I, II, or III, USCG-approved life jacket when launching from Dempster St. Beach Boat Launch and while the vessel is in operation upon the Evanston waters of Lake Michigan.

Season Storage/Launch Permits

• Seasonal Storage Rack/Launch Permit holders will be contacted via email and USPS mail the week of January 19. If you did not receive a renewal notice, please email boatlaunch@cityofevanston.org. 
• Returning rack holders must renew online via Amilia by Sunday, March 29. Please follow the instructions that were mailed and emailed to you in January.
• We require a copy of your photo ID to be uploaded with your application. The name on the state-issued ID must match the name on file for your storage space.
• Storage spaces are not transferable.

Launch Only Permits

• Sales begin on May 9, 2026 at the Dempster St. Beach Office.
  
  The Beach Office is open Monday through Friday:

• • May 9 through May 22: 11 a.m to 6 p.m.
  • May 23 through June 5: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • June 6 through July 31: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • August 1 through August 28: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • August 29 through Sept. 7: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Daily launch passes will be available Monday-Thursdays (except for holidays) from May 9 to September 4 for $25R/$33NR.
  
  

Launch Only Rates

• Seasonal permit 1st vessel: $231 Resident / $300 Non-Resident 
  • Each additional vessel: $50
• Season Permits will be half-price beginning on August 1st thru the end of the season.
• Each vessel must have a permit attached to the starboard bow (front right). Permits are not transferable.

To be added to the waitlist, email boatlaunch@cityofevanston.org with the following information

• • Name
  • Phone Number
  • Address
  • Desired waitlist: SUP, Kayak, Monohull, or Doublehull

The Dempster St. Beach Office provides lessons and rentals. You can learn more by visiting the Watercraft Rentals & Lessons webpage.