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Boat Launches

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Church Street Boat Ramp

The Church Street Boat Ramp is for the launching of power boats, personal motorized watercrafts and large sailboats. We're proud that the Church Street Boat Ramp is certified by the IDNR as an Illinois Clean Marina.

View the 2024 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 starboard bow (front right). Permits are not transferable.
  • You also receive a gate card 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.
  • 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 applications begin April 10 at 9am. A City of Evanston Recreation staff member will reach out to you for credit card payment. 

  • Permits can be pick-up from the Chandler-Newberger Community Center April 10 through May 11, then at Dempster St. Beach Office May 12 thorugh Labor Day. 

Church Street Power Boat Ramp Rates

  • Season Permit: $378 Resident* / $630 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.

Dempster Street Launch Facility

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. We're proud that the Dempster St. Launch is certified by the IDNR as an Illinois Clean Marina!

View the  Dempster St. Launch Facility Information, Policies & Application Packet 2024 for further 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.
  • The facility officially opens on May 11, 2024 and closes on October 22, 2024.
  • The facility hours are 9 a.m. to dusk.
  • All individuals, regardless of age or swimming ability, are required to wear a Type III or higher U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when launching from the Dempster St. Beach Launch Facility and while the vessel is in motion.

Season Storage/Launch Permits

  • Seasonal Storage Rack/Launch Permit holders will be contacted via email and US mail the week of Feb. 26. If you did not receive a renewal notice please email boatlaunch@cityofevanston.org. 
  • Apply online for Storage Renewal/ Launch Permits by Sunday, March 31.
  • 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.
  • If you did not have a storage space in 2023 you will need to join the waitlist. The information on the waitlist is below.
  • If you are currently on the waitlist you will be contacted ONLY when a space has become available.

Launch Only Permits

  • May 11 through June 7 (10 am to 6 pm)
  • June 8 through September 2 (10 am to 8 pm)

Launch Only Rates

  • Seasonal permit 1st vessel: $221 Resident / $289 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.

Storage Waitlist for New Applicants

  • Register online for the vessel-specific wait list for a new combo launch/storage permit, use the following class numbers:
    • Class #753906 (residents; 60201 & 60202 zip codes)
    •  Class #753907 (non-residents)
  • To register online, you must sign in with your account or create a new one.
  • Once logged in, you can search for the above class numbers to register for the waitlist.
  • Once you register for the appropriate waitlist, you will move up as boaters ahead of you get permits.
  • Staff will assign open spots to boaters, using the waitlist.
  • For further assistance please contact, boatlaunch@cityofevanston.org

Dempster St. Beach Office Weather Station


Dempster St. Launch Conditions