Reviews: Lakeshore State Park Marina

Reviewed by: Cam & Jennifer Canup , Viatori, on Aug 5, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We reserved a slip for our boat online with ease. The marina had 50 amp and 30 amp power pedestal. But there was no water hookup at all--which seemed really strange. The docks were in fair condition, a little worn. Some rub rails had become detached and were hanging from the dock. 10' depth was seen through the breakwater entrance to the slip. Overall, an excellent value for the prime location to Milwaukee. Would stay here again.

They had port-a-potties, but we didn't use them.

Since this location is in the heart of Milwaukee and next to a music venue there was some music and festivities heard throughout the evening. There were also several boats that use this area as a cruising-to-be-seen section of the river. Mostly small power boats and pontoon boats. The activity tapered off around 10:00 p.m. okay

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Reviewed by: Linda Ploog on Jun 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 4

I'll start with saying the best part of this marina is the dock master. I wasn't sure what the best way was to book same day. Her cell number was given in the message so I called her. She was very responsive with any and all of my questions. The docks are beginning to need repair which I understand they are going to be. The marina is easy to get into. I knew there was only power so there was no surprise. There was a small festival going on but it wasn't too loud or offensive. There were fireworks at 10:30. There are several trails to walk the area. I was worried initially about security but we didn't have any issues.

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Reviewed by: Rob Dare , Liberty Call , on Sep 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Great location and well protected behind two break waters. We rode out a gale force wind and severe thunderstorms and barely moved. Small marina with 20 slips. 6 fit 60 ft boats and the rest are up to 45 ft boats. Good 30 and 50 amp power. No water and only a porta-potty. Large beautiful green spaces to take the dog on a very long walk.

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Reviewed by: Mike Worsley , Islena, on Sep 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The marina has 20 slips, the dock master is also in charge of the whole park and city trails. We were there during Sumerfest, all music is over 11PM, water police, park Rangers and state police. Super protected from wind, nice slips and they worked with us as we had reservations for only one night and the weather was bad and even during the busy consert week found us a spot.
The dock master, went out of her way to give us marinas and tel. Numbers to call to find a spot for the day we did not have reservations as bad weather approach. She called us several times in the morning to keep us updated of possible cancelations and once there was a cancelation she block the space so we can move to the open spot. More than we expected or got in all the marinas we have stayed on our 3800 mile trip.

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Reviewed by: Bruce Stewart on Aug 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.3'

Rating: 1

We had four young men come on our boat at 11:45 pm looking to ???? They did leave when confronted but this could have gone bad. The docks are wide open to the crowds leaving the Music Venue late at night.

There is an "amusment park" venue across the lagoon that has "screaming teens" on the rides until midnight, The festival music can be loud and play late into the night.

Tie up and power were ok, NO other services (not even water). Well protected.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Aug 25, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

Lakeshore State Park Marina in the "Historic 3rd Ward District" of Milwaukee is not easy to characterize. The facility is tiny, with only 20 slips but six of them are for 60 foot vessels and the rest are 40 foot. The marina has no water service but has well maintained 30 and 50 amp electric service on the longer slips and twin 30's on the others. There are no marina facilities available (bathroom, shower, laundry, fuel, pump out, Wi-Fi, trash) but the service from the marina manager was responsive, professional, and to the point. The marina/park seems to be separated from the town but is actually closer to town than the alternatives. If you like concerts you just might get one because the Summer Festival venue is about half mile away. Check the schedules: we had the Doobie Brothers while we were there.

The marina is in its own little lagoon, contained within a second breakwater inside the principal harbor protecting it on all sides from waves and current. We had a nasty front come through with 40 knot winds and there was no issue at all. Depth is no problem, with fifteen feet at the slips and more in the marina basin. For those who are just looking for a place to stop for the night, there is ample room to anchor for quite a few boats in water from ten to more than twenty feet. The marina floating docks are connected to land by a single ramp that then ties into the pathways of the larger park and then to the city itself. Although the park looks to be well used, there is no sense of too many people too close to your boat. The nearest exit to town (and parking) is about a third of a mile away and the center of the 3rd Ward is about a mile and half walk along the water and up the Milwaukee River. Cell service was two to three bars for AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

Lakeshore State Park Marina has a four night limit. We stayed for three and did not regret our decision. It was quiet, it was easy to get into town even though it was a distance, and we did not miss the services but had do reduce the star rating of the marina because they were lacking.

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