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Boat Launches

Church Street Boat Ramp - 2026 INFO COMING SOON!

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 2025 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 14 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 May 1 through May 9, then at Dempster St. Beach Office May 10 thorugh Labor Day. 

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.

Dempster Street Launch Facility - 2026 INFO COMING SOON!

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 2025 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.<li"></li">
  • The facility officially opens on May 10, 2025 and closes on October 21, 2025.
  • 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 US 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.
  • If you did not have a storage space in 2025 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 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.

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Storage Waitlist for New Applicants

  • 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

Dempster St. Beach Office Weather Station

Dempster St. Launch Conditions

Official City of Evanston live stream camera for viewing of water and weather conditions at the Dempster St. Beach Office. This camera does not record audio.