Great Lakes Port

Great Lakes Harbour serves the naval training complex on Lake Michigan north of Chicago. The waterfront belongs to Naval Station Great Lakes, whose principal role is training naval personnel, and has a different function from the commercial cargo ports elsewhere around the lake.

Breakwaters enclose the harbour on its exposed lakeward sides. Within this protected area, an outer basin connects with an inner basin, with piers extending into the sheltered water. The harbour accommodates training vessels and recreational craft associated with the base.

This combination of basins and waterfront facilities supports the station’s maritime activities. Its significance lies in the relationship between the lakeside training establishment and the water immediately alongside it, rather than in regional freight distribution.