Reviews from Nicholas Julga (2)

  • Marina Review for Manitowoc Marina

    Reviewed by: Nicholas Julga on Jul 17, 2025
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 60'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 5

    Spent 1 night on our way north.

    Marina was clean, comfortable and well protected. Access to slip was simple. Docks were in good condition. Slips are secured with locking gates. Staff was available and helpful. Check in/check out was easy.

    They have a secured 24hr lounge (coffee, pizza oven, televisions) and bathrooms/showers. These are satisfactory. Coin op laundry.

    There is a ships store with the basics.

    They have fuel and a pump-out, but we did not use these.

    Close to downtown. We were able to walk around and had our choice of many bars and restaurants. Lovely town with lots of entertainment (live music, The Wharf, USS Cobia, a WWII submarine and museum).

    Definitely worth the stop. We will return in the future.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

  • Marina Review for Lakeshore State Park Marina

    Reviewed by: Nicholas Julga on Jul 11, 2025
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 60'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 4

    Disclaimer: We are Milwaukee residents, and we love this marina, but it is not for everyone.

    Pros:
    -Very well protected from the weather.
    -You cannot get closer to downtown. Downtown is walkable from slips, and there is a free trolly, closest pickup point 1/4mi from slips.
    -Discovery World Museum right next to slips
    -30 and 50 amp power
    -Great view of downtown
    -Summerfest grounds are right across the lagoon, easy to hear the music from the north-most stage right from the boat.
    -If you have a dinghy you can shoot over to the Milwaukee River in just minutes and go explore downtown by boat on the 3 rivers that go through the city.
    -Easy to book through Wisconsin State Park system
    -Most cost-effective transient slip in town

    Cons:
    -No facilities (shower, trash, laundry, bathrooms, anything) You are essentially camping in your boat.
    -There are port-o-potties
    -This is not a secured marina (No gates, guards, or security)
    -Docks are ok. Main dock has been 75% replaced in last couple years. Fingers are tippy and tend to be dirty. Could use a 4th cleat on each finger.
    -As mentioned by others, if you want peace and quiet and solitude this place is not for you on the weekend. All summer long there will be a festival of some kind on the grounds right next to the slip. Music, fireworks, air shows, Harley Davidson Anniversaries, etc. (During the week it tends to be deserted), But we love it. It's why we come.
    -All the local tour boats and pontoon rental party boats will come take a lap in the lagoon.
    -The Milwaukee Community Sailing will typically have sailing lessons for small children going on during the day on weekdays in the lagoon, so you may have to be patient and doge them when docking.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer