Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Usama
Burnham Harbor parking
Just a few minutes from downtown Chicago, Burnham Harbor at the Museum Campus offers more than just boating. It is surrounded by several attractions, including the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, McCormick Place, and Field Museum. Visitors may choose from plenty of off-street and on-street parking, including surface lots, garages, and metered parking. Please read our guide about convenient options, parking rates, and transportation alternatives.
The harbor sits at 1559 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Convenient Parking Near Burnham Harbor
The best places to park for boating visitors are in two surface lots adjacent to the Burnham Harbor Office & Ships Store. These lots are managed by SP+ and extend throughout the harbor’s western perimeter. The price is $28 for all-day parking. Entrances are located at 500 E. Waldron Dr and 586 E. Waldron Dr.
Additional Parking Near the Harbor
SP+ manages several Burnham Harbor parking lots around the vicinity. These lots fill up quickly during events at nearby Soldier Field stadium and Northerly Island. Visitors may purchase pre-paid parking to guarantee a spot via the Soldier Field website. We listed the rates below for your convenience.
| Adler Parking Lot | |
| 1300 S Lynn White Dr | |
| Early Bird Special (Before 9:30 AM) | $12 |
| Daily | $25 |
| Night Rate | $15 |
| North Garage | |
| 1356 S. Museum Campus Drive | |
| 4 hours or under | $25 |
| 4 hours above to 12 hrs | $30 |
| East Museum | |
| 1252 S Museum Campus Drive | |
| Daily | $30 |
Special event parking prices vary and are subject to change. For more information about event day parking and overnight parking, visit the Soldier Field website.
We did a little digging and discovered more parking areas on the east side of the harbor:
- A surface lot is located north of the Burnham Park Yacht Club.
- Several metered parking lots are located around the Northerly Island Visitor Center at S Linn White Drive.
Street Parking Alternatives
Street parking is available all along E Solidarity Drive near the Adler Planetarium. The metered rate is $2.50/hour with a maximum of 10 hours and is enforced Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 10 PM and Saturday to Sunday from 8 AM to 10 PM.
Note that parking is prohibited at these spaces Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 9 AM. We recommend coming early during event days to secure a parking spot. Keep an eye out for posted signs and time limits to avoid incurring a Chicago parking ticket.
Transportation Options
Ride the #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express bus, which stops by the Solidarity Drive & Lynne White Drive (East) bus station, just a 10-minute walk from the harbor.
Alternatively, the CTA “L” Train Red, Orange, and Green Lines stop at Roosevelt Station, between State Street and Wabash Avenue. At the station, visitors may transfer to the #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express bus to reach the harbor. Visit the Chicago Transit Authority website for stops, schedules, and fares.
Parking in Chicago Has Never Been Easier
We offer parking guides to help Chicago residents and visitors find and reserve a space at several city attractions, including:
- The Chicago Theatre
- Water Tower Place
- Chicago History Museum
- Field Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Navy Pier
- Willis Tower
- John Hancock Center
Moreover, you can find on-site and off-site airport parking options using our airport guides.
