SkipperBud’s will operate North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, as the marina prepares for the 2026 boating season. The decision follows the end of the previous concession agreement, with state and local authorities appointing an interim operator to keep the marina open while they prepare longer-term plans.
The village of Winthrop Harbor announced the new operating arrangement and said SkipperBud’s is already familiar to the harbour community through boat sales, service and storage.
“Their transition into day-to-day marina operations brings experienced management, continuity and a team that understands both the needs of boaters and the importance of the marina to the surrounding community,” the village stated.
North Point Marina opened in 1989 on Lake Michigan between Chicago and Milwaukee. It covers about 77 acres of land and water and includes 21 docks with 1,477 floating slips measuring from 30-60 ft (nine to 18 metres).
The State of Illinois operated North Point Marina from 1991 until 2016. The state then launched a request for proposal process to select a private operator.
Westrec Marinas NPM, LLC was awarded the concession contract in February 2017 under an agreement scheduled to run until 31 December 2042. In 2022, the concession continued under new ownership after a novation agreement transferred it to North Point SMI Westrec, LLC.
According to a sole source justification form by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the concession lease was mutually terminated in April 2025, with the termination taking effect on 31 October 2025. The document states that the site had not been profitable under the terms of the contract.
A short-term management arrangement was later attempted with the same operator but did not continue. North Point SMI Westrec, LLC was then contracted to winterise the marina for the 2025-2026 winter season to protect the facility. That arrangement ended on 31 December 2025.
SkipperBud’s of Illinois, Inc. has operated the boat storage concession at North Point Marina since 1991. According to the state document, this long presence means the company already understands the marina’s operations and seasonal requirements.
IDNR stated that allowing SkipperBud’s to operate the marina until 31 March 2029 will give time for dredging work and for the bidding process for a long-term concession contract to move forward.
In spring 2026, SkipperBud’s will open North Point Marina for the boating season and prepare the site for activities, including seasonal and daily slip rentals, boat and jet ski rentals, kayak and paddle boat rentals, a swimming pool, arcade food and beverage sales, and general resale of goods.
The operator will also manage seasonal procedures such as opening the marina in spring and winterising the facility at the end of the boating season to protect property from weather conditions.
