new buffalo michigan

Great-Lakes-Sailing.com

New Buffalo, MI

Lat: 41° 48.072   Long: 086° 45.01

Quick Reference:

  • Port Type: Village
  • Monitors VHF: 9, 16, 77
  • Charts: NOS 14905
  • Customs: No
  • Coast Guard
  • Transient Docking
  • Anchorage
  • Diesel
  • Gasoline
  • Potable Water
  • Pump Out
  • Washrooms
  • Showers
  • Laundry
  • Repair Services
  • Provisions
  • Pharmacy
  • Hospital/Clinic
  • Banks/ATM
  • Restaurants/Pubs
  • Shopping
  • Internet
  • Amenities
  Important Numbers

Area Code268
Emergency911
Police(268) 469-1593
Hospital(268) 469-8484
Pharmacy(268) 469-3636

DISTANCES


Port Distance (nm) Port Distance (nm)
Waukegan, IL 58 NW South Haven, MI 42 N
Wilmette, IL 44 NW Benton Harbor, MI 22 N
Chicago, IL 39 W Michigan City, IN 9 S
Calumet Harbor, IL 34 W Hammond, IN 32 SW

DESCRIPTION


The New Buffalo Michigan area has been part of the traditional homelands of the Potawatomi indians. The first European here was Fr. Jacques Marquette, the great French Jesuit explorer. He was followed soon after by Rene Robert Cavalier, Sieur de la Salle. New Buffalo Michigan takes its name from Wessel Whittaker, a merchant navy captain from Buffalo NY who was shpwrecked here in 1834. The early years saw difficult economic times but the arrival of the railroad spurred a boom. This led to the development of its harbor for connections across Lake Michigan to Chicago and Milwaukee. The extention of the railroad to Chicago was a serious setback. By the turn of the 20th century though, New Buffalo was becoming more and more known as a holiday and vacation destination. Today, tourism is the foundation for the village's economic success. New Buffalo has over 950 slips in its harbor.

APPROACHES


The approaches to New Buffalo Michigan are clear from all directions.

The west-facing harbor entrance is protected by two breakwaters. The north breakwater is marked with a Fl GREEN light visible 5.8 nm offshore and the south breakwater with a Fl RED light, visible 5.8 nm. Once inside the breakwaters, you enter the Galien River. There are 2 channels on your starboard that lead to marinas with transient docking.

The first channel, Channel A, leads past the Lake Michigan Yacht Club and on to Oselka Snug Harbor Marina.

A bit further up the Galien River, Channel B, also on your starboard, leads to several private docking areas. Dead ahead on the Galien River will bring you to the New Buffalo's City Transient Marina with transient docking.

MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES


City Transient Marina   (269) 469-6887    VHF 9, 16
City Transient Marina is the municipal marina for visiting sailors. It is located on the west side of the main channel, just before the Galien River turns and passes under a fixed highway bridge (vertical clearance 20 ft/6.1 m). There are 32 slips reserved for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water and power are available. There are restrooms and showers available. There is a picnic area with BBQ grills.

Lake Michigan Yacht Club   (269) 469-8100   
LMYC is located on Channel A, immediately on your starboard as you enter the river. They may have some slips available for visiting sailors on a reciprocal basis. There is no fuel dock but there is a pumpot station. The clubhouse has restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. There is also a large kitchen and a full-service bar. Other amenities include telephone and cable hookups, internet access and a lovely private beach.

Oselka Snug Harbor Marina   (269) 469-2600    VHF 9, 77
Oselka Snug Harbor Marina is located near the end of Channel A, the first channel on your starboard when you enter the Galien River. There are 275 slips with at least a dozen available for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. This is a full-service marina able to carry out engine, mechanical, electrical and fibreglass repairs. There are water and power hookups at the slips. There are restrooms and showers available. They also have a ship's store that carries basic boating supplies.

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's


Oselka Snug Harbor Marina (See above)

Dockside Nautical Services can carry out engine, mechanical and electrical service work. They have a 24 hour emergency service.

Barneys Market is downtown, about .25 mi/.4 km from the municipal marina.

New Buffalo Savings Bank is downtown, about .2 mi/.3 km from the municipal marina.

MEDICAL SERVICES


Kelsey Medical Services (269) 469-8484 is a primary care clinic located about 1.3 mi/2.1 km from the harbor.

New Buffalo Pharmacy (269) 469-3636 is located about .6 mi/1 km from the harbor.

PLACES TO EAT


There are lots of good dining options in New Buffalo Michigan. Bentwood Tavern is located at the Marina Grand Resort, next door to Oselka Snug Harbor Marina. It is a bright, airy restaurant with a very good menu accompanied by a range of craft beers. The Stray Dog Bar & Grill is about a block from the City Tansient Marina. It is a family-oriented restaurant with a terrific roof-top patio and lounge. Casey's Bar & Grill is housed in a 200 year-old historic building, serving steaks, chops, seafood and Italian food. Located about 3 blocks from the City Transient Marina, they have a lovely backyard patio as well. Several blocks further away is El Rancho Grande serving authentic Mexican fare.

THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT


New Buffalo Michigan has a lot going on during the summer. For starters, there is its beautiful lake-front beach. There is a boardwalk, play areas for children and a pavillion with bicnic areas and BBQ grills. Every Saturday night during the summer, there is live entertainment downtown. August sees the Ship and Shore Festival and Greek Fest.

The New Buffalo Michigan visitors site will give you an idea of lots more things to do and see while visiting the area.

Return from New Buffalo MI to Lake Michigan

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