Reviews: Henry Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Nov 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Henry Harbor Marina was a good stop, although the wall requires a lot of fenders and you have to be careful with your mooring lines chafing. Henry Harbor Marina was the first lock built on the river and consists of a stone blocks that are very rough due age. The tie-offs are simply rebarb loops drilled into the stones, but they are quite secure. Fran, the owner, was delightful and very helpful with tidying up. The grounds are moderately pet-friendly. The Waterway Guide says the maximum boat length is 30 feet, but we had four boats between 42 and 47 feet and we fit nicely. Grandma's Restaurant is a ten-minute walk and was a fun place to eat. It is more of a neighborhood bar and grill, and locals were very friendly. The food was good and reasonably priced. We would stay here again, but Fran told us that they are moving the marina up-river next year due to some disputes with the Town of Henry. Next trip we will find her up-river and stay again.

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Reviewed by: Cam & Jennifer Canup , Viatori, on Oct 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Whatever this marina is lacking, it is made up for by Fran. A wonderful owner/operator that goes out of her way to make sure your needs are met, even if that means driving you to dinner and back. She truly wants to make sure your stay is enjoyable and we can not put down in words how much we appreciate her and all she does.

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Reviewed by: Dean Erlandson on Sep 23, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 4

Tie up on the wall outside Marina. Good protection from River traffic due to island blocking wakes. Close walk to restaurants and bars, post office and food store. Very nice restrooms and owners help tie up as you dock.

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Reviewed by: Kevin Williams , m/v Blue Tortuga, on Sep 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

As stated previously, the owners here work hard to make what they have a good experience for transients. Numerous newer improvements including a new bath house, and I understand the wifi is new. The wall is indeed a bit rustic but solid (i.e. not an old crumbling cement barge wall). Make sure to Grandmas Bar & Grill within walking distance.

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Reviewed by: MARK GLOVER , Cool Change, on Sep 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

The owners are very easy to reach and very accommodating. Let them know if you have a pet as they will work with you to get the easiest solution to get on and off the boat. They offer fuel and pump out. Amenities are available but somewhat limited. Bring your fenders…this is an old somewhat deteriorating lock wall, but safe and protected.The people here are amazing! Definitely a worthwhile stop.

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Reviewed by: Scott Gregory , My Happiness, on Sep 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stop here! We did on Oct. 7, 23 and were part of an AGLCA flotilla. We were on the fuel dock and were comfortable. The owners are great people and run a wonderful business. No restaurant on-site, but downtown is just a few blocks away with a number of eating options.

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Reviewed by: Anthony Bottini , Katie B, on Aug 27, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This is a great stop on the Illinois river where there are not many good alternatives. Large boats can tie up in an abandoned lock at the lock wall with both 30 and 50 amp power available. The owner, Fran, is easy to contact and usually available to help with lines. There is at least 9 feet of water in the old lock canal and a deep entrance and exit. Boaters should enter from the downstream side and later exit through the upstream side in plenty of water. Easy in and out side tie ideal for loopers. The lock walls are rough with large shale blocks so plenty of bumpers right at the waterline are recommended. Slightly challenging to access the shoreline, but should not be a problem for most. Shouldn't be a problem to take dogs ashore for a walk. There is not much else close although Fran has volunteered to drive boaters to local businesses. She also runs a canvas repair shop here at the marina and was able to repair damage to one of our biminis while we were docked. The price is also very reasonable at $1.25 a foot. Don't miss the Henry Harbor dolphin show every time a pontoon or ski boat goes by and the Asian carp in the channel performed their dazzling routine. Buy a Henry Harbor dolphin show T-shirt to memorialize the event.

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Reviewed by: Paul Steindorf , Ohana, on Aug 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Family run marina, which may move up river toward Hennepin next season. The old lock wall is crumbling and rough and grounds are rustic, it there is fuel and pump out and extremely nice bathrooms with showers. Easy walk into town with a few restaurants (most closed on Mondays) and a hardware store. Easy in and out and plenty of depth.

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Reviewed by: Mitch Anderson on Jun 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Don't hesitate to stop at Henry Harbor. Tying to the wall is a great experience. The bath house looks brand new. Nicest I have seen on the IL or the Mississippi.

Fran and David are so helpful and responsive you just can't believe it.

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Reviewed by: Melissa , Ruthie, on Oct 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This place was fabulous! Very hospitable Harbor Masters, super clean bathrooms, very helpful and tying up to the wall.

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Reviewed by: Jodi Cavanaugh , Dos Gatos Locos, on Oct 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Loved this stop. It is an old lock wall to tie up to. Not in the best shape but we new that going in. Fran and her family were wonderful helping us in and getting tied up and electric hooked up. We didn't check out the restroom and shower but heard they were good. Would stay here again.

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Reviewed by: KEITH SCHULTZ on Oct 14, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We stayed one night. We had concerns because we had heard it was rough but were pleasantly surprised. The fenders we have for the locks worked nicely to protect us from the wall, Fran helped us and the three boats we were traveling with dock. There were adequate metal loops to secure the boats. There was also power (we use dual 30-amp) and water, which was also a nice surprise. There was a separate building close by with 2 showers and bathrooms. Very clean. The town was right there so we were able to walk to one of several restaurants. It had a campground-type atmosphere along the river, a nice view and peaceful. It was also dog friendly. It was easy for the dog to get off and on the boat from the wall, with lots of places to walk - both us and the dog. The wall you tie up to is part of the first lock on the Illinois River - the historic aspect was nice to know! It was a great view, and also peaceful and private. It was a good stop!

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Reviewed by: Thomas Schlehuber , Hey Schlu!, on Oct 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 5

I0/12/23. We had 7 boats rafted at the wall and 1 at the fuel dock. Fran, the owner and her sons were terrific! They assisted with docking along the wall that looks a bit intimidating but very manageable. There are rings vs cleats for lines and they help get you set. Fran had a plan which worked great. They called us in one at a time and all went smoothly. Bathroom facilities are brand new. Short walk into town for dinner at Grandma's Bar was fun and tasty. Power cords provided to all boats just had to be careful not to overload circuit. Great night.

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Reviewed by: Karl Harris , Better Together, on Oct 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Great little marina. Fran and family did a great job getting 8 boats docked and all set up. They are improving this old lock area. The bathhouse is very nice too! Grandma's Bar and Grill fed 17 of us and the food was good. Cheapest meal we've had on the loop too. $51 for an appetiter, 2 entrees and 4 beers!

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Reviewed by: Scott Vanderstoep , Hope and Dreams, on Oct 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 30'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Fran is very responsive and does what she can to fit everyone in. You raft on the old lock wall. We were rafted to a 40', sandwiched between a 92' at the boat and two 60's at the stern. Tight quarters, but it all works. She treats guests like family. Small town but decent restaurants within walking distance. People in Henry are very welcoming of loopers.

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Reviewed by: Lori Pickette on Oct 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Cute little marina with old lock wall docking as well. Great customer service coming in with help catching lines. Even the old lock wall has 30 and 50 amp and staff has power cord extensions if needed. New bathrooms are really nice. Town is a short walk with restaurants and a grocery store. This is a perfect stop especially if you get delayed waiting at Starved Rock Lock. Would definitely recommend and stop here again.

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Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer , Do It Now, on Oct 29, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

We spent one night at this marina -- we were the smallest boat on the infamous lock wall. The spot was good for us -- the wall was low where we were parked -- and we were secured well from the metal loops atop the wall with the help of MaryFrances. The rock wall is rough so good fenders are a must. At the time, access to the rest of the marina was iffy due to low water conditions. We had 30 amp power and there was water. They also sold diesel. There were portable toilets that were very clean. I was battling a bad cold at the time and did not go into town. It was a good, restful stop. Very quiet with good protection from passing boats.

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Reviewed by: Scott Kellett on Sep 25, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We had a wonderful time at this family run marina. The owners Fran & David could not have been more accommodating. We would highly recommend spending a night (or two) here. The pizza from the local pizza place was fantastic!

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Reviewed by: Janet Green on Sep 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

We had a great stay at Henry Harbor Marina. As other reviews have said, the wall is extremely old and in very poor condition; however the owner sent photos so we knew exactly what to expect. When we arrived, we rafted to the owners boat, which allowed a larger boat to tie to the wall and their friend to raft to them. We had power and easy access to land by walking across the owner's boat. The water was a little low, so the wall was fine. The wall is more difficult to tie to when the water is high, but when it is they can accommodate more boats in the basin. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. It was a great stop in an area without many marinas.

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Reviewed by: Jerald Jones , Titan, on Sep 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

I really enjoyed my stay at Henry Harbor marina, they have new owners who are working very hard to improve the marina, due to low water we were tied at the rustic old block wall in the channel which was very well protected and I thought was really neat with stone block and rebar rings to tie to, they had porta potties, water and electric for us. This is all stated in their description so there were no surprises. Fran messaged several times, With pictures and a good description. Really enjoyed my time here would love to come back!

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Reviewed by: Patricia And Steven Stanley , Calypso, on Sep 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We really enjoyed our 2 night stay at Henry Harbor. Since the water level in the marina is low, we stayed on the old lock wall and tied to rebar rings. This wall was built in 1870 and it was the first lock on the Illinois River. It has power, water, internet and clean port-o-potties to use. Fuel and pump out too. The showers and bathrooms are located in the restaurant which is owned by someone else and currently closed. (The marina owners have a standing offer to purchase the restaurant but it is tied up in a legal fight between the owners and leasers). This marina is located in an ideal spot between Ottowa and Peoria. It provides a nice protection from the wakes passing tow/barges. The owners are boaters who manage the marina while running a full time family heating and plumbing business. Pretty amazing!

Henry is a cute town with many restaurants, a small grocery and hardware store within walking distance. They also have an American Legion Hall but it was closed when we walked there on Sunday.

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Reviewed by: Linda McCormick on Aug 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

We were there at very low water so used the old lock wall. It is rough but now has water and power. Fenders and chaff guards a must. The inside harbour is being dredged to maintain a depth of 7 feet at low water. Soon everyone 50 ft or shorter should be able to get inside. Fuel, port-a-potties and places to walk dog. There is a small grocery store in town. Harbour master will text photos and directions.

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Reviewed by: Christian Hoepfner , SV Aurora, on Oct 20, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Tied up at the fuel dock in 10 ft of water with La Salle gage at 12. Rustic, but has everything such as diesel, gasoline, pump out, and water from a long hose. Very nice new owners.

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Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on Sep 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

This is a rustic spot with no amenities, except for 30A power and ice. They use an abandoned lock for transients that I found to be charming. Old but workable. The wall is made of cut stone blocks, so it is actually pretty smooth and had various heights, so we were able to pull up to a spot where my wife could just step off the boat to tie a line without help. The owner was very honest about the condition of the wall. She even texted photos to us before we arrived. A stone wall and rebar to tie, is not ideal, but we have had to deal with worse. We felt safe and secure for the night there and on this part of the Illinois River you don't have a lot of choices. The town is about ½ miles away and has a grocery, hardware store, and few restaurants. I wouldn't want to stay here long but for an overnight stop it was great. The current owners bought the property just recently. It has a lot of potential and I think they can turn it into a really great spot.

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Reviewed by: Jack Shuff , Jackpot, on Sep 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We stopped here while traveling the Loop. This marina is under new ownership and they are working their tails off to upgrade this stop. Good restaurant a couple of blocks away also a DQ. The retired lock works well. They have work ahead but this stop means a great deal to them and they are working away. We would stay here again.

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Reviewed by: John Williams on Sep 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Henry Harbor is under new ownership, and they are committed to boater customer service. We were not going to stop because of harbor depth listed in the WaterWay Guide (5.0/3.0) but noted larger boats tied to the old Henry canal (1870's) wall so we called the marina and we're invited to tie up on the wall in 10.5 ft of water. The owners met us at the wall, assisted with docking and offered to drive us to town for some grocery shopping, but we wanted to do the 0.6 mile walk into the small charming town of Henry. Well stocked grocery including beer & wine. The new owners have plans for upgrades and dredging the marina to accommodate larger boats. For now, you can get small town charm, canal history, fuel (gas only), and good depth by docking on the historic Henry canal wall.

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