Open to the public
Welcome to South Shore Boat Club.
A community built on river life, friendship, and tradition.
From veteran appreciation and family events to live music and summer nights on the Illinois River, South Shore is where memories are made and good times are shared.
Dock. Gather. Belong.
Hours
Monday-Friday:
3pm – Close
Saturday:
11am – Close
Sunday:
9am – Close
Phone
815-223-9890
Location
2380 Water Street, Peru, IL 61354
Upcoming Events
A Look Back At Our Past
1935 - Founding of South Shore
South Shore Boat Club officially received its state charter on June 17, 1935, growing from a simple wooden plank walkway along the south bank of the Illinois River into an organized community of boaters dedicated to fellowship and life on the water.
2020 - Club Expansion
In 2020, the club took another step forward with the addition of a new expansion to the clubhouse, enhancing gathering space and ensuring South Shore could continue serving members and visitors for years to come.
1950 - Moving to the North Shore
When access to the original south bank location became difficult, the club relocated in 1950 to its current home at the west end of Water Street. While the location changed, the name remained — proudly becoming South Shore Boat Club “on the North Shore” and setting the stage for decades of growth.
Today - Carrying the Tradition Forward
Today, South Shore Boat Club continues to build on its rich river heritage by welcoming new generations of boaters, hosting community events, supporting veterans, and remaining a proud gathering place along the Illinois River. Our story is still being written — one season, one dock line, and one memory at a time.
A Stop on America’s Great Loop Cruise Route
Cruising the legendary Great Loop? Make South Shore Boat Club one of your favorite stops along the Illinois River. Loopers will find a welcoming dock, friendly faces, and a relaxed place to refuel, recharge, and swap stories from the water. Whether you’re stopping for a quick break or staying for the evening, we’re proud to offer a true river-community experience you won’t find just anywhere.
Best place we stayed between Chicago and Grafton, IL! We were stuck at Starved Rock lock for around 5 hours. We didn’t get through until after dark (9:30-ish). I called and amazingly enough a guy named Chuck answered the phone! He said our boat was a little big for anything they had available but he could put us at their fuel dock for the night. He waited until we got there around 11pm, helped us get tied up then invited us to the bar for drinks and even opened the kitchen and made us supper! Seriously the best place we stayed. Fun, clean, not pretentious, extremely accommodating, and super reasonable prices! Thank you South Shore Boat Club – and Chuck – for your help and amazing hospitality!!
—Kyle Shirley
Dock. Gather. Belong.
South Shore Boat Club
Location
2380 Water Street, Peru, IL 61354
Phone
815-223-9890
