Freedom Boat Club accelerates Upper Midwest growth

Freedom Boat Club, operator of the largest fleet of recreational boats in the world, and a division of Brunswick Corporation, announced that it is adding five new corporate club locations in Wisconsin during the summer 2022 boating season. The additions support Freedom’s growth plans in the Upper Midwest giving members 13 locations to choose from in a three-state area (Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa).  Since 2020, Freedom has opened new locations in Chicago, Fox Lake, Milwaukee, and has a franchise location in Northern Iowa, and is exploring plans for continued expansion in these key boating markets.

Freedom’s first location in Wisconsin is in McKinley Harbor in Milwaukee, but throughout the summer, club locations will be added in Racine, Green Lake, Oshkosh, Madison, and additional locations in Milwaukee. 

“We are thrilled to announce our growth in Wisconsin, one of the premier freshwater boating locations in the United States,” said Scott Ward, Freedom Boat Club vice president and general manager. “These announcements support our strategic vision of growth in the Upper Midwest, providing boaters in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa the opportunity to experience Freedom Boat Club.”

The existing Milwaukee location at McKinley Marina and the Racine location are already open, while the other locations in the state will open throughout the summer.

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, boating in Wisconsin has a $4 billion annual economic impact and there are more than 600,000 registered boats in the state, which provides an incredible opportunity for Freedom to expand its boat sharing concept within a community already passionate for the on-water lifestyle.

The Wisconsin expansion follows Freedom’s milestone announcement last week that it had welcomed its 350^th location. Since its acquisition by Brunswick in May 2019, Freedom has more than doubled the number of locations in its network. Over the past three years, Freedom has added 180 new locations, executing on its strategic plan to expand boating participation through convenient, shared-access models.