Overview
Waukegan is in the Far North Suburbs of the Chicagoland region of Illinois. It sits on Lake Michigan, has a large harbor, and is the county seat of Lake County, Illinois.
1 sights · 18 things to do · 4 places to eat · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Waukegan
People's Choice Family Fun Center
Waukegan Harbor
Waukegan Yacht Club
Xtasea IV Fishing Charters
American Place Casino
With a buffet, sports book, and gaming tables.
SplashZone at Corrine J. Rose Park
Rather diminutive water park, but the price is right.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Chicago)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago — 27 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MKE General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee — 40 mi away (major hub). Directions
Waukegan is located in close proximity to Interstate 94 and US Highway 41. Downtown Waukegan can be accessed from either using Grand Avenue or Washington Street.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning People's Choice Family Fun Center, Xtasea IV Fishing Charters, Lake County Ice Sports and Fitness Center
- Lunch Quonset Pizza
- Afternoon Waukegan Visual Arts Center, Bonnie Brook Country Club
- Dinner Louie's Restaurant
Day 2
- Morning Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Harbor, American Place Casino
- Lunch Potesta's Pizza & Pasta
- Afternoon Waukegan BMX Track, Greenshire Golf Course
- Dinner Test Kitchen BBQ
Day 3
- Morning Genesee Theatre, Waukegan Yacht Club, SplashZone at Corrine J. Rose Park
- Afternoon Waukegan Symphony Orchestra & Concert Chorus, Midlane Golf Resort
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Waukegan is located in close proximity to Interstate 94 and US Highway 41. Downtown Waukegan can be accessed from either using Grand Avenue or Washington Street.
By train
Metra lines serve Waukegan. The Union Pacific North Line runs between Kenosha and the Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago and serves Waukegan.
By plane
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the closest international airport to Waukegan.
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the next closest international airport to Waukegan.
Get around
By taxi
- TAXI-2-GO, 2835 Belvidere Rd. +1 847 336-1204
By bus
- Pace Suburban Bus System, +1 847 364-7223
See
- Waukegan City Beach and Light, 540 Sea Horse Dr. The city beach and lighthouse where you can relax during favorable weather and enjoy the lake.
Do
Fine Arts
Do Jack Benny Center for the Arts
Lake County's only opera company, costumed and fully staged. Featuring Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus. The Jack Benny Center for the Arts is in magnificent Bowen Park. The art center is named after Jack Benny, who had a comedy radio/television program in the mid-1900s and was from Waukegan.
Golf Courses
Bowling
Do Bertrand’s Bowling Lanes Inc.
Eat
Eat Quonset Pizza
Tavern-style pizza and bar inside of a repurposed military quonset.
Italian Restaurants
Eat Test Kitchen BBQ
Stuff like burnt ends and brisket.
Sleep
Stay Courtyard by Marriott
Stay SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Stay Holiday Inn Express Suites
Nearby
North Chicago
City / town · 1 listings · 3 mi away
Gurnee
City / town · 12 listings · 4 mi away
Libertyville
City / town · 19 listings · 8 mi away
Grayslake
City / town · 9 mi away
Lake Forest
City / town · 7 listings · 10 mi away
Vernon Hills
City / town · 8 listings · 11 mi away
Highland Park
City / town · 8 listings · 14 mi away
Long Grove
City / town · 12 listings · 14 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.