Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Waukegan, Illinois

Just beyond the affluent suburbs that characterize Chicago’s North Shore, Waukegan is a lakefront city that has undergone significant regeneration since the turn of the millennium.

Central to this revitalization is the refurbishment of the distinguished Genesee Theatre, which has been a downtown fixture since 1927 and serves as a vital performing arts venue for the region since its reopening in 2004.

Waukegan possesses an artistic essence, emphasized by ArtWauk, a vibrant monthly event that showcases numerous local artists and businesses.

During the summer, Lake Michigan emerges as a primary attraction, offering expansive sandy shorelines both in Waukegan and at the nearby Illinois Beach State Park.

Additionally, Six Flags Great America, the largest theme park in the Midwest, is conveniently located just ten minutes to the west.

1. Genesee Theatre

Remaining a magnificent landmark for downtown Waukegan nearly a century after its inception, the Genesee Theatre (1927) has preserved its historic character both internally and externally.

The venue was originally designed as a movie house and vaudeville stage, incorporating retail spaces and 40 residential apartments.

Considerable resources were allocated for its construction, featuring a state-of-the-art climate control system, fire-resistant materials, seven tons of marble, and 1,200 yards of luxurious tapestries.

Guests can appreciate much of this elegance in the auditorium, which accommodates 2,403 patrons and boasts exquisite restored plaster moldings and a grand chandelier.

This venue hosts a diverse array of performances, from touring Broadway productions to films, concerts by renowned artists, ballet, high-profile stand-up comedy, tribute performances, and family-friendly shows.

2. Six Flags Great America

Ranked among the 20 most popular theme parks in the nation, this attraction lies just over ten minutes west of Waukegan.

Initially opened in 1976 as Marriott’s Great America, the park features 15 exhilarating roller coasters among its 50+ rides and attractions.

Notable for thrill-seekers, rides include Raging Bull, with a drop of 208 feet, Batman: The Ride, featuring five inversions, and Vertical Velocity, which reaches 70 mph in under four seconds.

Adjacent to Six Flags is Hurricane Harbor Chicago, which became a separate admission venue in 2021.

Hurricane Harbor offers a spacious wave pool, Hurricane Bay, and an array of slides, in addition to the child-friendly Buccaneer Bay. A highlight here is Tsunami Surge, currently the tallest water coaster globally at 86 feet.

3. Bowen Park

This picturesque park in northern Waukegan has a noteworthy history, having been first established in 1843.

Historically, it served as a residential property, acting as a summer retreat for various influential individuals, including former Chicago mayor John Charles Haines (1818-1896).

The park functioned as a country club for a considerable portion of the 20th century before being acquired by the Waukegan Park District in 1963, and it has since transformed into an urban park featuring splendid amenities.

Among its highlights are mature stands of old-growth forest and a natural ravine, complemented by facilities such as the Waukegan History Museum, Jack Benny Center for the Arts, uniquely designed environmental learning stations, a formal garden, fitness stations, a skate park, modern play structures, and a splash pad.

The presence of mature deciduous woodlands makes autumn particularly enchanting at Bowen Park.

4. Waukegan History Museum

The historic Haines House (circa 1843) located in Bowen Park houses the Waukegan Historical Society, which operates an impressive museum within this space.

This property is among the oldest in Lake County and provides a glimpse into local life in Waukegan during the 1870s, showcasing furniture and fixtures such as drapes, wallpapers, carpets, and lighting that belonged to significant local families.

The museum features intriguing artifacts commemorating famous local figures, including a trunk that belonged to Jack Benny during his vaudeville career.

Notably, you can find a bed used by Abraham Lincoln during his visit to Waukegan in 1860, as well as a clock that was damaged when the Lake County courthouse succumbed to fire in 1875.

5. Illinois Beach State Park

Spanning nearly seven miles of scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, this 4,160-acre park lies on Waukegan’s northeastern boundary.

Divided into two neighboring sections, it features a delicate dune ecosystem supporting over 650 recorded plant species.

On the sandy ridges, one can find aromatic pines and dispersed black oak groves, all contributing to a savanna-like environment.

In summer, the primary draw is the beach, which boasts designated swimming areas, alongside picnic tables, a campground, a park store, and the 96-room Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center.

6. Waukegan Municipal Beach

Just north of Waukegan’s harbor is a delightful spot for a sunny day alongside Lake Michigan. Waukegan Municipal Beach features a mile of natural sand bordered by some of the last remaining dunes in the area.

Reportedly, the beach has the cleanest and clearest water in Lake County. The adjacent park spans over 400 acres, providing facilities for swimming, sunbathing, kiteboarding, sand volleyball, and sand soccer.

The Stiner Pavilion, situated just inland from the beach, hosts concerts and festivals throughout the summer.

Mobile food vendors populate the beach on weekends during the summer, and for those desiring a sweet treat, Dockside Ice Cream in a quaint clapboard cottage near the harbor is a popular choice.

7. Downtown Waukegan

Characterized by a host of independent businesses, a thriving arts scene, historic architecture, and tree-lined streets, downtown Waukegan is well worth exploring.

In terms of dining, visitors can find a variety of choices, from hearty pub fare and tacos to steaks and Caribbean cuisine, along with charming venues for hot dogs and ice cream close to the marina during the summer months.

On the third Saturday of each month, ArtWauk transforms downtown into a vibrant cultural event, while the Genesee Theatre and the more intimate Three Brothers Theatre consistently feature world-class live performances.

8. ArtWauk

On the third Saturday of each month, downtown Waukegan transforms into the cultural heart of the North Shore, hosting a multidisciplinary art festival that has thrived for over a decade.

ArtWauk showcases a plethora of arts and crafts, with numerous studios and galleries in the area opening their doors for visitors to view and acquire paintings, sculptures, and decorative items.

Moreover, the event features an impressive lineup of comedy, live music, film screenings, and street theater, alongside delectable food and beverages from local establishments.

9. Zümbier Brewery

Even in an era where nearly every town boasts a craft brewery, the Chicago area remains at the forefront of this thriving industry.

Chicago exhibits a higher number of breweries than any other city, contributing to an industry that employs over 50,000 individuals. In Waukegan, Zümbier stands as a flourishing local establishment, founded and operated by a husband-and-wife team, one of whom hails from Germany.

This brewery features a German influence in its selection of “biers”, crafted in small batches, consisting of 22 year-round offerings alongside several seasonal and special releases.

Noteworthy options include Talea (Düsseldorf Altbier), Kölsch Diddy, Hanseatic (Belgian Dark Beer), Comrade (Imperial Stout), Liberty Call (IPA), and a variety of vibrant sours.

The contemporary taproom operates from Wednesday to Sunday, offering live music, trivia nights, and delicious homemade popcorn.

10. Fishing Charters

With a harbor and a 1,000-slip marina replete with amenities, Waukegan serves as an excellent departure point for fishing excursions on Lake Michigan.

The harbor offers an extended season from early April to early November, providing outstanding opportunities for salmon and trout fishing during this period.

No prior fishing experience is required, as multiple charter companies based in Waukegan are available to guide you onto the lake for a memorable day.

Some charter services worth considering include Captain Don’s Charter Fishing, Lake Michigan Charter Fishing, Waukegan Charter Boat Fishing, Kristy Lynn Charters, Bear King Fishing, and Windy City Salmon.

11. Robert McClory Bike Path

A scenic 26.5-mile path traverses Waukegan adjacent to the lakeshore, extending from Highland Park in the south to the Wisconsin border.

This route closely follows the former right-of-way of the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad, which operated from 1916 to 1963.

The trail meanders through tranquil, leafy suburban communities, including parks and natural areas, notably Waukegan’s Lyons Woods Forest Preserve.

Additionally, if you become fatigued during your journey, the trail remains conveniently close to the Metra line, allowing you to easily return to Waukegan.

You may also continue your journey south to Wilmette via the connecting Green Bay Trail or north to Kenosha, WI via the 3.5-mile Kenosha County Bike Trail.

12. Lyons Woods Forest Preserve

Lake County Forest Preserves manages almost 31,000 acres of public land in close proximity to Waukegan.

These lands encompass multiple properties, featuring both indoor and outdoor attractions, over 200 miles of trails, and amenities for activities such as golf, fishing, swimming, winter sports, dog walking, horseback riding, and more.

A notable area conveniently located near Waukegan is the 345-acre Lyons Woods Forest Preserve, presenting a diverse range of habitats, from mature oak woodlands to prairie, wetlands, and pine groves.

This preserve sits atop high ground along the bluff lands adjacent to Lake Michigan and offers 2.5 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing in the winter months.

13. Jack Benny Center

Located in Bowen Park, this multidisciplinary arts center serves as the home of the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, in addition to the Bowen Park Theatre and Opera Company.

Both organizations present numerous performances annually, while the center also provides private music instruction and classes in theater, dance, and more for both youth and adults.

This venue honors the beloved entertainer Jack Benny (1894-1974), who grew up in Waukegan and returned to perform in the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra’s inaugural presentation in 1974.

Notable events include Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival in early June and the Joseph A. Favero Memorial Do It Yourself Messiah, typically held on the third Saturday in December.

14. Ray Bradbury Experience Museum

The profoundly influential author Ray Bradbury (1920-2012) was born in Waukegan, where he spent his formative years. He returned intermittently until the age of 14 when his family relocated to Los Angeles.

Waukegan and its essence remained prominent in Bradbury’s life and literature, referentially described as Green Town in many of his renowned works. Thus, it is appropriate that a museum dedicated to Bradbury’s legacy exists in Waukegan, which took several years to come to fruition and finally opened in 2020 on the author’s centennial.

As this article was composed, the museum had not yet fully transitioned into a complete attraction but is anticipated to soon offer interactive experiences that explore Bradbury’s roots in Waukegan, his significant influence on 20th-century culture, and his visionary outlook on the future.

15. National Museum of the American Sailor

A brief journey to the navy station at Great Lakes leads to one of the nation’s ten navy museums curated by the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Housing more than 40,000 artifacts within its collections, the National Museum of the American Sailor provides a thorough overview of the U.S. Navy from colonial times to the present.

Visitors can explore a broad array of uniforms, accessories, weaponry, and various media, including the country’s largest archive of boot camp photography.

As this article was written, the main permanent exhibit was Sails Unfurled: The Dawn of the United States Navy, 1775-1865, featuring interactive elements such as a knot-tying station, along with an excellent temporary exhibit showcasing the evolution of navy tattoos.