Waukegan lies on the shore of Lake Michigan and combines beach and nature experiences with culture in the city. When planning your trip, first consider what you want your stay to focus on: time at Waukegan Municipal Beach, an event centered on ArtWauk, or a focus on history and live entertainment. The events also differ in when they take place—from a monthly event to a permanent museum exhibition.

Sandy Beach and Activities on the Lake

Waukegan Municipal Beach offers open sandy shores, protected dunes and views of the lake. This makes it a specific point of reference if you want to plan your stay around the waterfront. Recreational activities include swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, kiteboarding, sand soccer and beach volleyball; seasonal conditions and programs may vary. You can also get there by car, train, plane, bicycle or boat. As individual transport services may change, check the connection relevant to you before traveling.

ArtWauk: A Monthly Event

ArtWauk takes place on the third Saturday of every month and transforms downtown into an open-air gallery with pop-up exhibitions, live music and international cuisine. If this event is the reason for your trip, you can use the date as a starting point for your planning. Check the specific event details before finalizing your trip. The recurring date gives your plans a clear time frame; the combination of exhibitions, music and cuisine also makes ArtWauk a varied downtown event.

History and Live Performances

The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie features a permanent exhibition on Waukegan’s history, from the last Ice Age through the 21st century. Waukegan’s Near North Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. The two offer different historical points of reference: an exhibition spanning a broad period and a district listed for its historic significance. The historic Genesee Theatre offers concerts, comedy and live performances, complementing the historical attractions with a program of stage entertainment.

Prairie, Woods and Harbor

Lyons Prairie and Woods Nature Preserve encompasses mesic, wet-mesic and wet prairie, as well as dry mesic upland forest and dry mesic savanna forest. The description thus includes three types of prairie, as well as upland and savanna forest. For trip planning, this offers a different nature focus from the dunes and lake views at Municipal Beach.

Waukegan Harbor and Marina has nearly 700 slips and comprehensive services for boaters. Capacity and services may change. If you include the harbor in your plans, check the latest information. This lets you consider boating as a distinct focus alongside the beach, nature and culture.

Choose Hotels Based on the Purpose of Your Trip

Will the third Saturday of the month, with ArtWauk, determine your travel dates, or are beach activities, history and live entertainment your main priorities? Then decide which routes and connections are important for your plans. If the beach is part of your itinerary, also consider which of the listed modes of transport you actually want to use.

Discover more destinations: Lake Zurich, Highland Park, Grayslake, Deerfield, Antioch, Lincolnshire, Round Lake, Libertyville

For the broader travel overview: Lake.