Do you wish to visit Waukegan, Illinois, and you’re looking for the best and most fun things to do in Waukegan IL in order to make your trip a memorable experience, then you’re in the right place.
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Waukegan boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a plethora of engaging activities that cater to both locals and visitors alike.
Together with your friends, spend the day exploring the incredible boutiques, eateries, and museums, or go on a treasure hunt at the Waukegan History Museum! There are so many things to do and places to see for every occasion, whether it’s a night out, a day of family fun, or a quiet day alone.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or art lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming city.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through the top 15 best things to do in Waukegan IL.
Best & Fun things to do in Waukegan IL
1 Genesee Theatre
Immerse yourself in the world of entertainment at the iconic Genesee Theatre. It was built in 1927 and comfortably seats 2,403 people, still a marvelous landmark almost a hundred years after its first opening.
The venue was conceived as a moviehouse but has also included 40 apartments and retail space.
This historic venue showcases a diverse array of performances, from concerts and stand-up comedy to Broadway shows, dance recitals, live comedy, tributes, cultural presentations, and family events. Admire the theater’s stunning architecture and catch a show that suits your taste.
2 Bowen Park
Explore the beauty of nature at Bowen Park, a serene oasis with lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and walking trails. The Park, a breathtaking 60-acre green marvel in the center of Waukegan, is one of the nicest outdoor areas in the area.
For most of the 20th century, the park was used as a country club; it was sold to the Waukegan Park District in 1963. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or partake in recreational activities like frisbee golf and tennis.
3 Waukegan Harbor Light
Waukegan Harbor Light sits at the end of Government Pier on the western shores at Lake Michigan and is an emblem of the harbor at Waukegan.
The Waukegan Harbor Light was first constructed in 1889 and relocated when the pier was lengthened. A fog signal building was later added to the tower.
Discover the charm of Lake Michigan’s shoreline at Waukegan Harbor. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to glide along the sparkling waters, or simply relax on the beach and soak in the serene atmosphere.
4 Ray Bradbury Experience Museum
If you enjoy science fiction, you’ll fit right in at the new Ray Bradbury Experience Museum honoring the Waukegan native and author. Whether it was Dandelion Wine, Fahrenheit 451, or The Martian Chronicles, the legendary Ray Bradbury left behind a pertinent, illuminating legacy.
Delve into the imaginative world of renowned author Ray Bradbury at this captivating museum. Engage with interactive exhibits, rare manuscripts, and personal artifacts that provide insight into Bradbury’s life and work.
5 Waukegan History Museum
Satiate your curiosity about Waukegan’s history at the Waukegan History Museum housed in Haines House in Bowen Park. The structure, which was constructed in 1843 and is among the oldest buildings still standing in Lake County, now depicts Waukegan life in the late Victorian era.
Uncover the city’s intriguing past through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and stories that offer a glimpse into its evolution.
6 Bonnie Brook Golf Course
The Bonnie Brook Golf Course offers a variety of challenges for players of all skill levels, so any golf enthusiast will undoubtedly find a good reason to go there.
Swing into action at Bonnie Brook Golf Course, a pristine 18-hole course surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, the course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience.
7 ArtWauk
Every third Saturday of the month for over a decade, downtown Waukegan has been the site of the vibrant community event known as ArtWauk.
It is a multidisciplinary festival full of arts and crafts, with studios and galleries in the downtown area opening their doors to people looking to purchase paintings, sculptures, and decorative pieces.
Artists share their creative endeavors and open their minds to others; craftspeople display their finely crafted goods; musicians perform songs, dances, and drumming sessions; and directors present eccentric productions and original plays.
Anticipate to enjoy street theater, comedy, live music, movies, local restaurants, and wonderful food.
In order to give the vacant downtown shops in Waukegan some life, the community decided to launch ArtWauk in 2011. They did this by inviting local artists and friends to paint the storefronts with their ideas.
Today, ArtWauk is a cultural gem, an occasion not to be missed.
8 Enjoy Nature at Lyons Woods Forest Preserve
Enjoy the outdoors in Waukegan’s magnificent wooded Lyons Woods Forest Preserve, which has 2.5 miles (4 km) of gravel trails that connect to the McClory Trail.
Lyons Woods, which bears the name of the Lyons family of Waukegan, is a complex ecosystem that supports fen, woodland, savanna, and prairie with a variety of differing terrain.
There are several black, bur, and white oaks, as well as goldenrod, big bluestem, and drop seed, throughout the woods. Birdwatchers will especially like the preserve’s trails and locations for bird watching, where they can see a variety of birds in the warmer months.
9 Waukegan Municipal Beach
Make lasting memories with family and friends at Waukegan Municipal Beach. Engage in beach volleyball, build sandcastles, or take a refreshing swim in the lake.
At the beach, you may also engage in a few watersports including sailing, jet skiing, kiteboarding, boat racing, or simply swimming and tanning. The beach has fishing piers and a fish cleaning station. The beach has a ton of grassy spots and picnic tables where you can grab a tasty snack or supper.
On Tuesday evenings, the Waukegan Band Foundation performs at the Stiner Pavilion at Waukegan Municipal Beach, along with a number of other summertime performances and festivals. Spend time at this alluring beach as it provides all you need to make your evenings in Waukegan more interesting.
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10 Go to picnic at Hinkston Park
When was the last time you went picnicking? Hinkston Park is an excellent place to spend a leisurely day in the city as it has a variety of amenities such as grassy spaces, jogging/hiking trails, play equipment, picnic shelters, picnic areas, and grills.
If you want an energizing way to start your day, head to the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, a cutting-edge indoor facility with features like a gym, a climbing wall, etc. at a reasonable fee.
Is all to your advantage if you add Hinkston Park to your list of things to do in Waukegan IL.
11 Sample Beer at ZümBier Brewery
The couple’s name, ZümBier, which translates to “to the bier” or “to the beer,” as well as the name of their brewery, was founded by Larry and Talea Bloom.
The duo produces small amounts of 22 year-round brews, as well as seasonal and special releases, and they believe in working hard and being dedicated to the skill of brewing beers. Their ‘biers’ have a German accent.
They offer a variety of mouthwatering brews, like Kölsch Diddy, Schwarz Talea or Düsseldorf Altbier Made Dark, Unda Cova Brudda or Imperial Rye India Black Ale, Der Chief or Berliner Weiss with Cherry or Lime “Schuss,” as well as a number of tangy sours.
The taproom is open from Wednesday to Sunday with a great environment, hosts trivia nights with live music, and serves delectable homemade popcorn.
12 Try pizza at Quonset Pizza
Quonset Pizza, a Waukegan institution, is home to some of the best thin-crust pizzas in the area and exudes all the charm of a traditional neighborhood pub.
Unquestionably, the Double Decker Pizza, Cheese, Sausage Pizza, and the Bomber sandwich are among Quonset’s most well-liked items. The thin-crust pizza with black olives, onions, and sausage also receives high marks for its well-done, golden-brown cheese topping.
Without a doubt, entering Quonset Pizza and sipping on a nice draft beer or one of the scrumptious cocktails from the Quonset menu will make your vacation to Waukegan pleasant.
13 Take Your Family to People’s Choice Family Fun Center
The People’s Choice Family Enjoyment Center is 43,000 square feet of family entertainment and recreational enjoyment located in the center of Waukegan.
For children, there are spinning bumper cars and a toy train. For adults, there are video gambling machines and penny, nickel, and quarter slots on the Vegas Strip.
To perfect your swing, visit their amazing 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course or the gaming lounge for bowling and billiards.
The Family Fun Zone also has 150 of the most popular arcade games for players of all ages, all of which may be played for tokens and prize tickets. With over a thousand prizes, the redemption counter is one of the biggest in Lake County.
After that, cool off with homemade pizzas, burgers, ribs, fries, ice cream scoops, shakes, smoothies, and banana splits at the pizzeria. This ideal place should be on your list of things to do in Waukegan if you’re visiting with your family.
14 Visit Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America is a fantastic place to spend the day with loved ones or friends. Located just a short drive from Fox Crest, you will want to come here every weekend.
You may try out a wide variety of rides, including thrill rides, waterpark rides, and family rides. Try out a few of these exhilarating coasters, such as the Giant Drop, Revolution, Viper, and others.
This amusement park is an ideal place for you if you want thrills and an adrenaline rush. There are opportunities for dining and shopping.
15 The Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a lovely destination to explore for the day and take in the best of nature. The Botanic Garden features a variety of gardens like the English Meadow Oak, Heritage, Rose Garden, and many more.
Visit their farms and shop for fresh, regionally produced fruits and vegetables at one of their produce markets, which can be located across the Chicago area.
The Chicago Botanic Garden contains revolving displays, so each visit will be new and entertaining. They also provide fantastic educational activities and initiatives.
16 Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant
is a great place to grab a bite to eat and you can rest assured it is for a good cause! Pepe’s is dedicated to helping their community flourish with events like taco-eating contests and supporting causes like the Disabled Patriot Fund.
This fantastic restaurant serves a variety of Mexican cuisine, including Botanas, Nachos, Quesadillas, Saladas, Combinaciones, Favoritos, Taco Dinners, Burrito Dinners, Asador, Traditional Fajitas, Kids Menus, and American Fare Postres.
Pepe’s opened in 1967 in Chicago and has since gained a lot of renown among the locals. Pepe’s authentic Mexican food is something you won’t want to miss out on as they offer authentic Mexican-style cuisine.
Best Time to Visit Waukegan, IL
According to a vast number of tourists, the best and busiest month for tourism in Waukegan, IL, US is July, followed by June and May.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waukegan Illinois
Where is Waukegan Illinois located?
Waukegan is located in the northeastern part of Illinois, along the western shore of Lake Michigan. It’s about 40 miles north of downtown Chicago.
What is the population of Waukegan?
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the population of Waukegan was around 85,000 people. For the most up-to-date population figures, you might want to refer to the latest census data or local government sources.
What are some notable attractions in Waukegan?
Waukegan has several attractions, including the Genesee Theatre, Waukegan Harbor and Marina, Waukegan History Museum, Ray Bradbury sites (the famous author’s birthplace), and Bowen Park Cultural Arts Center.
Is Waukegan a diverse city?
Yes, Waukegan is known for its diversity. It has a mix of different ethnicities and cultures, contributing to a rich cultural fabric in the city.
Are there any annual events in Waukegan?
Waukegan hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Waukegan ArtWauk, which is a monthly art event, and the Waukegan National Night Out, promoting community-police partnerships.
What is the history of Waukegan?
Waukegan has a significant history, including its role as an industrial and shipping center in the 19th century. It’s also the birthplace of science fiction author Ray Bradbury. The city has seen various economic shifts and developments over the years.
Are there any parks or recreational areas in Waukegan?
Yes, Waukegan has several parks and recreational areas, including Bowen Park, Bevier Park, and the Waukegan Municipal Beach, which offers access to Lake Michigan.
Is there public transportation in Waukegan?
Yes, Waukegan is served by the Metra rail system, providing commuter train services to Chicago and other nearby areas.
What are the local schools like in Waukegan?
Waukegan has a number of public and private schools serving its residents. Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 is the primary public school district in the area.
How is the local economy in Waukegan?
Waukegan has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and other sectors. Its proximity to Chicago also provides access to job opportunities in the broader metropolitan area.
