Waukegan, Illinois

Waukegan, Illinois, sits alongside the shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 40 miles north of Chicago. The city is home to approximately 87,000 residents, making it the ninth-most populated city in Illinois. The town has a rich history and is a center for industry, commerce, and cultural diversity.

Waukegan’s history dates back to the early 17th century when the Potawatomi tribe inhabited the area before it was colonized by French-Canadian fur traders in the 1670s. French influence can still be seen throughout the city, including in the names of local landmarks such as Ye Olde Hotel Bar and Boulevard Motel.

In the 1830s, the city was incorporated and became a center for trade and commerce, with the Waukegan harbor supporting a thriving shipping industry. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Waukegan was home to paper mills, piano factories, and cigar manufacturers. Years later, during the 1960s, the city saw a surge in industrial growth, with the development of Abbott Laboratories and U.S. Steel.

Today, Waukegan is still known for its industrial and commercial hub thriving with many large companies such as and Vista Health System, Cardinal Health and CDW. Furthermore, the Waukegan harbor has undergone significant renovations, providing a beautiful environment for visitors to walk along the shore.

Beyond its industry and harbor, Waukegan is also known for its cultural diversity. The town has a thriving arts community, with a number of galleries, significant architecture throughout, and the Waukegan Arts Council. The city has fostered multiple musicians who have gone on become global sensations such as Jack Benny and Ray Bradbury, who later went on to win multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards for his writing.

Additionally, Waukegan is home to the Bowen Park Theater Co., offering a variety of productions throughout the year ranging from comedies to dramas. Recent years have also seen the city host festivals and concerts, including the Ray Bradbury Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival and the concert series, Beat on the Street.

For history buffs, Waukegan offers a prominent look into the past through its multiple landmarks, including the Waukegan Carnegie Library and the Waukegan Yacht Club. These sites serve as a reminder of the town’s storied past and its many key figures, including the infamous stagecoach robber, Black Bart.

Waukegan is also home to multiple parks, including the Waukegan Municipal Beach, which features a boardwalk and a 400-foot sand beach that is considered The Crown Jewel of Lake Michigan. The city also has indoor facilities, such as an aquatic center, a fitness center, and a community center.

Many residents take pride in Waukegan’s public art programs, which seek to heighten the creativity of the city while also showcasing local talent. Art pieces can be found throughout the city, such as a mural featured on the dollar bill of the Waukegan Savings and Trust that depicts scenes from the city’s history.

The Waukegan Park District also maintains a variety of facilities for the public to enjoy, such as Skate Park, indoor tennis courts, and a public golf course. Waukegan also boasts almost 200 acres of nature trails in the city limits all managed by the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Waukegan, Illinois, is a city with a rich and storied history, a thriving arts community, and a diverse population that continues to grow. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach, a night at the theater, or an afternoon walking along the lakefront trail, Waukegan has something to offer for everyone. Come explore all that this vibrant city has to offer!