Waukegan offers some of the most amazing things to see and do in Illinois, and lucky for you, the Reserve at Eagle Ridge Apartments offers easy access to it all! Spend a day exploring all the amazing shops and restaurants with your friends. Or discover hidden gems in one of the amazing gardens in the area, like the Chicago Botanical Gardens! There are so many activities and places to visit for any occasion such as; B. a night out, fun days with the family or a quiet day to spend with yourself!
Below is our complete guide to all the exciting adventures that await you here in Waukegan, IL! Because you're so close to the action at the Reserve at Eagle Ridge, you'll always have something to do while you're in the area.
Top 5 things to do in Waukegan
1. Genesee-Theater
With over 2,400 seats, Waukegan's historic Genesee Theater has been a popular venue for concerts, plays, variety shows, movies and more for nearly 100 years. The ornate building features a terracotta and brick exterior and lavish Spanish Renaissance-style interiors with ornate tapestries, a hammered silver dome, and Italian Carrera marble. The theater can also be rented out for large weddings, corporate events and private gatherings of all kinds.
A short drive south to Chicago offers several options when it comes to live music and entertainment. From the world-famous Chicago House of Blues on River North and eclectic, intimate venues like Schuba's and Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, to indie rock icons like the Riveria Theatre, Empty Bottle and sprawling arenas and stadiums like the United Center and Soldier Field, Chicagoland's entertainment scene is sure to have something for everyone!
203 N Genesee Theater
Waukegan, Il 60085
(857) 263-6300
website
2. Six Flags Great America
A short drive west of Waukegan in Gurnee, the 304-acre Six Flags Great America amusement park offers endless entertainment for all ages! The park includes nine themed areas with over fifty attractions, rides, carnival games and numerous concession options. From death-defying roller coasters like X Flight and Raging Bull, to kid-friendly Kidzopolis area and Looney Tunes characters roaming the park, there's something for everyone!
Also on-site is the 20-acre Hurricane Harbor water park, featuring multiple waterslides, tube rides, wave pool, surf simulator, and Buccaneer Bay kids' area, plus a lazy river, cabanas, and plenty of lounge chairs when you're ready to go. relax in the shade or catch some sun rays! In October, the park hosts the annual Halloween Fright Fest, featuring numerous haunted houses and trails and spooky shows, while Christmas lights, concerts and parties fill the park with a festive atmosphere. 1 Great America Parkway
Gurnee, IL 60031
(847)249-1776
website
3. Bear King Fishing
Given Waukegan's proximity to Lake Michigan, it's no surprise that fishing is one of the area's most popular recreational activities. Bear King Fishing offers chartered fishing expeditions on their 33-foot Chris Craft boat for Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon taken from Lake Michigan waters. Other charter fishing outfits in the Waukegan area include WindyCitySalmon, Spendthirft Charters, Kristy Lynn Charters and Relentless Charters.
Additional outdoor recreational opportunities are available with swimming, sunbathing, kite surfing and paddle boarding at Waukegan Municipal Beach, a skate park, soccer fields, walking trails through lush gardens and picnic areas at Bowen Park, a variety of nature trails through the Lyons Woods Forest Preserve and extensive boating, hiking, camping, swimming, biking, birding and more in the expansive 4,150-acre Illinois Beach State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan.
55 S Hafenpl
Waukegan, Il 60085
(855) 520-3747
website
4. Chicago Botanical Garden
A short drive south of Waukegan, the Chicago Botanic Garden features more than 25 exquisite gardens and four natural habitats on nearly 400 acres. Since opening in 1972, the award-winning garden has been one of Chicagoland's most popular attractions, welcoming more than one million visitors annually. With native and exotic flora, including an extensive conservation program, this regional treasure is a great place to escape the city.
Popular attractions include Bonsai Garden, Evening Island, Lakeside Garden, English Oak Meadow, Waterfall Garden, Bruce Krasberg Rose Garden, Spider Island, Circle Garden, Mary Mix McDonald Woods and Grunsfield Children's Growing Garden. The garden hosts numerous community events throughout the year, as well as an extensive horticultural library and educational programs on conservation, urban gardening and much more!
1000 Lake Cook Rd
Glencoe, Il 60022
(847) 835-5440
website
5. Chicago Bulls-Basketballclub
While they may have taken a step back from the glory days of His Airness in the 1990s, the NBA's Chicago Bulls are still one of the hottest tickets in town. The Bulls have 6 NBA Championship home games at the 21,000-seat United Center on Madison Street, which is also home to the popular NHL hockey team, the Chicago Blackhawks, as well as countless concerts, sporting events, political conventions, trade shows and more. other community events throughout the year.
A sports city through and through, Chicago is also home to the NFL's Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, as well as Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs at world-famous Wrigley Field and the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on the city's south side. Chicago Sky of the WNBA and Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer, as well as the DePaul Blue Demons, Northwestern Wildcats, Chicago State Cougars, Loyola Ramblers and UIC Flames also compete in venues across the city.
1901W Madison Street
Chicago, 60612
(312)455-4000
website
The 5 Best Restaurants in Waukegan Not to Miss
Papa Marks Grill & Kabob
best mediterranean
Papa Marco's Grill & Kabob serves authentic Greek, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine in its low-key setting on Grand Avenue. Start by ordering falafel and hummus, baba ghanouj or dolma, then choose from an array of kebabs, shawarma, kafta and gyros. Marco's also offers an excellent selection of Chicago-style sandwiches, hot dogs and more! 622 Grand Avenue
Waukegan, Il 60085
(224)656-5809
Anastácias Restaurant
best wings
Located near the intersection of Belvidere and Waukegan Roads, Anastasia's Restaurant and Sports Lounge is a great place to catch a football game and grab a beer. Start by ordering Anastasia's famous wings, nachos or potato skins, then choose from a wide selection of salads, pastas, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, steaks, seafood and pizza!
3880 Northpoint Boulevard
Waukegan, Il 60085
(847) 688-1317
Big Eds Churrasco
Bester Grill
If you're in the mood for barbecue, look no further than Big Ed's BBQ & Bar in southwest Waukegan. From oven-baked classics like ribs, brisket, pulled pork, hot links and wings to homemade sides like baked beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, collard greens and mashed potatoes, Big Ed's is sure to please your taste. smoked craving! Don't forget to save room for pound cake or peach cobbler!
4030 Northpoint Boulevard
Waukegan, Il 60085
(847) 473-5333
Quonset-Pizza
best pizza
While Chicago is perhaps best known for its deep dish pizza, the thin crust of Quonset pizza is a delicacy in its own right! Try one of Quonset's signature cakes or create your own using dozens of fresh ingredients. In addition to pizza, Quonset also offers a full bar, wings, salads, sandwiches, burgers and Chicago's favorite Italian beef.
Big Avenue, 2602
Waukegan, Il 60085
(847) 623-7115
Stevens von Gurnee
best steakhouse
West of Waukegan in Gurnee, Stevens' of Gurnee offers fine dining in an elegant setting with white tablecloths. Work up an appetite with oysters, lobster noodles or calamari and choose from an array of delicious steaks, seafood, salads, pastas, sandwiches and more. Accompany your meal with an artisanal cocktail, a draft beer or an excellent selection of wines by the glass!
401NRiverside Dr.
Gurnee, IL 60031
(847) 599-8533