Waukegan Harbor Light, Lighthouse at Government Pier in Waukegan, Illinois.
Description
Waukegan Harbor Light is a cylindrical white tower with a green band located at the end of Government Pier near the Madison Street entrance. The structure stands about 10.5 meters tall and marks the outer boundary of the harbor.
History
The first lighthouse was built in 1889 and later relocated during pier expansion in the early 1900s. This relocation reflected the growing importance of the harbor for maritime traffic.
Culture
The name Waukegan comes from the Potawatomi language and refers to a trading post established by French merchants. Visitors can sense this cultural heritage through the harbor's role in connecting the community to the water.
Practical
The site is easily accessible from Madison Street and offers good views of the harbor basin and surrounding waterfront. Visitors can walk along Government Pier to view the lighthouse up close.
Did you know?
A fire in 1967 destroyed the light and fog signal equipment but left the cast iron tower structure completely intact. This resilience makes the tower a remarkable example of 19th-century industrial construction.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Lake County).
Six Flags Great America
10 km
Naval Station Great Lakes
6.4 km
Goliath
9.7 km
American Eagle
9.9 km
Shockwave
10 km
Demon
10 km
X-Flight
9.9 km
Apocalypse
9.7 km
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
6.3 km
The Flash: Vertical Velocity
9.8 km
Genesee Theatre
1.5 km
Ragin' Cajun
9.8 km
Little Dipper
9.9 km
Mardi Gras Hangover
9.9 km
Waukegan Public Library
1.6 km
National Museum of the American Sailor
5.9 km
Lester Armour House
7.8 km
Bowen Park
3.1 km
Spacely's Sprocket Rockets
9.7 km
Holy Family Church
4.7 km
Waukegan Building
1.5 km
Dewey House
7.4 km
Islamic Foundation North
9 km
William McCormick Blair Estate
8.5 km
Zion Chapter House
9.5 km
Mrs. C. Morse Ely House
10 km
Lake Bluff Uptown Commercial Historic District
9.4 km
Near North Historic District
1.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes