Waukegan Harbor Light

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location: Lake County

Inception: 1889

Height: 10.5 m

GPS coordinates: 42.36070,-87.81340

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:04