Waukegan

Waukegan serves as the administrative seat of Lake County in northeastern Illinois and stretches along the western shore of Lake Michigan. The built environment combines residential neighborhoods with commercial zones, a harbor basin lines the waterfront and several roads run parallel to the water.

The settlement was originally called Little Fort and received its current name from the Potawatomi language in 1849. In the late 19th century the place developed into an industrial site with a harbor and rail connection to Chicago.

The name comes from the Potawatomi language and refers to a trading post, which still reflects the location on the lake today. Residents use the waterfront for walks and leisure activities, while the harbor basin attracts anglers and boaters.

Metra trains run regularly between the station and Chicago, with a travel time of about one hour. Pace buses connect different neighborhoods and provide links to neighboring communities.

Writer Ray Bradbury grew up here and incorporated childhood impressions into his literary works, referring to the place under the fictional name Green Town. Several of his stories are set in this invented city, which is based on real streets and buildings.

Location: Lake County

Inception: 1859

Elevation above the sea: 199 m

Website: https://waukeganil.gov

GPS coordinates: 42.36363,-87.84479

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:45