In this Article
Located approximately 41 miles north of Chicago, Waukegan is famous for being a manufacturing center and a notable industrial suburb of Chicago, Illinois. It is also the county seat and largest city in Lake County, Illinois.
Learn more about this city in our Waukegan local guide including information about:
There are several international airports near Waukegan, with the closest being the Chicago O’Hare International Airport, located just 36 miles southwest of the city. There is also the Waukegan National Airport which is the second busiest airport in Illinois for international arrivals. Being so close to such notable spots, it goes without saying that Waukegan will be a must-visit if you are up for some boisterous city life experience.
One major highway in Waukegan is The Amstutz Expressway, a dual freeway that runs along the city’s east, linking up with Sheridan Rd as it approaches North Chicago.
Waukegan is one of the oldest settlements in Illinois and was first visited by Pere Marquette, a French missionary explorer, in 1673. But it was not always called Waukegan. This city began its history as a French trading post and as the Potawatomie Indian settlement named “Little Fort”.
Due to its rapidly increasing population and industrialization, this town known as Little Fort became the county seat of government in 1841.
But as you could rightly guess, hardly anyone would want to be called little when they’ve grown big. Hence, the name Little Fort was changed to Waukegan – the Potawatomie word for “fort” or “trading post” – on March 31, 1849, after witnessing even more rapid population growth. And in 1859, Waukegan was incorporated as a city, with its population reaching over 2,500 and an area of 5.62 sq. miles.
On the map, you could clearly see Waukegan as a port city located off the coast of Lake Michigan. This feature attracted early settlers to Waukegan as it made shipping produce from Lake County and McHenry County farms to Chicago pretty easy. This was the onset of Waukegan’s industrialization as a business hotspot.
And subsequently, the Illinois Parallel Railroad (now known as the Chicago and North Western Railway) was created in 1855, further stimulating interest in Waukegan as an industrial hub.
From Chicago to Waukegan is a 41-mile and 55-minute drive northwards via route I-94 W.
There are several hotels to spend your vacation in Waukegan. Among all, you may want to try out Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago Waukegan, Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee, Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago/Waukegan, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee, or Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee, to name a few.
Now, you don’t want to miss the must-see tourist attractions of Waukegan.
Take a ride through N Genesee Street for a flawless evening out at the Genesee Theater Waukegan. This theater is home to world-class concerts, shows, comedy, and other events to fill your eyes and ears with an amazing experience. It sits very close to the Lake County Courthouse and Waukegan Public Library, with McDonald’s just north of the theater.
What about the Waukegan Harbor Light? Never miss this picturesque cylindrical lighthouse at the end of Government Pier at the foot of Madison Street. It’s open round-the-clock and best viewed at twilight.
Address: 100 N Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-599-2500
https://www.waukeganil.gov/114/Fire
Address: 101 N. West Street Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-360-9000
Fax: 847-360-9853
Administrative Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
https://www.waukeganil.gov/428/Police
Address: 100 N Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-599-2500
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m (except legal holidays)
https://www.waukeganil.gov/27/City-Hall
Address: 100 N Martin Luther King JR Ave, Suite #104 Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-623-6800
http://www.waukeganchamber.org/
Want the best of Waukegan cuisine? Then you need to check-in at any of the following restaurants
There are several local charities and food pantries in Waukegan available to those who need help. However, you may have to call or stop by the center to know exactly what services they offer and how they are offered.
Looking to register your child at any of the district high schools in Waukegan? Visit the School District Office in Waukegan.
Address: 742 W Greenwood Ave, Waukegan, IL 60087
Phone: (224) 303-3600
https://www.wps60.org/our_district/welcome_center
The Kryder Law Group, LLC encourages college-bound community leaders to apply for The Kryder Law Group, LLC Community Leadership Scholarship.
The winner receives the whopping sum of $1,000! It may be you.
Waukegan was founded in 1829 but not with its current name. It was later incorporated as a town with the name Waukegan on March 31, 1849, and incorporated as a city on February 23, 1859.
87,297 (2019)
Waukegan is home to Jack Benny (1894–1974), one of the most remarkable comedians of the twentieth century.
Ray Bradbury (1920–2012), a renowned science-fiction author and novelist, was also born in this great city.
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham (1921–2003) was born and bred in Waukegan.
What is the official nickname of Waukegan?
The Kryder Law Group is a personal injury law firm servicing Waukegan, Illinois and surrounding areas. Each personal injury lawyer at The Kryder Law Group has years of experience and has handled hundreds of accident claims. Each auto injury attorney has handled car, truck, bus and motorcycle accidents in the Waukegan area. In addition, the injury lawyers at The Kryder Law Group have handled work injuries, dog bite injuries, construction injuries, falls, nursing home neglect cases and many other types of injury claims for residents of Waukegan, Illinois and surrounding neighborhoods. You can be confident each injury lawyer at The Kryder Law Group has the experience to handle your personal injury case and maximize the value of your personal injury settlement or jury verdict.
Andrew Kryder is the founding member of The Kryder Law Group LLC. With over 20 years of litigation experience, Andy has focused his practice on personal injury matters. Through the years Andy has compiled an impressive record of Verdicts and Settlements, some of which have been profiled in national and local verdict reporters.
In many instances, Andy meets his clients under very difficult circumstances. The aftermath of an injury can take a physical, emotional and economic toll on the individual and their family. Andy recognizes that each client has unique goals and expectations. That’s why every case starts with a conversation. Listening and developing a strategy is what sets Andy apart from many other attorneys.
With over two decades of experience, Andy has distinguished himself as a litigator at the Circuit Court level and Appellate Court level. Andy has taken numerous cases to verdict, handled hundreds of arbitrations, appeared in court thousands of times and argued multiple cases in front of the Illinois Appellate Court. In addition, Andy is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
The Kryder Law Group has compiled a record of results that few other firms can match. Collectively the firm has represented thousands of clients and recovered over $100 million dollars in compensation.
The Ohio State University, BA 1995
DePaul Law School, JD 1998
Illinois
Northern District of Illinois
Northern District of Indiana
U.S. Supreme Court
Chicago Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Committee
Illinois State Bar Association
Lake County Bar Association
Should you have any legal questions or would like to set up a free legal consultation, please feel free to contact Andrew at (312) 584-8268 or at akryder@kryderlaw.com.
If you have a serious injury, a lawyer can help you maximize your recovery. An experienced lawyer knows the value of your case and how to make an insurance company pay the maximum compensations for your pain and suffering. A Waukegan personal injury lawyer can also help you recover lost wages and other compensation you may be entitled to.
Every case is different, but you may be entitled to lost wages, medical bills, future medical bills, disability, loss of a normal life compensation, money for pain and suffering. The personal injury lawyers at the Kryder Law Group can evaluate your case for free. If you are in Waukegan and have questions regarding your auto or injury claim, feel free to call us. The consultation with a lawyer is free and there is no charge for our work until we win your case.
Some cases can be resolved quickly after your medical treatment has concluded. However, in other instances, cases can take longer if the injury causes permanent disability. The length of time a case resolves is heavily dependent on the length of your medical treatment. The longer and more extensive your medical care, the longer your case may take to resolve. If you live in Waukegan, Illinois and would like to discuss your case call the Kryder Law Group to have an experienced lawyer analyze your case for free. It is important to understand your rights
We like to understand the goals and expectations of every client before we begin. That is why the lawyers at the Kryder Law Group provide a free personal injury consultation to every client.
Attorneys are not allowed to loan their clients money, but some companies specialize in providing loans to victims of injury claims. Whether you qualify and the amount of the loan is up to the loan company. Your attorney can help you apply if you have an injury claim.