Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Waukegan (Lake County, Illinois; pop. 88,475) sits at 199 m (653 ft) elevation near Beach Park, with regional transit access via Waukegan Regional Airport (6.4 km). Visitors pair Waukegan landmarks with signature Illinois specialties including Chicago deep-dish & tavern-style thin-crust pizza and Italian beef sandwich dipped with giardiniera.
Within Illinois, Waukegan (Waukegan, IL) serves as a us city in illinois. Travelers exploring Illinois often combine a stop in Waukegan with state highlights such as Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Millennium Park & Cloud Gate, Art Institute of Chicago, Wrigley Field, Route 66 & Abraham Lincoln sites in Springfield.
| Fact | Details for Waukegan (Waukegan, IL) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Waukegan, IL |
| County & Role | US City in Illinois |
| State & Major Hubs | Illinois (Chicago & Springfield) |
| Population | 88,475 residents |
| Elevation | 199 m (653 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Waukegan Regional Airport (6.4 km) |
| Coordinates | 42.3636°N, 87.8448°W |
Getting to Waukegan & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Waukegan Regional Airport (6.4 km)): O'Hare (ORD) & Midway (MDW) with direct CTA L train to the Loop; Chicago Union Station is the main national hub for Amtrak long-distance trains.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into ORD O'Hare, MDW Midway & Chicago Union Station (Amtrak National Hub & CTA Ventra)? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Waukegan includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Waukegan (Illinois)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Waukegan (Lake County, Illinois), local tables feature: Signature Illinois dishes—Chicago deep-dish & tavern-style thin-crust pizza, Italian beef sandwich dipped with giardiniera, and Chicago-style all-beef hot dog on poppy-seed bun.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Waukegan and across Illinois, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Illinois: Midwest craft stouts & Lake Michigan ciders, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Waukegan (Illinois), look for: Local specialties across Illinois: Garrett-style cheese & caramel popcorn mix, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Illinois dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In Waukegan (pop. 88,475), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Lake County offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 199 m (653 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Waukegan Regional Airport (6.4 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Beach Park (1.7 km) · North Beach Park (2.4 km) · Ben Diamond Memorial Park (3.4 km) · Illinois Beach Nature Preserve (5.6 km) · Illinois Beach State Park (6.5 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Chittenden, Five Points, Everett, Fort Sheridan
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Park City, IL (3.7 km)
- North Chicago, IL (4.2 km)
- Gurnee, IL (4.8 km)
- Beach Park, IL (6.6 km)
- Zion, IL (9.2 km)
Regional Specialties Across Illinois
- Chicago deep-dish & tavern-style thin-crust pizza — a signature specialty across Illinois.
- Italian beef sandwich dipped with giardiniera — a signature specialty across Illinois.
- Chicago-style all-beef hot dog on poppy-seed bun — a signature specialty across Illinois.
- Garrett-style cheese & caramel popcorn mix — a signature specialty across Illinois.
- Midwest craft stouts & Lake Michigan ciders — a signature specialty across Illinois.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Waukegan
Best time to visit Illinois: May–Oct.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Waukegan exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Waukegan; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Waukegan (Waukegan, IL) located in the United States?
Waukegan (Waukegan, IL) is a us city in Illinois, United States (coordinates: 42.3636°N, 87.8448°W, elevation: 199 m (653 ft)). It has a population of approximately 88,475.
How do I get to Waukegan by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Waukegan via Waukegan Regional Airport (6.4 km). O'Hare (ORD) & Midway (MDW) with direct CTA L train to the Loop; Chicago Union Station is the main national hub for Amtrak long-distance trains. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Waukegan and Illinois known for?
In Waukegan and across Illinois, signature regional dishes include Chicago deep-dish & tavern-style thin-crust pizza, Italian beef sandwich dipped with giardiniera, Chicago-style all-beef hot dog on poppy-seed bun, as well as Garrett-style cheese & caramel popcorn mix and Midwest craft stouts & Lake Michigan ciders. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Waukegan?
Best time to visit Illinois: May–Oct. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: