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10 Places to Visit in Waukegan This Weekend

10 Places to Visit in Waukegan This Weekend

Waukegan offers some of the most amazing sights and activities in Illinois and lucky for you, Reserve at Eagle Ridge Apartments offers you easy access to it all! Spend a day exploring all of the amazing shops and restaurants with your friends. Or uncover hidden treasures in one of the amazing gardens located throughout the area like the Chicago Botanic Garden! There are so many activities and places to visit for every occasion, like a night out, family fun days, or a quiet day spent with yourself!

Below is our complete guide to every exciting adventure that awaits you here in Waukegan, IL! Being so close to the action at Reserve at Eagle Ridge you’ll always have something fun to do while you’re in the area.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN WAUKEGAN

With seating for over 2,400, Waukegan’s historic Genesee Theatre has been a popular venue for concerts, plays, variety shows, movies, and more for nearly 100 years. The ornate building features an exterior of terra cotta and brick, as well as a lavish Spanish Renaissance-style interior featuring ornate tapestries, a hammered silver dome, and Italian Carrera marble. The Theatre can also be rented for grand weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings of all kinds. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming event information and to plan your visit today!

 203 N Genesee Theatre Waukegan, IL 60085

Just a short drive west of Waukegan in Gurnee, the 304-acre Six Flags Great America amusement park provides endless all-ages entertainment! The park includes 9 themed areas featuring more than 50 attractions, rides, carnival games, and concession options throughout. From death-defying roller coasters like the X Flight and Raging Bull, to the Kidzopolis zone, and Looney Tunes characters roaming the park, there’s something for everyone! Also on site is the 20-acre Hurricane Harbor water park, featuring numerous water slides, a wave pool, and so much more! 

 1 Great America Parkway Gurnee, IL 60031

Given Waukegan’s proximity to Lake Michigan, it’s no surprise that fishing is one of the area’s most popular recreational activities. Bear King Fishing offers chartered fishing expeditions on their 33-foot Chris-Craft boat, with  the opportunity to catch Salmon and Trout from the waters of Lake Michigan! Bear King Fishing uses top of the line navigation technology and provides guests with the necessary equipment to catch some big fish. Be sure to bring a cooler for all the fish you are going to catch! Check out their website to learn more and plan your trip today. 

55 S Harbor Pl Waukegan, IL 60085

Just a short drive south of Waukegan, Chicago Botanic Garden features more than 25 exquisite gardens and 4 natural habitats spanning nearly 400 acres. Since opening in 1972, the award-winning garden has been one of the city’s most popular attractions, welcoming more than 1 million annual visitors. Featuring both native and exotic flora, including an extensive conservation program, this regional treasure is a great place to escape from the city. Be sure to check out their website for info about events and programs!

 1000 Lake Cook Rd Glencoe, IL 60022

Although they may have taken a step back from the 1990s glory days of His Airness, the NBA’s Chicago Bulls are still one of the hottest tickets in town. The Bulls have 6 NBA Championships. Home games are played at the 21,000-seat United Center on Madison Street. The United Center also hosts the NHL Chicago Blackhawks team, concerts, political conventions, tradeshows, and more.

1901 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60612


TOP 5 CAN'T-MISS WAUKEGAN DINING DESTINATIONS

 

PAPA MARCO'S GRILL & KABOB

Best Mediterranean

From it’s unassuming location on Grand Avenue, Papa Marco’s Grill & Kabob serves up authentic Greek, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. With options like falafels and hummus, baba ghanouj, dolma and so much more, Papa Marco's can't be beat. Marco’s also features an excellent selection of Chicago-style sandwiches, hot dogs and more!


 622 Grand Ave Waukegan, IL 60085

ANASTASIA'S RESTAURANT

Best Wings

Located near the intersection of Belvidere and Waukegan Road, Anastasia’s Restaurant and Sports Lounge makes a great place to catch a ballgame and enjoy a pitcher of beer. Start with an order of Anastasia’s famous wings, nachos, or potato skins, then choose from a great selection of salads, pastas, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, steaks, seafood, and pizza!


 3880 Northpoint Blvd Waukegan, IL 60085

BIG ED'S BBQ

Best Barbecue

When you’re in the mood for barbecue, look no further than Big Ed’s BBQ & Bar in southwest Waukegan. From pit-fired classics like ribs, brisket, pulled pork, hot links, and wings, to home-cooked sides like baked beans, mac & cheese, cole slaw, collard greens, mashed potatoes, Big Ed’s is sure to satisfy your pit-smoked cravings! Don’t forget to save room for pound cake, or peach cobbler!


  4030 Northpoint Blvd Waukegan, IL 60085

QUONSET PIZZA

Best Pizza

Although Chicago may be most famous for its deep-dish pizza, Quonset Pizza’s thin crust is a delicacy all its own! Try one of Quonset’s signature pies, or build your own from dozens of fresh ingredients. In addition to pizza, Quonset also offers a full bar, as well as wings, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and Chicago favorite Italian beefs.


 2602 Grand Ave Waukegan, IL 60085

STEVEN'S OF GURNEE

Best Steakhouse

Just west of Waukegan in Gurnee, Stevens’ of Gurnee features upscale cuisine in an elegant, white-tablecloth atmosphere. Satisfy your appetite with oysters, lobster mac, or calamari, then choose from a variety of delicious steaks, seafood, salads, pasta, sandwiches, and more. Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail, draft beer, or an excellent choice of wines by the glass!

 401 N Riverside Dr Gurnee, IL 60031