Getaway Guide: One-Tank Trip to Waukegan

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By Jessica Cage

It’s easy to get away from Chicago to Waukegan in just an hour, but take the long way instead. Make some quick but unforgettable stops to turn a simple drive into a great time you will always remember. The great part about this getaway is that you can accomplish it on just a tank of gas, and the end result, Waukegan, is always a good time.

Getting There

A drive down Sheridan Road promises a great scenic route from Chicago to Waukegan that only takes about an hour and 45 minutes. This route puts the driver just west of Lake Michigan — on a warm summer day this is perfect for enjoying the sights, sounds and cool air that flows in currents off the lake.

Along the way there are great places to stop for pictures and food. The Hubbard Woods, Skokie Lagoons, the Chicago Botanic Gardens, and Brookside Plaza offer great detours for unforgettable views and great eats.

Photo Credit: waukeganhistorical

Waukegan History Museum Bowen Park 1917 N. Sheridan Road Waukegan, IL 60087 (847) 336-1859

Price: free

No trip is complete without getting a taste of the history of the land. Visit one of the many historical landmarks throughout Waukegan to learn about this awesome area’s history and culture. For a group tour, call ahead and schedule an appointment. Enjoy Victorian architecture and more than 200 photos and maps of the region throughout the ages. Once a trading post and agricultural city, Waukegan survived the industrial era and now it’s all about service, making it ideal for explorers of all kinds. "

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