You'd Be Surprised To Learn That Waukegan, Illinois Is One Of The Country's Best Coastal Towns
By Linze Rice|Published June 05, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Living in Illinois, you may think that visiting a coastal town would require a plane ride to the East or West Coasts. It’s true that there are tons of incredible small towns in Illinois, but many of them are surrounded by a sea of farmland, not water. But with access to Lake Michigan, part of Northwestern Illinois becomes a stunning shoreline dotted with cities, beaches, and culture where one of the best coastal towns in America can be found.
Waukegan, Illinois is a suburb located along the North Shore portion of Lake Michigan, about an hour north of Chicago. In 2021, its population was about 88,600, making it a bustling mid-size city, but with plenty of small-town charm.
The beach includes a full mile of sand and natural sand dunes — some of the only ones left in the area. Mixed with tall grasses, the sound of rolling waves, and a cool lakeside breeze, this Midwestern town quickly transforms into a coastal gem.
And as any great coastal city would have, cute local restaurants are there to feed hungry beach-goers. One favorite is Dockside Dogs, located at 46 E. Madison St., which serves up handheld classics such as hot dogs, Italian beef, pulled pork, and Polish sausage, as well as refreshing drinks.
I'm always reaching for a lemonade on a hot summer day!
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Waukegan also offers a rich arts and cultural scene, with boutique shops, dining, and annual festivals. Many high-profile performers also like to stop by the historic Genesee Theatre, located at 203 N. Genesee St.
The coastal town is also full of stunning historic homes and incredible architecture. In the Near North Historic District is the John B. Leonard House, which dates back to the late 1800s.
So, do you think Waukegan, Illinois is one of the best coastal towns in America? If you’ve ever been, what’s your favorite thing to do there? Those looking to travel, will you add it to your bucket list? What is your favorite coastal spot in Illinois? Tell us in the comments! Plan your visit to the North Shore by checking out the City of Waukegan website and the City of Waukegan Facebook page! And while you’re in town, check out this mouthwatering thin-crust pizza paradise beloved by locals.
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