Because the city has been around since 1829, it's not surprising that there are several historical sites you can visit. The Waukegan Building, Bowen Park, Naval Station Great Lakes, and the Waukegan Public Library are all considered historic sites. Check out the harbor for a variety of water activities such as boating or fishing. The Genesee Theatre brings culture and a variety of events to the city. With such a diverse city, you'll be able to find something fun and interesting to do, no matter how long you're visiting.
Waukegan has been home to a number of famous people throughout the years. One of the most well-known residents of the city was author Ray Bradbury, who lived here in his early years and later referenced the city in his writings. Jack Benny, an actor and comedian, loved his home city of Waukegan. Singer Nat King Cole lived here for a time, as well. Some sports stars you may recognize from Waukegan include former NBA player Shawn Marion, former MLB player Johnny Dickshot, and the NFL's Michael Turner.
When to Visit Waukegan, Illinois
Waukegan offers a humid continental climate that features hot summers, cold winters, and no real dry season. Average high temperatures range between 29 and 82 degrees. Average lows in the city range from 12 to 61 degrees. The hottest months of the year are July and August, with January and February being the coldest. Waukegan gets an annual average rainfall of 32.36 inches.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Waukegan, IL:
Waukegan by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Waukegan, IL. You can use these charts to determine the cheapest dates to stay in Waukegan for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in Waukegan, Illinois
4 Star Average Prices: $121.59
At a luxury hotel, your needs come first. Staff members are friendly and helpful, working to ensure that your stay is perfect. The rooms are large and comfortable, and these hotels offer the best amenities and services.
Book a room at Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee, and you have an easy drive to Naval Station Great Lakes, Events Park, and Vista Work Power Center. Rooms feature complimentary wireless and wired internet access, an in-room safe, and a television with premium programming. If you're hungry, take advantage of the on-site restaurant or head to any of the local restaurants. The indoor pool is open year-round for your convenience. There are also two meeting rooms, allowing you to hold a business conference or family get-together right in the hotel.
Candlewood Suites Chicago-Waukegan gives you easy access to the city. You're only 2.5 miles from Six Flags Great America, and even closer to the Greenbelt Cultural Center and Daken Gallery and Frame Shop. Rooms feature a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator and a microwave. LCD televisions with satellite programming allow you to relax in your room. If you want to get out, the picnic area is a great option, featuring barbecue grills. Pets are welcome here for an additional fee, so you don't have to worry about boarding your furry friend before you leave.
Have an amazing stay when you book at Springhill Suites by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee. The European Art Company is not far, or you can hit some balls at the Conway Farms Golf Club. Rooms offer a refrigerator and microwave to make your stay a little easier. Pillowtop beds, a 37-inch flat screen television, and terraces are featured in rooms, as well. All guests can take advantage of the complimentary breakfast and free wireless internet. The indoor pool allows you to relax during your stay, or check out the bar/lounge area for a drink.
Affordable Hotel Options in Waukegan, Illinois
3 Star Average Prices: $119.27
Travel to Waukegan on a budget by checking out the affordable hotel options in the city. These hotels offer clean, comfortable rooms and generally have few amenities. With a variety of hotels to choose from, you can get exactly what you want.
Motel 6 Waukegan is less than 5 miles from the Greenbelt Cultural Center, Six Flags Great America, and Naval Station Great Lakes. Guests have access to complimentary wireless internet in their rooms and throughout the common areas of the hotel. Children 17 and younger stay free with a parent or guardian. Pets are welcome at the Motel 6 Waukegan, so bring your four-legged friend. Visit the seasonal outdoor pool to cool off during the summer.
At Red Roof Inn Waukegan-Gurnee, you'll be within walking distance of the Greenbelt Cultural Center, and not far from Six Flags Great America and Serpent Safari. The hotel offers comfortable rooms featuring a refrigerator, in-room movies, and a television with programming such as free cable and free HBO. Pets are welcome here for an additional fee. Check out the complimentary breakfast to get your day started, stay connected to work or home life with the office center, and keep up on your workout routines using the fitness and health center.
Stay near everything you want to do when you book a room at Econo Lodge Waukegan. Here you'll be close to the European Art Company, Serpent Safari, and Six Flags Great America. Pets are welcome in the rooms. Check out the in-room movies for a relaxing evening. Get your day started with the complimentary breakfast offered to all guests.
2 Star Average Prices: $97.32
Best Discounts in Waukegan, Illinois
Your stay in Waukegan improves when you take advantage of the variety of discounts available. Check out the options, such as AAA membership discounts, online booking rates, and package deals offered by hotels in the city.
If you're an AAA member, you know that you can get discounts all over the country when you choose from a variety of hotels. In general, your discount with an AAA membership is 10 percent off your nightly stay. Make sure to bring your AAA membership card to ensure your discount. Get your discount at a number of Waukegan hotels, including America's Best Value Inn & Suites–Waukegan/Gurnee, Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee, and Residence Inn by Marriott Waukegan/Gurnee.
Planning your trip in advance gives you a variety of benefits, from the ability to save for your trip to ensuring you have a great room at the best possible price. With this deal, you'll likely have to pay when you book the room, and there may be restrictions on cancellation. At the Ramada Waukegan/Gurnee, you can get up to 25 percent off your stay when you book online, depending on the dates you plan to visit. Save up to 15 percent off rooms at Candlewood Suites Chicago–Waukegan. Special online rates are also available at Howard Johnson Waukegan Great Lakes.
If you want more from your booking than just a room, take a look at the package deals offered by hotels in the area. Courtyard Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee offers packages such as The Bistro Package, Genesee Theatre Package, or Six Flags Great America Package. Residence Inn Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee offers an Enjoy the Show at Genesee Theatre package as well as air, car, and vacation packages.
Best Value Options in Waukegan, Illinois
Get a comfortable room and a variety of amenities when you choose the best value options in Waukegan. These hotels don't always have as many amenities as the luxury options, but still offer what you're looking for.
At America's Best Value Inn & Suites–Waukegan/Gurnee, you have easy access to Six Flags Great America, Greenbelt Cultural Center, and Ravinia Festival Grounds. Pets are welcome here for a fee. Rooms feature a microwave and televisions with cable programming. Start your day right with the complimentary breakfast, and stay connected with the free wireless internet. If you need help getting tickets or arranging tours, they also offer tour and ticket assistance.
Howard Johnson Waukegan Great Lakes is close to Serpent Safari, Conway Farms Golf Club, and Greenbelt Cultural Center. The free wireless internet keeps you connected, while the free breakfast gets you going in the morning. Rooms feature a refrigerator, microwave, and television with cable programming.
What to do in Waukegan, Illinois
Throughout the year, check out the variety of festivals and event happening in Waukegan. No matter where your interests lie, you'll find something you love.
May offers the Live Green Nature Night in Bowen Park. Take a nature walk, check out the reptile exhibit, and participate in a variety of activities, such as a family campfire. This is a family-friendly event that offers several activities for kids.
In July, check out Waukegan's Annual Tanabata Festival. This is a Japanese Star Festival that always happens on the seventh day of the seventh month. During the festival, you can make a wish on the stars, create a haiku, and more.
The Fall Family Carnival in October offers rides, games, and more for residents and visitors alike. Check out the variety of food vendors for local cuisine and carnival favorites. Vendors offer all types of goods for purchase.
Waukegan offers attractions, events, and activities for families and individuals. Make your trip plans today to enjoy the city and its offerings.
FAQs about hotels in Waukegan
Recent traveler guest reviews of Waukegan, IL
Below are reviews of the city of Waukegan, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Variety of places to eat and shop"
Score
4.0 / 5
Darlene L., from 02-Aug-2026
"I like this side of Waukegan"
Score
5.0 / 5
Ronald K., from 31-May-2026
"Lots of food choices"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of food choices, shopping and casino nearby.
Sandra B., from 03-May-2026
"I was so surprised about the area so clean"
Score
5.0 / 5
I was so surprised about the area so clean,& shopping mall close to the hotel walked to Walmart and restaurants everywhere.
Leonora J., from 02-May-2026
"Seeing my grandson graduate from Naval Boot camp"
Score
4.0 / 5
Barbara D., from 14-Mar-2026
"Navy Base"
Score
5.0 / 5
Many options , good restaurants, beautiful area , Navy Base.
Christine L., from 09-Mar-2026
"We went to a show at a local theater"
Score
4.0 / 5
We went to a show at a local theater and the theater was nice.
Heather R., from 09-Feb-2026
"Nice and cold experience but worth it "
Score
4.0 / 5
Barbara D., from 08-Feb-2026
"Love the city casino lakefront"
Score
4.0 / 5
Velma F., from 27-Dec-2025
"Good location lots to do"
Score
4.0 / 5
Logan H., from 19-Oct-2025
"Great Biking Trails"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great biking trails and can bike to Chicago or take the train. Lots of biking in between.
Tammie G., from 07-Oct-2025
"The food was amazing"
Score
4.0 / 5
The restaurant that's in the same parking lot as the hotel, can't think of the name. The food was amazing
Dinarose M., from 26-Aug-2025
"Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
I got to be with family.
Mary A., from 18-Aug-2025
"Not too busy."
Score
5.0 / 5
It's not so busy
Peter C., from 24-May-2025
"Convenient location near good restaurants."
Score
5.0 / 5
Convenient location near good restaurants.
Marie D., from 10-Apr-2025
"Great and convenient location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Going over and see Lake Michigan
David S., from 27-Mar-2025
"Eleven 19 Kitchen & Cocktails!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The food at Eleven 19 Kitchen & Cocktails!
Kiandra A., from 23-Mar-2025
"Great Eats!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Food places were great.
Julena H., from 16-Feb-2025
"Great Restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great Restaurants! Appeared to be peaceful city.
Joseph M., from 10-Feb-2025
"Near Dog Show"
Score
5.0 / 5
I was only in Waukegan for the hotel. Spent days at the dog show 20 minutes away.
Debbie A., from 27-Jan-2025
"Great location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Easy navigation. Close to navy base,
Joanne B., from 21-Dec-2024
"Near Great Eateries"
Score
4.0 / 5
There were some great food places nearby
Thomas C., from 07-Dec-2024
"Convenient!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Convenient!
Ryan C., from 06-Nov-2024
"very busy"
Score
4.0 / 5
Ok very busy
Patti S., from 03-Nov-2024
"Nice Area!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Drinks prices at neighborhood bar were decent, staff friendly and courteous.
A nice area to visit!
Angel B., from 18-Aug-2024
"Six Flags"
Score
5.0 / 5
Six Flags!
Daniel D., from 14-Jul-2024
"Very clean city with hydrangeas everywhere!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The city was very clean, safe drivers, hydrangeas everywhere!
Adelmira C., from 04-Jul-2024
"So Close to Wisconsin"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love the city and loved going up to Wisconsin which is so close.
Robert T., from 14-May-2024
"I Felt Safe"
Score
5.0 / 5
I felt safe traveling alone.
Zecnikier H., from 06-Nov-2022
"Shops!"
Score
5.0 / 5
In the hotel area there are a variety of shops!
Laura L., from 31-Oct-2022
"Would Recommend"
Score
5.0 / 5
Good surroundings, lots of places to go. Would recommend checking out its many historic sites, parks and restaurants.
Curtis L., from 21-Dec-2015
"Waukegan IL is a great city for youth sports teams."
Score
4.0 / 5
Waukegan SportsPark is a fabulous facility for baseball.
Sarah G., from 02-Jul-2014
The average traveler rating of the city of Waukegan, IL shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 32 reviews