waukegan illinois

Great-Lakes-Sailing.com

Waukegan, IL

Lat: 42° 21.587   Long: 087° 48.990

Quick Reference:

  • Port Type: City
  • Monitors VHF: 9, 16
  • Charts: NOS 14904, 14905
  • Customs: No
  • Coast Guard
  • Transient Docking
  • Anchorage
  • Diesel
  • Gasoline
  • Potable Water
  • Pump Out
  • Washrooms
  • Showers
  • Laundry
  • Repair Services
  • Provisions
  • Pharmacy
  • Hospital/Clinic
  • Banks/ATM
  • Restaurants/Pubs
  • Shopping
  • Internet
  • Amenities
  Important Numbers

Area Code847
Emergency911
Police(847) 360-9000
Hospital(847) 249-3900
Pharmacy(847) 623-9087

DISTANCES


Port Distance (nm) Port Distance (nm)
Detroit Harbor, MI 200 N Mackinac City, MI 284 NE
Milwaukee, WI 49 N Ludington, MI, 124, NE
Chicago, IL 37 S South Haven, Mi 79 E
Hammond, IL 44 S New Buffalo, MI 67 SE

DESCRIPTION


Waukegan Illinois's roots stretch back to the 1700's when it was known as Riviere du Vieux Fort or Old Fort River. The present-day name comes from the native word for 'Little Fort'. Located on the northern edge of the huge Chicago urban are (colloquially known as 'Chicagoland'), Waukegan has been investing steadily in its waterfront. In addition to a completely refurbished theatre dating back to the 1920's, pedestrial walkways and other projects, there is the South Marina, part of Wakegan harbor, with nearly 1,000 slips. Waukegan Illinois has a diverse population which is reflected in the restaurants, shops and events in the city.

APPROACHES


The approaches to Waukegan Illinois are clear from all directions. Waukegan harbor has two sections - North and South marinas.

North Marina The entrance to North Marina is straightforward. The Waukegan Light (Fl GREEN) is located directly offshore from the channel entrance about 1,333 feet/1,222 m. From the Waukegan Light, follow a course of approximately 266°T which will bring you right down the channel. The channel entrance is marked with a Fl RED visible 5.7 nm offshore on the north pierhead and an Occ GREEN with Horn, visible 7 nm offshore on the south pierhead. From the Fl RED entrance light, the channel is about .3 nm long and the North Marina is on your port bow.

South Marina
South Marina lies south of the Waukegan harbor entrance channel. The entrance to the South Marina is on the southeast corner of the enclosing breakwalls.

From the North
From the Waukegan Light, follow a course of approximately 250°T until you are abeam the east pierhead light - a Q RED visible 5.9 nm. Once abeam, round it to your starboard and you will see the south pierhead light, a Q GREEN, also visible 5.9 nm. A course of approximately 30°T will bring you into the marina.

From the South
Pick a point about 1 nm due south of the Waukegan Light. At that point, alter course to approximately 300°T and hold for about 1.25 nm until you are abeam the east pierhead light (Q RED visible 5.9 nm. Once abeam, round it to your starboard and you will see the south pierhead light, a Q GREEN, also visible 5.9 nm. A course of approximately 30°T will bring you into the marina.

MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES


Waukegan Harbor - North & South Marinas   (847) 244-3133   VHF 16
Waukegan Harbor is operated by the city of Waukegan Illinois. There are two marinas - North and South. Together, they have 1,000 slips. There are about 50 available for transient sailors.

South Marina
South Marina is by far the largest of the two marinas. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water, power, TV and internet connections are available at all slips. There are restrooms, showers and laundry facilities available. There is a ship's store on-site. They have bicycles available so you can do some exploring. The downtown is within easy walking distance.

North Marina
This is the smaller of the two marinas. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) but no pumpout station. Water, power, TV and internet connections are available at all slips. There are restrooms and showers available. There is a ship's store on-site. They have bicycles available so you can do some exploring. The downtown is within easy walking distance.

Waukegan Yacht Club   (847) 623-4188   
WYC is located in the northeast corner of the North Marina. There is usually space along the wall for a transient sailor to tie up. There is no fuel dock or pumpout station. There are water and power hookups. There are restrooms and showers in the clubhouse. WYC has a restaurant and lounge that offers everything from burgers, soup and sandwiches to steak dinners.

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's


Larsen Marine is a long-established, family-operated marine maintenance and repair yard. Located north of the North Marina, they can carry out a wide range of engine, mechanical, electrical, fibreglass and rigging repairs and maintenance. They have a mobile repair service and an excellent reputation for quality work.

Reyes Grocery Store is located about 1 mi/1.6 km from the South Marina. They carry a good selection of groceries, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Associated Bank is the closest bank with counter and ATM service. It is about 1 mi/1.6 km from the South Marina.

MEDICAL SERVICES


Vista Medical Center (847) 249-3900 is a major hospital, located 1.5 mi/2. 5 km from the South Marina.

CVS Drugs (847) 623-9087 is located 2.1 mi/3.3 km from South Marina.

PLACES TO EAT


At North Marina, drop around to visit the dining room and lounge at Waukegan Yacht Club. They serve lunch and dinner.

Leaving the marinas, there are a number of options in downtown Waukegan. Paragon Restaurant is a long-standing favorite with a varied menu. Green Town Tavern takes its name from the mythical setting of Ray Bradbury's novels - Bradbury was a proud Waukegan native so the tavern name is a tribute to this prolific writer. The menu runs to casual pub fare and its a popular venue. Big Ed's Bar & Grill is another popular pub with a good reputation for food and fun.

If you like Mexican food, Waukegan Illinois has a growing Mexican population and there are a number of Mexican restaurants. Check out Toluca's and El Caporal.

THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT


Six Flags Great America is a huge amusement park with quite a number of rides, entertainment and lots of events. Gurnee Mills is the largest factory outlet mall in Illinois. For the value-conscious shopeer, there is no end to bargains - enough to more than fill the empty lockers on your boat!

Not far from Waukegan Harbor is the Metro Rail Station. From here, it is a short 50 minute ride into downtown Chicago where you can enjoy Chicago's terrific waterfront and the tremendous variety of this great city - the second largest on the Great Lakes and 3rd largest in the United States.

The Genesee Theatre is a beautiful performing arts center brining top-notch acts to the city year round. Art Wauk is a monthly exposition of art, sculpture, preforming art, dance and music throughout the downtown. Stiner Pavilion at Wakegan Municipal Beach has performances most weekends throughout the summer. The Waukegan Illinois information site will give you more ideas on how you can enjoy your time here.


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