Waukegan - Illinois - United States. Guide & Hotel Reservations from Cheap Hotels

Come to one of the oldest cities in Illinois when you choose to visit Waukegan. Settled in the mid 1600s, this town was originally a French trading post and a settlement of the Patawatomi Indian tribe. It was originally called "Little Fort", but the name was changed to Waukegan, which is the Indian name meaning fort.

The many attractions and family amusement centers will keep you busy on your vacation. Visit Didier Farms to see authentic Indian teepee's, take a pony ride and visit the zoo. There are animated figures here as well as seasonal displays, such as a corn maze in the fall. Enjoy more than 180 interactive games and an ice-skating rink at the Rink Side Sports And Family Entertainment Center and the more than 100 rides at Six Flags, the premier family vacation location.

Visit the Marytown/National Religious Shrine, which is one of the most beautiful religious sites in the country. The chapel contains seven different kinds of marble and beautiful stained glass windows. Cuneo Museum and Gardens dates back to 1914 and contains 75 acres of spectacular beauty. Learn about the history of the Navy on the Great Lakes when you take a tour of the Great Lakes Naval Museum and see the world's largest collection of postcards, as well as other displays, at the Lake County Discovery Museum.

The nature trails, fishing and hunting of the Chain o'Lakes State Park will enthrall you with the fantastic recreational opportunities. Enjoy swimming and walking trails of the Illinois Beach State Park, where there are six miles of beaches and naturalist programs.

There are four major shopping centers here. The Gurnee Mills has more than 200 stores alone and Historic Long Grove is a unique shopping experience with 85 shops and five restaurants set in a 19th century German farming settlement. With so many things to see and do in Waukegan, you will probably want to make plans to come back to make sure you get to see them all.