Waukegan Dunes, Waukegan Travel Guide
Discover Waukegan Dunes: A scenic mile-long beach with natural dunes, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and lakeside relaxation in Waukegan, Illinois.
Waukegan Dunes, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Waukegan, Illinois, offers a mile-long stretch of sandy beach and natural dunes. Open year-round, it's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the lakefront scenery.
A brief summary to Waukegan Dunes
- 540-562 E Sea Horse Dr, Waukegan, Illinois, 60085, US
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- Monday 6 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
- Thursday 6 am-9 pm
- Friday 6 am-9 pm
- Saturday 6 am-9 pm
- Sunday 6 am-9 pm
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Waukegan Dunes.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a good spot on the beach and parking.
- Bring your own picnic supplies to enjoy a meal at the available picnic tables.
- Check local weather conditions and advisories before your visit. Swimming may be restricted due to high bacteria levels.
- Take advantage of the walking paths to explore the scenic surroundings and nearby attractions.
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Getting There
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Walking
From the Waukegan Metra Station at 50 N. Genesee St, head east on Washington St towards the lake. After about 0.5 miles, turn left (north) on Sheridan Rd and continue for about 0.7 miles until E Sea Horse Dr. Turn right onto E Sea Horse Dr and walk for another 0.3 miles. Waukegan Dunes will be on your left at 540-562 E Sea Horse Dr. There are no costs associated with walking.
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Public Transport
From the Waukegan Metra Station, take the Pace Bus Route 565 heading north. Ride the bus for about 10 minutes and get off at the stop at Sheridan Rd and E Sea Horse Dr. From there, walk approximately 0.2 miles south on E Sea Horse Dr, and Waukegan Dunes will be on your right at 540-562 E Sea Horse Dr. A single ride on Pace Bus costs $1.75.
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Car
From Illinois Beach State Park, head south on North Lake Shore Drive (IL-131) until the intersection with East Grand Avenue (US-132). Turn left onto East Grand Avenue and follow it until North Green Bay Road (IL-43). Turn right onto North Green Bay Road and continue south until Waukegan Dunes at 540-562 E Sea Horse Dr. Parking fees are collected during the summer season on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays for vehicles without a Waukegan city sticker. Beach parking permits cost $20 per day. On holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, and Labor Day) the price for a daily parking permit is $30. Vehicles displaying a current city sticker park free. Parking fees are waived for active duty military, veterans, and first responders.
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