Art Wauking Along Lake Michigan

Let the ride take you...

Open call for art and theatre lovers! The City of Waukegan has art in its roots and is emerging as a new hub for artists and galleries. The city hosts, 'ArtWauk', events every third Saturday of the month, but let us plan one for your group!

Start your day touring ArtSpace, a nationally known artist in residence community that creates, fosters and preserves affordable space for artists and arts organizations. Create your own art at 'A piece of my Art', group painting class, or 'Margaritas and Senoritas', a jewelry-making class.

Speaking of crafts, your group can experience over 100 craft beers at Green Town Tavern, which pays homage to hometown author, Ray Bradbury. Learn about Bradbury from a local historian during a craft beer tasting and how he based his fictional, 'Green Town,' on Waukegan.

See the Carnegie Library building which may be restored soon. The library was a love of Ray Bradbury and he used it in a pivotal scene in his book, "Something Wicked This Way Comes." Afterwards, tour the stunning Genesee Theatre, built in the 1920s as a movie palace. Another Waukegan native, Jack Benny, held movie premieres at the Genesee Theatre, which brought in celebrities like Clark Gable and Myrna Loy. The theatre currently showcases concerts, musicals, comedians and special events such as their annual storytelling event.

A drive along the Amstutz Highway, or 'the highway to nowhere,' has been used for many film scenes. Chicago Fire episodes, The Dark Knight, Groundhog Day, Contagion, The Blues Brothers and many more film scenes were shot here. Film Enthusiast? Watch out for revamped, 'Always a Groundhog, Never a Bride,' itinerary coming soon!

Drive along Grand Avenue, watch for the three Price homes. These homes were owned by Dr. Vincent C. Price, grandfather to actor, Vincent Price. Dr. Price invented baking powder and made a fortune for the family in Waukegan, where the actor has visited.

This tour makes for a great mystery trip or day adventure. We can extend your visit with a performance at the Genesee Theatre. Known as the City of Progress, Waukegan is always changing and your group will be pleasantly surprised to experience this Lake County gem!

However you choose to piece together your tour, your knowledgeable Lake County coordinator Jayne Nordstrom will be on hand to assist you.