African American Museum at England Manor
In the heart of Waukegan, lies a treasure trove of Black history, art and culture. The African American Museum at the England Manor, one of its most captivating exhibits, delves into the transformative period of the "Great Migration". This epoch reshaped the landscape of African American life in profound ways. During the Great Migration, from 1916-1970, millions of African Americans moved from the rural Southern states to the urban centers of the North, Midwest and West. The museum highlights the pivotal role of educational institutions like Howard University, nurturing black excellence and enlightenment since 1867. It pays tribute to the courageous Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military aviators, who defied racial prejudices during World War II. The museum also features Afro picks, symbols of cultural pride and natural hair acceptance, showcasing the era's cultural renaissance. Ultimately, the museum stands as a testament to the strength, creativity and resilience of the African-American community, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and inspiring hope for a more inclusive future.
The African American Museum at The England Manor, 503 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
"If you're in the know of where to hold 'em and when to fold 'em," visit the land of lakes newest attraction, American Place Casino. The Waukegan facility is temporarily housed in a sprung tent featuring slots, table games, three restaurants and a sportsbook. The permanent casino will be built adjacent to the temporary site, slated to be completed in 2025. The sportsbook is located in the casino's former poker room and features a dedicated wagering area with 12 self-serve betting kiosks, physical ticket windows and digital boards with real-time odds. Illinois residents can place online bets all day, while out-of-state dwellers, especially Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri natives can also wager on the app, but they must be within the Land of Lincoln's border. Bettors can catch all the sports action on 36 TVs. Sportsbook wagerers can also place bets online. But for now, "luck be a lady tonight!"
American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Pl., Waukegan.
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Designed by James Foulis in 1926, 'The Brook" ranks among the top 50 golf facilities in the Chicagoland area, catering to scratch golfers and brand-new players as well. The Waukegan links are known for its challenging layout, well-maintained fairways and greens, and beautiful setting. Bonnie Brook has been consistently ranked among the top 50 public golf courses in the Chicago area. The course offers gift certificates to you for next season.
Bonnie Brook Golf Course, 2800 N. Lewis Ave., Waukegan.
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The historic park in the City of Progress is known for its environmental learning stations representing a forest ecosystem, plus playgrounds and spray area for the kiddies. There is also an exercise trail in the park. The Waukegan Park District area has lush trees and sprawling fields and has a cascade of wonderful colors during the autumn and winter season for your festive fall photo.
Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan.
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The gallery, which plays off Greentown legend Ray Bradbury, is an exceptional art collective and studio committed to promoting artists, while also providing education to those who are interested inthe scene. The Waukegan gallery provides a ton of events for you to create a wonderful holiday gift for a special someone, but also to marvel throughout the season at Peggy Raasch and Tobi Star Abrams work.
Through December 31; various times. Dandelion Art Gallery and Studio, 109 S. Genesee St., Waukegan.
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The celebrated Genesee Theatre in Waukegan is a regal theatre built in 1928, dripping with that roaring 20s charm. The auditorium seats over 2,400 attendees. Star-studded acts have graced this stage from the likes of Smokey Robinson, the Manhattan Transfer, the Beach Boys, Styx, LeAnn Rimes, Boyz II Men, Jerry Seinfeld, Jack Hanna, Ben Folds, Kristin Chenoweth, John Mulaney, Jay Leno, Wayne Brady, Modest Mouse and so many more. During the holiday season, you can witness Jo Koy, Jay Leno, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, "A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage," Dancenter North's "The Magic of the Nutcracker" and more.
Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
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Named after Waukegan's own native son and national treasure (actor Jack Benny), this excellent arts facility champions fine arts instruction in music, dance, theatre, art and traditional crafts. The Waukegan Park District facility also hosts educational lecture programs. During the holiday season, individuals will perform the age-old story of "Miracle on 34th Street."
Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Dr., Waukegan.
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Discover a unique blend of flavors and entertainment at Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing, a Waukegan gem celebrating the city's own Ray Bradbury. With up to 22 traditional and experimental beers brewed on-site, indulge in a diverse tap list. Catch live music events featuring swing, jazz, rockabilly and more. Family-friendly and equipped with a variety of board games, this brewery is just steps from the Genesee Theatre. Host to various food trucks and pop-up kitchens, visit their Facebook page for updates on indoor and outdoor options. A howler and/or growler are great options for a present.
Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Co., 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan.
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Three Brother's mission is to create a theatre community where artists and audiences can grow. We do this by exploring diversity of production, expanding opportunities for theatre artists, deepening the relationship with the audience and opening doors for community involvement. Theatre offers a variety of shows including shows for young audiences. The theatre performs "A Karoake Christmas" during the holiday season.
Three Brothers Theatre, 115 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
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This large fitness center features an indoor track, an eight-lane lap pool, a three-story climbing wall and a six-court gym for hoops and volleyball nets. The Waukegan Park District fieldhouse also has a sauna and steam room.
Waukegan Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatic Center, 800 Baldwin Ave., Waukegan.
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The City of Progress museum proudly presents "Waukegan's Past-Time," a captivating exhibition that delves into the deep-rooted love affair between "Greentown" and baseball since the late 1850s. From the town's very first recorded team in 1859 to the formation of iconic clubs like the Athletic Baseball Club and the Belvidere National and Waukegan Baseball Clubs in the early 1870s, baseball became an integral part of Waukegan's cultural fabric. Through vintage photographs, historical accounts and memorabilia, the exhibit paints a vivid picture of the town's baseball heritage, celebrating the triumphs and defeats, the community spirit and the enduring passion baseball has inspired for generations. Visitors step back in time, immersing themselves in the nostalgia of neighborhood fields, championships won and lost and the timeless joy found in America's favorite pastime. "Waukegan's Past-Time" is more than a sports exhibition; it's a heartfelt tribute to the town's history, teamwork and the enduring spirit of camaraderie that baseball has fostered in Waukegan.
Waukegan History Museum at Bowen Park. 1917 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan.
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Devoted to preserving one of Lake County's most vibrant, historic communities on the shore of Lake Michigan. Visit the theater, get a bite to eat at one of their many great eateries or spend a day on the water. Don't forget to make a stop at the Waukegan Arts Council to get the latest in magnificent art mediums. Continue to scroll to get a full feel of what this metropolis has at its disposal in the guide to the City of Waukegan.
Waukegan Main Street, 100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan.
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This beach is open shine, rain or even snow. The beach features one mile of sand that is groomed daily, along with some of the area's only natural dunes in the area. The Stiner Pavilion on the beach hosts their concert series every Tuesday during the summer. Recreational activities include swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and sand volleyball. Not only is it a great location for a holiday card snap, but it's also home to the renowned Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge.
Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 Seahorse Dr., Waukegan.
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Fourteen fields of dreams for softball, soccer and flag football at this 138-acre athletic complex. The facility hosts local, regional and national athletic events, youth and adult rec leagues.
Waukegan SportsPark, 3391 W. Beach Rd., Waukegan.
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ZümBier Brewery stands as a testament to the craft of brewing, offering an exquisite selection of small-batch beers crafted with precision and passion. Visitors can enjoy the immersive experience of brewery tours, fill their growlers with the finest brews and explore delightful food pairings in the taproom. Beyond the brewery's doors, ZümBier's exceptional beers are available at various local taverns and stores, spreading their craft across the community. For the latest information on indoor, outdoor or delivery services, visit zumbier.com and savor the distinctive flavors of ZümBier Brewery.
Zümbier Brewery, 3232 W. Monroe St., Waukegan.
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For other holiday happenings in Lake County, continue here. For more about the City of Waukegan, click here.
