Waukegan is located in northeast Illinois in Lake County (of which it is the county seat). It lies on the shores of Lake Michigan about 10 miles south of the Wisconsin border. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was about 76,000, an increase of 6,519 since 1990.
The town's moniker is taken from the Potawatomi Indian translation of "Little Fort"--its original name. It became the county seat after a short time in Libertyville.
Nationally recognized Shimer College relocated to Waukegan from Mt. Carroll in 1978.
Outdoor recreation includes outings to 4,160-acre Illinois Beach State Park which lies just north of the city. Its acreage encompasses 6.5 scenic miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. In addition, golfers always enjoy the challenge of Orchard Hills Country Club.