Waukegan is a city located in Lake County, Illinois, 35 miles north of Chicago. It is known as a port city due to its proximity to the northern end of Lake Michigan. It is home to many parks, trails and beaches, making it a great spot for outdoor recreation. Waukegan is also home to a range of cultural attractions, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, making it perfect for a first date.
1. Waukegan parks and places for a walk on a first date
No matter the season, a first date in Waukegan can include a walk in any of the city’s beautiful parks. Lake County Forest Preserve has several trails and nature centers which are perfect for exploring. Lawrence Opeka Park is also a great spot for walking or biking and you can also explore the Pottawatomie Greenway Nature Path, which is a three mile multi-use path connecting to the Waukegan River Trail.
2. Places for a coffee date in Waukegan
There are plenty of options for coffee in Waukegan. One of the most popular places is The Foundry Coffee House, which has a cozy atmosphere and serves specialty coffees and teas. Other good options include Third Coast Café, where you can grab a latte or an espresso, or The Coffee Room, where you can also get delicious sandwiches and snacks.
3. Waukegan galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
For those looking for something a bit more cultural, Waukegan has several museums and galleries. Waukegan History, Arts and Culture Center offers different exhibits on local history and culture, perfect for sparking conversation. The Waukegan Arts and Arts Council organizes art exhibitions throughout the year, and the Waukegan Public Library hosts book readings and lectures.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Waukegan
Live entertainment is another great option for a first date in Waukegan. Genesee Theatre hosts a range of concerts, comedy shows and musicals, while Waukegan events like SummerFests and the Waukegan Music Festival offer live music and entertainment.
5. Waukegan pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Waukegan has many restaurants and bars for a first date. For a casual drink, there is the Marz Community Brewing Company, which has craft beers and ciders. Or, for a more formal dinner, The Grillhouse offers delicious steaks and seafood. There is also White Oak Brewing Company, where you can find unique craft beers and pub food.
6. Other date ideas to try in Waukegan
Other date ideas for Waukegan include visiting the Waukegan SportsPort for a round of mini golf and other sports activities, or checking out the Sk8erz Skate Park for some rollerblading. You can also visit the Green Town Farmers Market for some browsing and to pick up some unique souvenirs. For a unique experience, take a tour at J.R. Kasmir Distillery to learn about the doings and tastings of small batch spirits.
