Great Lakes, IL Area Guide

Naval Station Great Lakes was established in 1911, and the original 39 buildings constructed between 1905 and 1911 remain a defining feature of the area. The station sprawls across more than 1,600 acres along Lake Michigan's western shore, and several of those early structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving the base a distinct architectural character rooted in early 20th-century military design. The National Museum of the American Sailor, located on base, offers an in-depth look at enlisted naval history and serves as an accessible cultural anchor for anyone living in or near the community. Known within the Navy as "The Quarterdeck of the Navy," Naval Station Great Lakes has played a central role in naval training through every major chapter of modern American history, and that legacy is woven into the landscape residents encounter daily.

Dining in and around Great Lakes centers on the surrounding communities of North Chicago, Waukegan, and Lake Bluff, which together offer a wide range of options to suit the area's on-the-go population. Residents enjoy everything from casual spots in North Chicago to traditional dining in nearby Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. On-base, the Navy Exchange and dining facilities keep daily meals convenient, while Sheridan Road serves as a natural corridor connecting residents to the broader dining landscape along Chicago's North Shore.

Getting around Great Lakes centers on a combination of car travel and Metra commuter rail. Sheridan Road serves as the main corridor through the area, connecting the base to surrounding communities. The Metra UP-North Line is a standout option, with the Great Lakes Station just over a half mile from the base, providing direct service to downtown Chicago for those who need city access. Additional Metra stations in North Chicago, Lake Bluff, and Lake Forest are all within a short drive. For air travel, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is about 29 miles away, roughly a 40-minute drive. Pace suburban bus service also operates in the area, and rideshare options are available for local trips.

The area surrounding Great Lakes sits close to several natural retreats that make outdoor time easy to enjoy. Oriole Grove Forest Preserve, known as Jensen Woods, is just a short drive away and offers wooded trails and quiet green space, while the Greenbelt Cultural Center provides a blend of natural landscapes and open grounds. The Skokie River Nature Preserve and Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve offer additional opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation in a more rural setting. Nearby, the Wildlife Discovery Center houses an impressive animal collection, and Lake Michigan's shoreline provides a scenic natural backdrop for walks and relaxation. Six Flags Great America is also accessible for those seeking a livelier outdoor experience.

Everyday shopping needs are well covered near Great Lakes, with the Great Lakes Ship Yard shopping center within a few minutes' drive. The Sheridan Road corridor also offers a convenient stretch of retail options close to the base. Residents seeking a broader range of stores can head to the nearby communities of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, where boutique shops and specialty retailers round out the mix. Those with base access can also take advantage of the on-base Navy Exchange and commissary for everyday essentials at military pricing.

Great Lakes, Illinois, is defined by Naval Station Great Lakes, the U.S. Navy's only boot camp and largest training installation in the country, spread across more than 1,600 acres along Lake Michigan. Metra's UP-North Line offers a direct connection to downtown Chicago roughly 40 minutes away.