Where is North Chicago, Illinois

North Chicago is a city in northeastern Illinois, located in Lake County along the western shore of Lake Michigan. It sits about 35 miles north of downtown Chicago and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The city is known for Naval Station Great Lakes, the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and its lakefront setting. North Chicago also serves as an important center for military training, healthcare, and education.

Location Map of North Chicago, Lake County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of North Chicago in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

North Chicago Map, Illinois

Where is North Chicago Located?

North Chicago is a city located in Lake County, Illinois, the United States. It lies along the western shore of Lake Michigan, about 35 miles north of downtown Chicago and roughly 5 miles south of Waukegan. Lake Bluff is about 3 miles east, while Libertyville is around 7 miles west. North Chicago is positioned near 42.326° North latitude and 87.841° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 30,759 residents. The city covers about 7.14 square miles, or 18.49 square kilometers, including land and water. Lake Michigan is the city's most prominent geographic feature, forming its eastern boundary and providing a distinctive waterfront setting. Naval Station Great Lakes is North Chicago's best-known landmark and is the home of the United States Navy's only boot camp. Nearby attractions include Illinois Beach State Park, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. North Chicago was incorporated as a city in 1901 after developing from an industrial and residential settlement. A unique fact about the city is its long connection with the U.S. Navy, with Naval Station Great Lakes operating in the area since 1911.

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North Chicago City Facts

Distance from North Chicago, IL to Nearby Cities

• Waukegan, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Lake Bluff, IL – 3 miles (5 km)
• North Chicago, IL – 0 miles (0 km)
• Libertyville, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
• Gurnee, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Highland Park, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
• Vernon Hills, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Mundelein, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
• Lake Forest, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Deerfield, IL – 17 miles (27 km)
• Buffalo Grove, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Arlington Heights, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Elgin, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Evanston, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Des Plaines, IL – 28 miles (45 km)
• Chicago, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Joliet, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
• Rockford, IL – 75 miles (121 km)

Top Attractions in North Chicago, IL

• Naval Station Great Lakes – The major U.S. Navy installation in North Chicago and home to the Navy's only enlisted recruit training facility.
• Great Lakes Naval Museum – A nearby naval history attraction featuring exhibits and artifacts connected to the history of Naval Station Great Lakes.
• Lake Michigan Waterfront – The lakefront provides scenic views, beaches, boating opportunities, and access to the wider Great Lakes shoreline.
• Illinois Beach State Park – A nearby state park with beaches, dunes, wetlands, prairies, hiking trails, and diverse plant and wildlife habitats.
• Chicago Botanic Garden – A major botanical garden in nearby Glencoe featuring landscaped gardens, walking paths, plant collections, and seasonal displays.
• Genesee Theatre – A historic theater in nearby Waukegan that hosts concerts, comedy shows, performances, and community events.
• Waukegan Harbor – A nearby Lake Michigan harbor with boating facilities, waterfront views, and access to the lakefront recreation area.
• Des Plaines River Trail – A regional trail system offering walking, cycling, and nature viewing through northern Lake County.

Airports Near North Chicago, IL

• Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) – 20 miles
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 30 miles
• Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW) – 30 miles
• DuPage Airport (DPA) – 45 miles
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 50 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official North Chicago city website and local government records.

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