Visit Us
Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie
The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie is located in the heart of downtown overlooking Lake Michigan. Built in 1903, this magnificent historic landmark and regional treasure has been beautifully restored and is now a go-to destination for residents and visitors alike. The new museum highlights Waukegan’s history from the Ice Age through the 21st century. Also on display is the private book collection of world-renowned author and Waukegan-native Ray Bradbury. The museum features rotating exhibits and hosts a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Getting There
1 North Sheridan Road
Waukegan, IL 60085
Hours
Wednesday–Friday, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Saturday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Holiday Notice: We will be closed Friday, July 3rd, and Saturday, July 4th, 2026.
Haines House Museum at Bowen Park
The Haines House Museum in Bowen Park represents life in the 1870s and also features the story of beautiful and historic Bowen Park. Highlights include the bed Abraham Lincoln slept on while visiting the city, artifacts of the Bowen Country Club founded by Jane Addams and Louise DeKoven Bowen of Chicago’s Hull House, and three original paintings by former Waukegan resident Kate Cory, a prolific artist who lived among the Hopi people.
The Haines House Museum is the former home of John C. Haines, a past mayor of Chicago, Illinois. It was built about 1843, making it one of the oldest surviving buildings in Lake County. It was enlarged to its present size in the 1870s.
Today, the Museum portrays life of the late Victorian period through the use of carefully researched wallpapers, carpets, drapes, light fixtures and period furnishings from prominent Waukegan families.
The rich history of Waukegan is found throughout the museum in the form of exhibits, photographs and artifacts.
Getting There
1917 N. Sheridan Road
Waukegan, IL 60087
Hours
Saturdays, 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
Special tours and appointments may also be requested.
Holiday Notice: We will be closed Saturday, July 4th, 2026.
Admission is free.
Waukegan Historical Society Research Archives
The Research Archives prides itself on extensive collections related to Waukegan history, including but not limited to books, photographs, city directories, scrapbooks, high school yearbooks, postcards, and extensive files on people, places, and events. The US EPA Archive of the Waukegan Harbor and surrounding areas is available for research by appointment only.
Getting There
1 North Sheridan Road
Waukegan, IL 60085
Hours
Wednesday–Friday, 11:00 AM–2:30 PM
Appointment recommended.
Holiday Notice: We will be closed Friday, July 3rd, and Saturday, July 4th, 2026.
Waukegan Carnegie Library Restoration Project
Read more about the history of Waukegan’s Carnegie Library and its restoration.
Admission
Resident Non-Resident
Adult $6 $10
Senior (60+) $3 $6
Student (18-25) $3 $6
Military/Veteran $3 $6
Youth (6-17) $3 $6
Under 6 Free Free
Historical Society Members Free Free
Group Ticket Packages
15 persons or more – $4 each
6–12 persons with guided tour – $20 each
Parking
Free parking is conveniently located in Municipal Lot F (SW corner of Sheridan Road and Washington St, entrance on Water St). There are spots designated for the museum.
Accessibility
Our museum and research archives are wheelchair accessible, with an entrance ramp and elevator for easy navigation. Use the alternate north entrance. Accessible parking spaces onsite (2) and across the street (Lot F). If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us at 847-336-1859.
FAQs
-
Admission fees to the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie range from $3 to $10 with discounted fees for residents, seniors, military/veterans, students and youth. Children under 6 are free. Discounted group pricing is offered for groups of 15 or more people. See the Admission section for more information.
There is no charge to visit the Haines House Museum in Bowen Park. -
The Waukegan Historical Society’s extensive research archives are now housed at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie, 1 N. Sheridan Road. The archives are open Wednesday–Friday, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, and by appointment.
For more information or to make an appointment, visit the Research page.
-
Yes! We offer a range of educational programs presented by our knowledgeable staff historians, including for school groups. Programs range from 45 minutes to an hour, and many are multimedia presentations with hands-on activities. We also offer guided museum tours, guided bus tours, classroom presentations and library research for all grades. For more information and to schedule a program, visit the Education page.