Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie

1 North Sheridan Road Waukegan, IL 60085

Phone: 847.336.1859

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The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie is located in the heart of downtown Waukegan 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 personal 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. Admission runs from $3-$10. Children ages six and under receive free admission. Group sizes of six or more are provided with group pricing.

Hours of Operation

Wednesday - Friday 11AM - 4PM Saturday 11AM - 3PM

Feb. 4 - Feb. 28

The Tarver Family: Black Pioneers of Waukegan at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie

02/04/26 - 02/28/26
Discover the story of the Tarver family—early Black pioneers in Wauke...

Feb. 7

CANCELED: Junior Curators at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie

02/07/26
*** Event Cancelled ***Imagine stepping into a museum and there is nothing ...

Feb. 19

The History of Trinity A.M.E. Church and the Lake County African American Community at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie

02/19/26
Dr. Gregory Gordon, Professor of History at College of Lake County, tells t...

Feb. 19

Museum After Dark Program: The History of Trinity A.M.E. Church and the Lake County African American Community in Waukegan

02/19/26
The Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society are partneri...

Mar. 5

Women's International Celebration at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts

03/05/26
The Waukegan Park District is celebrating International Women's Day on ...

Mar. 14

History Detectives at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie

03/14/26
Step into the shoes of a young investigator solving puzzles, following clue...

Mar. 19

Extraordinary Ordinary Women at Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie

03/19/26
Mildred Johnson, a pilot, started a successful air-delivery service in the ...

May. 21

The Bonds of War: 96th Illinois Infantry and the Union Cause at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie

05/21/26
Diana Dretske will present on how a photo portrait of unidentified Union so...

Jun. 20 - Jun. 21

Little Fort Film Festival at the Waukegan Historical Museum at the Carnegie

06/20/26 - 06/21/26
The Little Fort Film Festival is a two-day international film festival on t...