Gurnee is a village located in Lake County, Illinois, United States. Situated approximately 40 miles north of downtown Chicago, Gurnee is a…
Best for you if…
Gurnee is a strong pick for family vacation & shopping — plan about 3-5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.
Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 90/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈13 km span)
High season: Summer
Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · November · December
50°F - 70°F
50°F - 70°F
70°F - 90°F
20°F - 40°F
Gurnee, a charming village located in Lake County, Illinois, is a popular tourist destination known for its thrilling amusement parks, beautiful nature preserves, and excellent shopping opportunities. Whether you're a local looking for a day trip or a visitor planning a vacation, here are some ways to reach Gurnee:
If you're traveling from a distant location, the most convenient way to reach Gurnee is by flying into O'Hare International Airport, which is approximately 34 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car, hire a taxi, or use a ridesharing service to reach Gurnee. Alternatively, you can also fly into Midway International Airport, which is about 50 miles away.
Gurnee is easily accessible by car as it is conveniently located near major highways. If you're driving from Chicago, you can take I-94 North and exit at Grand Avenue (IL-132) to reach Gurnee. From Milwaukee, you can take I-94 South and exit at Grand Avenue (IL-132) as well. The village is also well-connected to nearby cities and towns via a network of roads, making it easily reachable by car.
If you prefer public transportation, you can reach Gurnee by train. The Metra Union Pacific North Line provides service to the nearby Waukegan station. From there, you can take a taxi or use a ridesharing service to reach Gurnee, which is approximately 6 miles away.
Another option to reach Gurnee is by bus. The Pace Bus system operates several routes that connect Gurnee to neighboring towns and cities. You can check the Pace website for specific bus routes and schedules to plan your journey accordingly.
If you're a nature enthusiast or a local resident, you can explore Gurnee and its surroundings by bike or foot. The village has well-maintained trails and paths, allowing you to enjoy a scenic journey while reaching your destination.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Gurnee is relatively easy and convenient. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted with a wide range of attractions, including Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Mills Mall, and the beautiful Des Plaines River Trail. Enjoy your visit to this vibrant village!
Gurnee is a village located in Lake County, Illinois, United States. Situated approximately 40 miles north of downtown Chicago, Gurnee is a thriving suburban community with a diverse population. The village is known for being home to several popular tourist attractions, including the world-renowned Six Flags Great America amusement park and the Gurnee Mills shopping mall, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
Gurnee is a family-friendly community, boasting excellent public schools, well-maintained parks, and a variety of recreational activities. The village takes pride in its commitment to education, with several top-rated schools serving the area, including Warren Township High School, which consistently ranks among the best in the state. The community also values its green spaces, with numerous parks and nature preserves offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
In addition to its attractions and amenities, Gurnee benefits from its strategic location. With easy access to major highways, including Interstate 94, the village offers convenient transportation options for its residents. This proximity to major roadways allows for easy commuting to nearby employment centers, as well as access to a wide range of dining, entertainment, and shopping options in the surrounding areas.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
45 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
~0.6 km · 4 places
~0 km · 2 places
~1.1 km · 2 places
~1.8 km · 5 places
~2 km · 2 places
~2.3 km · 2 places
~1.1 km · 2 places
~4.3 km · 7 places
~15.3 km · 6 places
~2.2 km · 4 places
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~1.8 km path
~11.3 km path
~9.9 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Gurnee, United States.
High season is typically Summer.
Travelers often find better value in January, February, November, December.
Gurnee suits Family Vacation, Shopping, Outdoor Activities.
Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.
Visit Six Flags Great America amusement park
Add Gurnee and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes
Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.
United States
Abington is a small town located in the southeastern part of the United States. Situated in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, it is a suburb…
United States
Adams Morgan, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that offers a unique blend of cultures and ex…
Mexico
Aduana Del Sasabe is a significant border crossing point located in Mexico. It serves as an essential gateway between Mexico and the United…
United States
Alberton is a small town located in Mineral County, Montana, United States. Situated in the western part of the state, Alberton is nestled…
United States
Alief is a neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Houston, Texas, United States. It is a diverse and culturally rich community th…
United States
Allentown is a city located in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, United States. With a population of over 120,000, it is the third-largest…
Nearby places worth adding to your trip
United States
Gages Lake is a charming community located in the United States. Situated in the state of Illinois, this small village offers a tranquil an…
United States
Grandwood Park is a charming residential community located in the United States. Situated in the state of Illinois, this place offers a tra…
United States
Waukegan is a vibrant city located in the northeastern part of the United States, specifically in the state of Illinois.
United States
Third Lake is a village located in Lake County, Illinois, United States. Situated approximately 40 miles north of downtown Chicago, Third L…
United States
Grayslake is a village in Lake County, Illinois, United States. It is located approximately 40 miles north of Chicago and has a population…
United States
Green Oaks is a charming town located in the United States. Situated in the heart of the country, Green Oaks is known for its picturesque l…
United States
North Chicago is a city located in Lake County, Illinois, United States. It is a suburb of the larger city of Chicago and is situated on th…
United States
Libertyville is a charming suburban town located in Lake County, Illinois, United States. With a population of approximately 20,000 people,…
