Drone at Dawn: Waukegan

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) -- ABC7's Drone at Dawn flew over north suburban Waukegan Thursday morning.

Here are some fun facts from the city:

-Waukegan was first visited by Pere Marquette in 1673, is one of the oldest communities in Illinois. The city started as a French trading post and as the Potawatomi Indian settlement known as "Little Fort".

-Waukegan was first founded as a city in 1849 and now is the 9th largest community in Illinois.

-Waukegan natives include radio and television star, Jack Benny, science fiction author and futurist, Ray Bradbury, and champion quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, Otto Graham.

-Waukegan is home to the Genesee Theatre that reopened on December 3, 2004. This 2,400 seat entertainment facility hosts world-class talent and has featured such notables as Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Ringo Starr, Kenny G, Foreigner, and Barenaked Ladies.

-The Waukegan Harbor & Marina consists of nearly 700 slips and can accommodate almost any boater's needs. Their facility offers full-service amenities including; boater concierge services, courtesy bikes, shower & laundry facilities, public launch ramps, satellite TV connections at every slip, and free WiFi.

-The Waukegan Municipal Beach features one mile of sand along with some of the only remaining natural dunes in the area. Recreational activities include swimming, kite surfing, sunbathing, picnicking, live concerts, and sand volleyball.

-The Waukegan National Airport is a full service public airport offering the best in convenience, customer care and value located just 35 miles north of Chicago. Some of the more outstanding features include an Instrument Landing System, Manned Air Traffic Control Tower and even a US Customs office which provides clearances for direct international arrivals. Waukegan National Airport has reached prominence as a base of operations for "Chicagoland's Fortune 500 Flyers."

-Waukegan's monthly ArtWauk art event is held is every third Saturday of the month in Downtown Waukegan's Arts and Entertainment District and the community boasts more than eight art galleries and four performing arts venues.

-Waukegan is accessible by all means of transportation including via Metra. Metra provides quick and easy daily service between Waukegan and downtown Chicago via the Union Pacific/North Line.

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