Family Day (the day before graduation)
ThursdayMost branches hold a family event the day before: a short ceremony, then time with your recruit on base. Check your unit's schedule.
- FreeChicago Botanic Garden (parking fee).
- EatGurnee Mills food court
Navy Recruit Training Command Great Lakes graduation: family guide to Great Lakes and North Chicago
Every Friday, all yearGreat Lakes and North Chicago, United States
Every week, families fly to Great Lakes and North Chicago for Navy Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, often with two days and no plan. This guide covers base access basics, where to stay, what to do after the ceremony and the area if your recruit has to stay close.
Know before you go
- Pass in Review (graduation) happens most weeks; guests register in advance through the recruit's division.
- Check the RTC page for the current day of the week and guest limits.
- Bring a REAL ID-compliant photo ID and check the base visitor rules: everyone in the car is screened.
- Hotels near the base fill on graduation weeks. Book as soon as your recruit's graduation date is confirmed.
Airport to Recruit Training Command, Naval Station Great Lakes
O'Hare (ORD) is 40 to 60 minutes away; Milwaukee (MKE) is 50 minutes.
Metra UP-North to Great Lakes station, or drive and park in the designated lots.
Public transport directions to Recruit Training Command, Naval Station Great Lakes
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Gurnee | Chains by the outlet mall and Six Flags, 15 minutes from the gate. |
| Mid-range | Waukegan and Libertyville | Closest hotels. |
| Splurge | Downtown Chicago | A day of sightseeing after graduation, 1 hour away. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago-North Shore
- Mid-range: Hyatt Place Chicago/Lombard
- Splurge: The Langham, Chicago
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual graduation weekend schedule. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Graduation day
FridayThe ceremony is in the morning. Many graduates leave the base with family right after.
- Easy outingChicago architecture river cruise
- EatWaukegan harbor restaurants
The day after
SaturdayIf your graduate has leave, take a full day out. If not, see the area on your own.
- Half-dayChicago Bahá'í Temple and North Shore drive
- Family pickSix Flags Great America
Arriving early
Flights and hotels near bases fill up. Arriving a day early gives you a free day.
- Full dayMilwaukee day trip
- Rain or heat backupGreat Lakes Naval Museum (check access).
Family-friendly picks
- Six Flags Great America.
- KeyLime Cove water park.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Downtown Chicago.
4 tours worth booking for Great Lakes
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee day trip | Full day | Food lovers |
| Six Flags Great America | Full day | Families |
| Chicago architecture river cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Chicago Bahá'í Temple and North Shore drive | Half day | Tired legs |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Gurnee Mills mall.
- Great Lakes Naval Museum (check access).
Getting around on event days
- Metra Union Pacific North line runs from Chicago to Great Lakes station. Pass in Review needs registration and ID.
Day trips from Great Lakes and North Chicago
- Chicago: 1 hour
- Milwaukee: 50 minutes
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Great Lakes.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Navy Recruit Training Command Great Lakes?
Navy Recruit Training Command Great Lakes takes place every friday throughout the year.
How do I get from the airport to Recruit Training Command, Naval Station Great Lakes?
O'Hare (ORD) is 40 to 60 minutes away; Milwaukee (MKE) is 50 minutes. Metra UP-North to Great Lakes station, or drive and park in the designated lots.
Where should I stay for Navy Recruit Training Command Great Lakes?
For most visitors the best base is Waukegan and Libertyville: Closest hotels.
What else can we do around Navy Recruit Training Command Great Lakes?
Good short outings in Great Lakes and North Chicago include Chicago architecture river cruise, Chicago Bahá'í Temple and North Shore drive. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Navy Recruit Training Command Great Lakes?
Family-friendly picks: Six Flags Great America, Chicago architecture river cruise. Six Flags Great America.
How far is Recruit Training Command, Naval Station Great Lakes from Great Lakes and North Chicago centre?
About 1 km in a straight line. Metra UP-North to Great Lakes station, or drive and park in the designated lots.
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