Directions to Great Lakes Naval Base

From the east and south: Connect to I-294 (Illinois Tollway) north. The Tollway system actually calls the direction “west”. Just follow the signs that say “Wisconsin” and you will be safe. I-294 will merge with I-94 and the road will then be called I-94. Follow I-94 north and exit at Route 137 also called Buckley Road. At the end of the exit ramp, turn RIGHT on Buckley Rd., heading east. You will pass Waukegan Road (Rt.43), and the next traffic light will be Route 41. Continue on across Route 41. You will see the Veteran’s Administration Hospital a little further down on your right. Go to “Going on the naval base instructions” below.

From the north (Wisconsin): Take I-94 south. After you cross the Wisconsin/Illinois state line, stay in the LEFT lane. Exit to your LEFT onto Route 41. Continue south on Route 41 for approximately 10 miles. Once you see the exit for “Grand Avenue and Washington Street” you will see a traffic light for an industrial park on your right. The next traffic light will be Martin Luther King Drive (or22nd Street). Get into the LEFT lane AFTER you cross MLk Drive. The next light will be Route 137 (Buckley Road). Turn LEFT(east) onto Buckley Road and you will immediately cross a set of RR tracks. A bit further down you will see the Veterans Administration Hospital on the right. Go to “Going on the naval base instructions” below.

From O’Hare Airport: Take I-190 East to exit 1C and merge onto I-294 North toward Milwaukee. Then follow above instructions for directions “From the east and south”.

From the West: Take I-80 east to Illinois. Take Exit 4B to merge onto I-88 E/IL92 E toward Sterling/Rock Falls. Take exit for I-294 North and the follow instructions above for “From the east and south”.

Going on the Naval Base: Once you cross the railroad tracks, stay in the RIGHT lane. The road will go under another set of railroad tracks and wind around to your left. At the top of the hill will be a traffic light. This will be Sheridan Road. Turn RIGHT on Sheridan Road. About a block down, you will come to the main gate on your right. Turn RIGHT at the main gate traffic light and follow “SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS” for entering the base.

Special Instructions for entering the base: When entering the base for the wedding, please disregard the sign that says, “All Visitors use 2^nd left”. Make a RIGHT turn for the main gate. Your name will be on a master list at the main gate. Mention that you are attending the Schwabauer/Rydbeck wedding at the Port ‘O Call and have your driver’s license, proof of insurance and car registration out and ready to show the guard. If you are using a rental car, have your driver’s license and car rental papers ready.