Naval Station Great Lakes is an active United States Navy installation in the North Chicago area of Illinois. It sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan, between Chicago and Milwaukee. This guide covers directions, visitor access, housing, schools, child care, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Naval Station Great Lakes
Military branch United States Navy
Base status Active
Street address 2601 E. Paul Jones Street, Great Lakes, IL 60088-2845
Main phone number 847-688-3500
Visitor Center phone 847-688-3928
Official website Naval Station Great Lakes official website

Location and Directions

Naval Station Great Lakes is about 3 miles east of U.S. Route 41. It is about 15 miles east of Interstate 94/294 at U.S. Route 137, also called Buckley Road. Chicago O’Hare, Chicago Midway, and Milwaukee Mitchell are regional airport options. Metra, Pace, and CTA services are also available in the region.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center is at 2535 Sheridan Road, Building 6130, Room 105. Call 847-688-3928 before traveling, especially if you are not connected to the military. Access is controlled, and all people and vehicles may be inspected by Navy security personnel or military working dogs.

Gate hours vary. Gates 1, 6, and 7 are open 24 hours. Gate 4 allows only pedestrian traffic. Gates 3, 5, and 7A have limited or closed access. Recruit graduation events may have separate registration rules. Confirm current gate and visitor rules before you go.

Housing and Lodging

Hunt Military Communities manages Great Lakes Family Housing. Call 847-999-6228. The Housing Service Center can help with housing choices and asks service members to check in before arranging off-base housing; call 847-688-3440, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Unaccompanied housing is at 2221 MacDonough Street, Building 617, Room 217. Call 847-688-2590, extension 218. Navy Lodge is at 2500 Meridian Drive; call 847-689-5000. Reservations are available at 800-628-9466 for Navy Lodge and 877-628-9233 for Navy Gateway Inns and Suites. Eligibility, space, and identification rules should be confirmed before booking.

Facilities and Services

The installation provides base support for tenant commands and elements. Tenants include Recruit Training Command, Naval Service Training Command, Naval Reserve Center Great Lakes, and the Naval Medical Readiness Training Command/Federal Health Care Center.

The Visitor Control Center handles visitor passes and identification questions at Building 6130, Room 105. The chapel is at 2630 Ohio Avenue and can be reached at 847-688-4461. Call the base operator at 847-688-3500 for current installation information.

Schools and Childcare

There are no Department of Defense schools in the Great Lakes area. Families generally use nearby Illinois public-school districts. Families in Great Lakes government housing are associated with North Chicago Community Unit School District 187, but school assignment depends on residence and grade level. Illinois schools may require proof of residency, immunization records, and health examinations.

The School Liaison is at 1710 Cavin Drive, Building 8100. Call 847-489-4231, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Military families can request installation child care through MilitaryChildCare.com. The two Child Development Centers are open Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; call 847-688-4470 for Building 2700 or 847-688-5662 for Building 3110.

Medical Services

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Fisher Health Clinic Great Lakes, is at 3001 North Green Bay Road in North Chicago. Call 224-610-1900. The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and supports eligible active-duty personnel, beneficiaries, and other authorized patients based on priority and available resources.

Emergency services are not available at Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes. For an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The nurse advice line is 800-874-2273. Check dental eligibility and authorization rules before using civilian dental care.

Recreation and Amenities

Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs and facilities are available, but hours and eligibility vary. Youth and teen programs may include sports, recreation, education, arts, leadership, and career activities. Confirm current offerings with installation youth services.

The library at 2601 E. Paul Jones Street, Building 617, is temporarily closed according to the listed installation information. The Loft is available for computer use with posted hours. Call the library at 847-688-4617. The installation is also near Lake Michigan, Chicago, Milwaukee, and recreation areas in Lake County.

Things to Know

  • Naval Station Great Lakes is home to the Navy’s only boot camp.
  • Contact the Visitor Control Center before arriving if you are not connected to the military.
  • People and vehicles entering the base may be inspected.
  • Recreational drones are not permitted on or over the installation.
  • The mailing address says Great Lakes, Illinois, although the installation is commonly linked with North Chicago.
  • Access rules, office hours, housing, child care, school assignments, and medical eligibility can change. Confirm details before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What branch operates Naval Station Great Lakes?

The United States Navy operates the installation.

Where is the Visitor Control Center?

It is at 2535 Sheridan Road, Building 6130, Room 105. The phone number is 847-688-3928.

Are there DoD schools at Great Lakes?

No. Families generally use surrounding Illinois public-school districts.

Does the installation have emergency medical care?

No. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Can visitors enter the base without checking first?

Visitors should contact the Visitor Control Center first. Access is controlled and may require registration or other steps.