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Gurnee, IL

Frequently asked questions

Gurnee, IL

Gurnee is a village and, a north suburb of Chicago in Lake County, Illinois, United States. It borders the city of Waukegan and is a popular tourist attraction within the Chicago metropolitan area. Best known for being the location of Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago, and Gurnee Mills, the village sees an average of over 23 million visitors annually.

Gurnee is located at 42°22′N 87°56′W (42.3737, −87.9344). According to the 2010 census, Gurnee has a total area of 13.576 square miles (35.16 km²), of which 13.5 square miles (34.96 km²) (or 99.44%) is land and 0.076 square miles (0.20 km²) (or 0.56%) is water. It is located on the banks of the Des Plaines River and is split by Interstate 94, which divides the village into east (old) and west (new) sides.

Early settlers in the Gurnee area came by foot horseback and by "Prairie Schooners" drawn by oxen or via the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes. They came from the town of Warren, New York, which was named in honor of Major General Joseph Warren, killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Warren Township, formed in 1850, was also named after him. The first settlement of Warren Township commenced in 1835 in the vicinity of the Aux Plaines River (now the Des Plaines River).

In 1835–36, a land company from New York State erected a Community House (site of the old Gurnee Grade School) to accommodate families while they were locating and getting government land grants to their farms. Near the Community House, there was a Ford used by the Potowatomi Indians for crossing the river. A floating log bridge was built in 1842. Later, both a wood and iron bridge were built.

With the erection of a permanent bridge, roads were established, and this area became the hub of the township. It was at this junction that the Milwaukee Road crossed the river from west to east, and then continued north to eventually connect Chicago to Milwaukee. This road was "laid out" in 1836 by three early settlers: Thomas McClure, Mark Noble, and Richard Steele. The east-west road, now known as Grand Avenue, was a main route from McHenry County to the port of Waukegan. Stage coaches ran on this route as late as 1870.

Gurnee places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with multiple facilities and initiatives dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center serves the healthcare needs of the community, offering a range of medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Gurnee Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Ryse Athletic Club, HotWorx, and FitNation. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Gurnee, such as the Lake Carina Trail and Aquatic Center Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Gurnee, IL are Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Mills, and Sixty to Escape.

Population: 30,706 (2020). ZIP Code: 60031. Area codes: 224, 847. Elevation: 700 ft (213 m). Area: 13.59 sq mi (35.18 km²).

FAQs

Is Gurnee, IL a nice place to live?

Gurnee is in Lake County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Gurnee offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Gurnee, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Gurnee and residents tend to have moderate political views. 

Is Gurnee, IL a wealthy area?

The per capita income in Gurnee in 2018 was $55,625, which is wealthy relative to Illinois and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $222,500 for a family of four. Gurnee is an extremely ethnically diverse village.

What are the demographics in Gurnee, IL?

Gurnee, IL is home to a population of 30.6k people, of which 96% are citizens. As of 2022, 15.9% of Gurnee, IL residents were born outside of the country (4.86k people). In 2022, there were 4.65 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (18.8k people) in Gurnee, IL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 4.04k Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 2.32k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

Village of Gurnee

Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center 

Gurnee Parks and Recreation Department

Ryse Athletic Club

HotWorx 

FitNation

Lake Carina Trail 

Aquatic Center Trail

Six Flags Great America

Gurnee Mills

Sixty to Escape

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

Data USA

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