An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Getting Here

Visitor Information

Visitor Center (Pass and Security)

Private automobiles may be operated on the base only if they meet minimum insurance requirements with an approved company. Motorcycles are permitted on base, but riders must successfully complete a motorcycle safety course. Motorcyclists must also wear basic safety gear, such as hard soled shoes, a reflective vest, long sleeve shirt or jacket, a helmet with eye protection, and gloves. Register your vehicle at the Visitor's Control Center, near the main gate. To register, you need to bring your:

  • Valid Drivers License
  • Current Registration
  • Proof of Insurance
  • Valid Government Issued I.D. Card

For more information, including hours of operation, please call the Visitor Control Center at (847) 688-5648

By Train

The Metra Union Pacific North Line,  which is part of the Regional Transportation Authority (METRA), offers commuter service to and from downtown Chicago and to and from Kenosha, Wisconsin. A one-way fare from the Great Lakes station to the Chicago terminal for military personnel in uniform costs approximately half the normal fare.

 

By Airplane

All major airlines serve O'Hare International Airport, which is located about 30 miles southwest of Great Lakes. 

Major airlines also serve Mitchell International Airport  in Milwaukee, which is 49 miles north of Great Lakes. 

Taxi and limousine service are both available from O'Hare and Mitchell at all hours. However, military personnel need to remember that PCS/TAD personnel will be reimbursed for taxi fare only when no bus service was available and the only if a receipt is provided.

By Automobile

Although driving in the Chicago area can be intimidating, Great Lakes is easily accessible from a major interstate highways, and also from U. S. 41.

Great Lakes is located approximately 15 miles south of the Wisconsin state line, several miles east of Interstate 94 and U. S. 41.

From the south, follow either I-94 (West) or I-294 (Tri-State tollway) toward Wisconsin. I-294, which is a toll road, is generally the less traveled of these two roads and would be the wiser choice during rush hour. I-94 and I-294 eventually converge about eight miles north of Chicago's O'Hare airport.

I-94 (West) passes near downtown Chicago and continues in a northerly direction following the shoreline of Lake Michigan. As it passes through Chicago, I-94 includes portions of several named expressways (Bishop Ford, Dan Ryan, Kennedy, and Edens. At the north end of the Edens Expressway, one can either continue straight ahead onto U. S. 41 or exit onto a ramp and follow I-94 in a northwesterly direction. Either choice will work, but from that location, the shortest route to the Training Center is by continuing straight ahead, following the signs that say "U. S. 41 north to Waukegan"

If you choose to stay on I-94, you'll find that you will soon merge together with I-294 near Deerfield Road. Both I-94 and U. S. 41 eventually intersect with Buckley Road (Route 137).

Turn east (right) onto Buckley Road and go a couple of miles to Great Lakes.

From the north, the installation is easily reached from either I-94 or U. S. 41. Just turn left at Buckley Road (Route 137) and go east a couple of miles.

Once on Buckley Road, to reach Recruit Training Command's graduation on Fridays, turn right at Ohio Street. To reach the Main Gate, go under the train overpass at the end of Buckley Road and follow the signs.

 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, cnrma.cnic.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, cnrma.cnic.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, cnrma.cnic.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, cnrma.cnic.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.

Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic   |   1510 Gilbert St.   |   Norfolk, VA 23511
Official U.S. Navy Website