Naval Station Great Lakes
Naval Station Great Lakes Relocation Information
Welcome to Naval Station Great Lakes
Naval Station Great Lakes, established in 1911, is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of its only Recruit Training Command, commonly known as Boot Camp. Spanning more than 1,600 acres, the base hosts over 1,100 buildings, including 39 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It supports over 50 tenant commands and serves a daily population of over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians.
The following Tenant Commands reside at Naval Station Great Lakes:
- Recruit Training Command
- Naval Education and Training Command
- Naval Service Training Command
- Navy Band Great Lakes
- US Military Entrance Processing Command
- CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
- 9th Marine Corps District
- National Museum of the American Sailor
NSGL's mission is to enable and sustain Fleet, Family, and Fighter by providing superior, integrated Base Operating Support for all tenant commands and installation elements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naval Station Great Lakes
1. What cities are near Naval Station Great Lakes?
North Chicago is only 2 miles from the base. Other neighboring cities include Waukegan, Highland Park, and Lake Bluff. Downtown Chicago is 35 miles south of the base.
2. What is Naval Station Great Lakes known for?
Naval Station Great Lakes, NSGL, is the Navy's largest training installation and the home of the Navy's only boot camp.
3. How many Tenant Commands are at Naval Station Great Lakes?
Over 50 Tenant Commands call NSGL home.
4. What is the zip code for Naval Station Great Lakes?
Naval Station Great Lakes's zip code is 60088. Nearby zip codes include 60044, 60035, and 60031.
5. What is the BAH for Naval Station Great Lakes?
BAH for Naval Station Great Lakes ranges from $2,202 for E-1 to $3,120 for E-9 with dependents, and from $2,475 for O-1 to $3,675 for O-6 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Naval Station Great Lakes Vistor Address:
Naval Station Great Lakes
2535 Sheridan Road
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) is located in Lake County, Illinois, about 35 miles north of downtown Chicago and 20 miles south of the Wisconsin state line. The base sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan, giving it direct waterfront access.
The installation covers more than 1,600 acres and includes historic and modern facilities, some of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The cost of living in this region tends to be slightly below or very close to the national average. Check the BAH rates in this area to know your housing budget.
Arrival Lodging
Photo by Navy Lodge.com/Great Lakes
The Navy Inn is located on the shore of Lake Michigan and is an option for those with PCS orders and TDY, but also welcomes leisure travelers.
Navy Inn
2423 MacDonough Dr. Bldg. 62
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Contact: 224-637-2104
The Navy Lodge is in North Chicago and is the official PCSing temporary lodging facility. It is a popular choice for families attending boot camp graduations.
All guests must have a valid ID card to use the facilities.
Navy Lodge Great Lakes
NS Great Lakes
Great Lakes Naval Training Center
2500 Meridan Drive
Great Lakes, IL 60088-5000
Contact: 847-689-1485
Naval Station Great Lakes Housing
Hunt Military Communities manages on-base housing at Naval Station Great Lakes. The housing consists of 1,460 duplexes, triplexes, and single-family homes located in four different neighborhoods. Fprrestal Village offers NEX Mini Mart with a gas station, MWR Youth Center, MWR Child Development Centers, and Forrestal Elementary School. Fort Sheridan, rich with history, is a waterfront community located in Highland Park Township just 20 minutes from NSGL. The Village of Glenview is perfectly located and offers two-bedroom, 1.5 bath townhomes with attached garages. Nimitz Village is minutes away from Naval Station Great Lakes and provides convenience to schools, shopping, and entertainment. Nimitz Village offers single-family homes, townhomes, and various duplex designs.
Naval Station Great Lakes Housing Location and Contact Info
Naval Station Great Lakes Housing
1710 Cavin Drive, Building 8100
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Contact
Housing Service Center 847-688-3440.
Hunt Military Communities 847-859-1924
For additional questions and information, contact the military housing office.
Naval Station Great Lakes Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Naval Station Great Lakes: Naval Station Great Lakes Homes
Photo by Eric Vega from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
Lake County's cost of living is slightly below the national average. The median home value in Lake County is $296,900, whereas the national median is $338,100. Much of Lake County is suburban, where you will find a variety of home styles, including apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and single-family homes.
Naval Station Great Lakes BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides housing-cost compensation to uniformed service members when government quarters are unavailable. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Naval Station Great Lakes is near North Chicago, IL. Sample Naval Station Great Lakes BAH rates for zip code 60088:
- E-1 with dependents: $2,202
- E-1 without dependents: $1,653
- E-9 with dependents: $3,120
- E-9 without dependents: $2,592
- O-1 with dependents: $2,475
- O-1 without dependents: $1,977
- O-6 with dependents: $3,675
- O-6 without dependents: $3,000
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Area Weather and Climate
Lake Michigan's presence helps somewhat moderate extreme temperatures, keeping summers a bit cooler and winters slightly snowier than inland areas. Families and visitors should be prepared for four distinct seasons, making the area great for both winter activities and summer recreation along the lake. Winters are cold and snowy, with average highs often in the 20s and 30s. Lake effect snow can bring heavier accumulations to the area. Spring and Fall bring milder temperatures and colorful seasonal changes, while summers are warm and humid with highs in the 70s and 80s
Naval Station Great Lakes Area Schools
The children who live in base housing are zoned to public schools in the North Chicago Community School District 187, which serves grades PreK-12. The School Liaison Office on base can provide support with school transitions, enrollment, and educational resources. For families considering private education, Private School Review is a helpful resource for researching local options. Those interested in homeschooling should adhere to the regulations outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education..
Families can contact the Naval Station Great Lakes School Liaison for guidance or questions.
Support for Military and Families
Naval Station Great Lakes offers a wide range of support to military personnel and their families. Fleet & Family Support Center offers free programs such as parenting and life skills, financial counseling, deployment support, and more. The Exceptional Family Member Program assists families with special needs, helping them navigate programs, services, and case management. Recreational programs, including bowling and swimming, are available at the Athletic Field Complex.
Helpful links for Naval Station Great Lakes:
Things to Do near Naval Station Great Lakes
Sailboat regatta on Lake Michigan Photo by Phi Augustavo from Getty Images via Canva
The area offers plenty of opportunities to explore and unwind. A mix of historic towns, scenic outdoor spaces, and family-friendly attractions surrounds Naval Station Great Lakes. Here are just a few attractions in the area.
- National Museum of the American Soldier: Located on base, this museum exhibits naval history and hosts tours and educational programming.
- Genesee Theatre: A historic, beautifully restored theatre in downtown Waukegan that hosts concerts, plays, and community events.
- Six Flags Great America: An amusement park with thrilling rides, family attractions, shows, and seasonal events. It is located in Gurnee, IL, a bit of a drive but a family favorite.
- Lake County Forest Preserves & Outdoor Trails: Explore parks, preserves, hiking/biking trails, canoe or kayak launch sites.
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Base Address:
2601E Paul Jones St., Building 1
Great Lakes
,
60088-2845