North Chicago, Illinois
Naval Station Great Lakes is the home of the United States Navy's only boot camp. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in North Chicago, it is the largest military installation in Illinois and has been training sailors since 1911.
Access to the base is generally restricted to military personnel and their families. However, the public can visit the nearby National Museum of the American Sailor. Families of graduating recruits attend the graduation ceremonies on base.
Base access requires military ID or a visitor pass. The base is a secure military facility. The graduation ceremonies are by invitation for family members of graduating sailors.