Online Registration
Special Events 
Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake CountyBowen Heritage Circle
The Bowen Heritage Circle is the community’s source for quality adult educational and craft programs plus special historical programs for the entire family!
Click HERE to register online for Bowen Heritage Circle programs and events.
Circle instructors usually own their own art, craft, or other business and bring you the latest and finest instruction available. Bowen Heritage Circle classes are designed for beginners to advanced students. Whether your interest is in crafts, lectures or historic programming, give The Circle a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Lilac Cottage
Lilac Cottage is located at 1911 N. Sheridan Rd. in Bowen Park. Lilac Cottage is one of the few remaining buildings in Bowen Park that was a part of Bowen Country Club. This beautiful cottage was built for Mrs. Bowen, Miss Addams, and Miss Smith so that they could come and go without bothering the everyday activities of Bowen Country Club Camp. This large, imposing colonial style home houses the Waukegan Historical Society’s J. L. Raymond Research Library.
Click HERE for historical information on Jane Addam’s Bowen Country Club
Lilac Cottage Rentals
Are you looking for a bride’s room prior to for your wedding in the Bowen Park Formal Garden? Are you interested in renting a space for a group of 24 for a bridal or baby shower? Are you tired of having your company “team” meeting at the office? Tables and chairs are available for small parties of 24 and the room seats 30 in a meeting room style set up. Amenities include coffee makers, punch bowl and ladle, stove, refrigerator and microwave. The main room at Lilac has a wonderful sun porch that overlooks beautiful Bowen Park. The “Blue Room” is perfect for family portraits. Rentals require a minimum of 2 hours and a $50 deposit is required to hold the date. Contact the Jack Benny Center for the Arts 847-360-4740 to inquire about room rentals at Lilac Cottage.
Click here to download Rental form
Oakwood Cemetery Walk
Oakwood Cemetery Walk, an annual free event began in 1995, takes the participants through the city cemetery (1851). Visitors to Oakwood have been taken back to a time and place that has ranged from pre- Civil War to as recent as 1979. Four to six “residents” are portrayed by local “actors” each year. There has always been diversity among the characters portrayed. Finding information about women and minorities has been challenging but rewarding. The cemetery walk has featured the first female physician in Waukegan and George Washington Bell, a former slave turned Union soldier. This annual event is a cooperative program between the Waukegan Park District, City of Waukegan, and the Waukegan Historical Society.
J. L. Raymond Research Library
The Waukegan Historical Society research collections are located in Lilac Cottage in the Bowen Heritage Circle, 1911 N. Sheridan Rd., Bowen Park. This extensive collection of maps, documents, photographs, books and vertical files may be accessed during open hours. Copy services are available for a slight fee, and volunteers are on hand to assist with genealogical or other research topics. Call librarian Beverly Millard at 847-360-4772 to learn more.