Kenosha WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kenosha, Wisconsin.
1. Kenosha Public Museum
HISTORY AND NATURAL WONDERS
The Kenosha Public Museum offers free admission to visitors looking to explore diverse collections and engaging exhibits along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. Visitors can enjoy permanent exhibits that delve into Wisconsin's rich history, view fascinating dinosaur displays with life-sized replicas, and appreciate rotating art galleries featuring local and national artists. The museum provides stunning views of Lake Michigan, making it both an educational and visually rewarding experience for guests of all ages.
2. Civil War Museum
AMERICA'S HISTORICAL BATTLEFIELD
The Civil War Museum stands as one of Kenosha's top attractions, offering visitors an immersive journey through this pivotal period in American history. Exhibits feature authentic artifacts, interactive displays, and compelling narratives that bring the Civil War era to life with particular focus on the Upper Middle West's involvement. History enthusiasts will appreciate the museum's dedication to preserving and honoring this significant chapter of America's past through educational programs and detailed exhibitions.
3. Petrifying Springs Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HEAVEN
Petrifying Springs Park provides visitors with a natural retreat featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, and recreational facilities in Kenosha's largest county park. Nature lovers can explore the park's lush woodlands alongside the Pike River, enjoy the challenging 18-hole golf course, or take advantage of the disc golf course among its many outdoor offerings. The park's beautiful scenery changes with the seasons, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking connection with nature.
4. Dinosaur Discovery Museum
PREHISTORIC MARVELS EXHIBITED
The Dinosaur Discovery Museum invites visitors to step back in time and marvel at an impressive collection of dinosaur bones and replicas in a family-friendly environment. Educational displays explain the connection between dinosaurs and modern-day birds, offering fascinating insights into evolutionary biology through interactive exhibits. Children and adults alike will be captivated by the life-sized skeletal reconstructions that dominate the museum space, making paleontology accessible and exciting for all ages.
5. Electric Streetcars
VINTAGE TRANSIT EXPERIENCE
Kenosha's Electric Streetcars offer a charming step back in time as visitors can ride beautifully restored vintage trolleys that loop through the downtown area and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. These colorful streetcars not only provide convenient transportation between Kenosha's museums and harbor area but also serve as a living history exhibit of early 20th century public transit. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the city and lakefront while experiencing a nostalgic journey that connects Kenosha's past with its present.
6. Kenosha History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Kenosha History Center preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of Kenosha through engaging exhibits that highlight the city's industrial past, particularly its automotive manufacturing legacy. Located in a historic building at Simmons Island, the center features photographs, artifacts, and documents that tell the story of Kenosha's development from a small settlement to a thriving industrial center. Visitors can explore the adjoining Southport Lighthouse and Keeper's Home, adding maritime history to their understanding of this important Great Lakes port city.
7. Kemper Center
HISTORIC LAKESIDE ESTATE
The Kemper Center encompasses a stunning 17.5-acre historic estate situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, featuring Gothic Revival architecture and beautiful gardens. Once home to Kemper Hall, a prestigious Episcopal boarding school for girls, the property now serves as a cultural center hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and special events throughout the year. Visitors can tour the historic buildings, stroll through the peaceful grounds, and enjoy spectacular lake views that make this one of Kenosha's most picturesque attractions.
8. Southport Light Station Museum
MARITIME HISTORY BEACON
The Southport Light Station Museum features a restored 1866 lighthouse that stands as a sentinel overlooking Lake Michigan and serves as a reminder of Kenosha's maritime heritage. Visitors can climb the 72 steps to the top of the lighthouse tower for panoramic views of Kenosha's shoreline and harbor area, a truly breathtaking experience. The adjacent Keeper's House contains exhibits on lighthouse keeping, local maritime history, and the development of Kenosha (formerly Southport) as an important Great Lakes port.
9. Bristol Renaissance Faire
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
The Bristol Renaissance Faire transports visitors to a meticulously recreated 16th-century English village complete with period-accurate entertainment, food, and artisan crafts during its summer season. Guests can enjoy jousting tournaments, theatrical performances, and interactive experiences with a cast of colorfully costumed characters who bring the Elizabethan era vividly to life. With over 200 artisans displaying their wares, multiple stages featuring unique entertainment, and themed weekends that add fresh experiences throughout the season, this immersive attraction offers a new adventure with each visit.
10. Boundless Adventures
AERIAL FOREST ADVENTURE PARK
Boundless Adventures challenges visitors with an aerial adventure park featuring ziplines, high ropes courses, and challenging obstacles suspended among the trees. The park offers varying difficulty levels from beginner to expert, making it suitable for adventurers of different ages and abilities seeking an adrenaline rush. This unique outdoor experience combines physical activity with the natural beauty of Kenosha's woodland setting, providing both excitement and a sense of accomplishment as participants navigate through the treetop courses.
11. Sculpture Walk
ARTISTIC HARBOR PROMENADE
Kenosha's Sculpture Walk invites visitors to enjoy public art while strolling along the picturesque harbor promenade with Lake Michigan as a stunning backdrop. This outdoor gallery features rotating installations by local and national artists, creating an ever-changing cultural landscape that enhances the natural beauty of the waterfront. Art enthusiasts and casual observers alike will appreciate the diversity of sculptural works that range from abstract concepts to representational pieces, making this free attraction accessible to everyone exploring downtown Kenosha.
12. Tenuta's Delicatessen and Liquors
ITALIAN CULINARY TREASURE
Tenuta's Delicatessen and Liquors has established itself as a beloved Kenosha institution offering an extraordinary selection of imported Italian foods, specialty meats, cheeses, and a vast array of wines and spirits. This family-owned market, a fixture in Kenosha since 1950, draws visitors from across the Midwest who come to experience its authentic Italian atmosphere and shop for hard-to-find gourmet ingredients. Beyond being a retail destination, Tenuta's represents Kenosha's rich Italian-American heritage, making it both a culinary resource and a cultural landmark worth experiencing.
13. Mars Cheese Castle
WISCONSIN CHEESE WONDERLAND
Mars Cheese Castle stands as an iconic roadside attraction shaped like a medieval castle, offering visitors an impressive selection of Wisconsin's finest cheeses, specialty foods, and unique souvenirs. This family-owned business has been a landmark along Interstate 94 since 1947, welcoming travelers with its distinctive architecture and reputation as a must-stop destination. Inside, visitors can sample cheese varieties, enjoy fresh bakery items, browse Wisconsin-themed gifts, and even visit the tavern for a taste of local beer, making it a comprehensive introduction to Wisconsin's food culture.
14. Aquanut Water Shows
SPECTACULAR WATERSKI PERFORMANCES
Aquanut Water Shows dazzles spectators with free weekly water ski performances that showcase impressive human pyramids, jumps, and choreographed routines on Lance Park's shoreline. The skilled team of local water skiers demonstrates remarkable athleticism and precision as they glide across the water's surface performing stunts that range from graceful ballet moves to high-flying acrobatics. These family-friendly summer evening shows have become a cherished Kenosha tradition, drawing crowds who gather along the shore with picnic blankets to enjoy world-class water skiing entertainment against stunning lake sunsets.
15. Hawthorne Hollow Nature Sanctuary
PEACEFUL NATURAL RETREAT
Hawthorne Hollow Nature Sanctuary offers visitors a tranquil escape with its preserved natural habitats, interpretive hiking trails, and historic buildings nestled within 67 acres of protected woodland and prairie. This environmental education center provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, explore diverse ecosystems, and learn about sustainable practices through various programs and seasonal events. The sanctuary's rustic charm is enhanced by its historic schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and log cabin, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that appeals to nature lovers of all ages.