Racine WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Racine, Wisconsin.
1. SC Johnson Headquarters
ICONIC CORPORATE ARCHITECTURE TOUR
SC Johnson Headquarters stands as one of Racine's most visited attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors can tour the stunning Administration Building and Research Tower, both showcasing Wright's innovative design principles and sustainable architecture. The guided tours provide fascinating insights into the company's history, corporate culture, and commitment to environmental stewardship.
2. Wind Point Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Wind Point Lighthouse has been guiding sailors on Lake Michigan since 1880 and stands as a picturesque landmark on Racine's shoreline. The 108-foot tall lighthouse offers seasonal tours where visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. The beautifully maintained grounds feature gardens, picnic areas, and interpretive displays about the lighthouse's maritime history.
3. Wingspread
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MASTERPIECE
Wingspread, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is an architectural marvel featuring a distinctive pinwheel design that spans 14,000 square feet. Originally built as a residence for H.F. Johnson Jr., the prairie-style home now serves as a conference center but offers free tours to the public by appointment. Visitors can admire the innovative design elements, including the dramatic Great Hall with its central fireplace, expansive glass walls, and harmonious integration with the natural surroundings.
4. Hot Shop Glass Studio
CREATIVE GLASSBLOWING EXPERIENCE
Hot Shop Glass Studio offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the ancient art of glassblowing in the heart of Racine. Guests can watch skilled artisans transform molten glass into stunning works of art during live demonstrations that showcase this mesmerizing craft. The studio also offers hands-on workshops where participants can create their own glass masterpieces under expert guidance.
5. Racine Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Racine Heritage Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of Racine County through engaging exhibits and educational programs. Housed in a historic building, the museum features collections that document the area's industrial innovations, immigrant communities, and social movements. Visitors can explore changing exhibits that bring to life the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped Racine's distinctive identity.
6. Racine Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Racine Zoo delights visitors with its diverse collection of over 100 species of animals from around the world in a compact, walkable setting along Lake Michigan. Families can enjoy up-close encounters with exotic and endangered animals while learning about wildlife conservation through interactive exhibits and educational programs. The zoo also features a children's playground, carousel, and seasonal events that make it a perfect destination for a day of family fun.
7. Racine Art Museum
CONTEMPORARY CRAFT COLLECTION
The Racine Art Museum houses the largest contemporary craft collection in the United States, showcasing exceptional works in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, and wood. The striking modern building in downtown Racine features rotating exhibitions that highlight both established and emerging artists pushing the boundaries of craft and design. Visitors can explore the innovative galleries, participate in art-making workshops, and browse unique handcrafted items in the museum store.
8. Racine Theatre Guild
COMMUNITY PERFORMING ARTS
The Racine Theatre Guild offers high-quality theatrical productions performed by talented local actors in an intimate 400-seat theater. Since 1938, this community theater has been presenting a diverse season of plays, musicals, children's productions, and concerts that entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. Visitors can experience the magic of live theater while supporting this vital cultural institution that enriches the Racine community through the performing arts.
9. North Beach
BLUE WAVE CERTIFIED BEACH
North Beach is Racine's premier lakefront destination, featuring a mile of sandy shoreline along the blue waters of Lake Michigan. This certified Blue Wave beach—the first in Wisconsin to receive this environmental distinction—offers swimming, sunbathing, volleyball courts, and a children's playground with spectacular lake views. Visitors can enjoy the Beachside Oasis for refreshments, rent kayaks or paddleboards, or simply relax while watching the waves crash against the shore.
10. Reefpoint Marina
SCENIC HARBOR DESTINATION
Reefpoint Marina serves as Racine's gateway to Lake Michigan with its picturesque harbor filled with sailboats and yachts from across the Great Lakes. Visitors can stroll along the promenade to enjoy panoramic views of the lake, lighthouse, and city skyline while watching boats come and go. The marina complex includes waterfront dining options, charter fishing services, and access to lakefront paths that connect to downtown attractions.
11. Harley-Davidson Museum
ICONIC MOTORCYCLE HERITAGE
The Harley-Davidson Museum in nearby Milwaukee celebrates the history, culture, and engineering of America's most iconic motorcycle brand through immersive exhibits and rare artifacts. Visitors can explore the evolution of Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the earliest models to modern machines, including celebrity bikes, racing champions, and custom creations. The museum campus features interactive displays, behind-the-scenes tours, a restaurant, and a gift shop where motorcycle enthusiasts and curious travelers alike can connect with the legendary brand's powerful legacy.
12. Milwaukee County Zoo
PREMIER WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
The Milwaukee County Zoo houses more than 2,100 animals representing over 300 species across 190 acres of naturalistic habitats just a short drive from Racine. Visitors can observe magnificent creatures from around the world, including elephants, big cats, primates, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles in carefully designed environments. The zoo's acclaimed conservation programs, educational resources, and special attractions like the train ride and adventure ropes course make it an engaging destination for animal lovers of all ages.
13. Milwaukee Art Museum
ARCHITECTURAL LAKEFRONT MASTERPIECE
The Milwaukee Art Museum showcases a vast collection of over 30,000 works spanning antiquity to the present in a stunning architectural marvel on Lake Michigan's shore. The museum's most distinctive feature is the Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan that opens and closes like the wings of a bird throughout the day. Visitors can explore European masterpieces, American decorative arts, contemporary installations, and changing exhibitions while enjoying the breathtaking views of the lake and cityscape through the building's soaring glass walls.
14. Discovery World
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Discovery World offers an interactive journey through science, technology, and Great Lakes conservation in a modern lakefront facility near Racine. Visitors can engage with hands-on exhibits exploring energy, innovation, and the aquatic environment, including the popular Reiman Aquarium featuring native and exotic marine life. The center's experiences include the S/V Denis Sullivan tall ship, virtual reality stations, and design labs where curiosity and creativity converge to make learning an adventure for all ages.
15. Milwaukee Public Market
CULINARY AND ARTISANAL HUB
The Milwaukee Public Market houses a collection of specialty food vendors, artisanal producers, and unique retailers in a vibrant indoor marketplace just north of Racine. Visitors can sample freshly prepared foods ranging from seafood and spices to baked goods and ethnic cuisines while browsing locally crafted items and gourmet ingredients. The bustling two-level market also hosts cooking classes, wine tastings, and special events that celebrate the region's diverse culinary traditions and creative food culture.