30 Best Things to do in Kenosha!

Kenosha in Wisconsin, is a charming lakeside city located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. It’s a place where you can enjoy both the serenity of nature and the warmth of a small town, all while being close to big-city amenities. With a rich history, beautiful parks, and a vibrant arts scene, Kenosha offers everything. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Kenosha is a destination that will leave you with lasting memories. In this guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Kenosha during your visit to Wisconsin.

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1. Historic Attractions

Kenosha HarborPark

Located along Lake Michigan, HarborPark is a 69 acres space is a key part of Kenosha’s redeveloped shoreline. It is more than just a park — it is a neighborhood filled with attractions and walking paths. Visitors can enjoy stunning lake view s, take a walk along the promenade, or explore the Sculpture Walk, which features unique public art installations. The area is home to the Kenosha Public Museum and the Civil War Museum, making it a great spot for history lovers. Celebration Place at the eastern edge of HarborPark, hosts festivals and events throughout the year, bringing people together.

Kenosha County Courthouse

The Kenosha County Courthouse plays a central role in the county’s legal system, handling civil, criminal, and family law cases. Its grand architecture, with detailed stonework and a stately entrance, reflects its long-standing presence in the community. Inside, it houses courtrooms, administrative offices, and spaces dedicated to legal services. The Clerk of Courts office manages case records, jury selection, and financial operations related to court proceedings. The courthouse serves as an important landmark, symbolizing law and governance while providing essential legal services to the community.

Old Settlers Park

The Old Settlers Park is a 17 acres lakeside park along Paddock Lake that offers a mix of outdoor recreation and relaxation for visitors. Families can enjoy shaded picnic areas, a sandy beach, and a playground, making it an ideal spot for a summer afternoon. The park features Spencer Field, a little league baseball diamond that hosts local games throughout the season. Special events, including Oktoberfest, bring live music, food, and entertainment to the park, attracting locals and visitors. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line along the shore, while those looking to relax can relax in the open green spaces.

Civil War Museum

The Civil War Museum highlights the role of states like Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Michigan, which provided troops and supplies despite not being battlegrounds. Opened in 2008, it spans 57,000 square feet and features interactive exhibits, life-sized displays, and engaging audio-visual presentations. One of the highlights is the award winning 360-degree film, Seeing the Elephant, which gives visitors a glimpse into the life of a Midwestern soldier during the war. The museum houses the Veterans Memorial Gallery, honoring soldiers from various conflicts throughout U.S. history.

Kenosha History Center

The Kenosha History Center focuses on the history of Kenosha County, preserving artifacts for future generations. The center has three galleries that showcase different aspects of local history, including industry, transportation, and daily life. One of the highlights is the Southport Light Station Museum, it’s the home of a former lighthouse keeper and features a restored lighthouse. Visitors can explore the exhibits, learn about Kenosha’s role in manufacturing, and see how the city has changed over time. It hosts special events, educational programs, and guided tours to engage the community.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking and Canoeing

Kenosha is a great place for kayaking and canoeing, offering scenic waterways to explore. The Kenosha Co mmunity Sailing Center provides seasonal rentals, including kayaks and paddleboards, making it easy for visitors to get on the water. For those looking for a relaxed experience, the Fox River Water Trail provides a chance to paddle through nature. Lakeshore Pedal Tours has a public launch site, allowing kayakers and canoeists to start their journey with ease. Several lakes in western Kenosha County, such as Silver Lake and Powers Lake, provide spots for paddling, with peaceful surroundings.

Boating and Sailing

Kenosha offers a variety of boating tours that allow visitors to experience the beauty of Lake Michigan in different ways. One of the most popular options is the Tall Ship Red Witch, a replica of an old-era generation sailboat that provides a historical sailing experience. For those interested in fishing, Twenty Four VII Charters offers private fishing trips targeting salmon and trout with experienced captains guiding the journey. Some tours like Kenosha Charter Boat Association provide sunset cruises, while sightseeing cruises let passengers take in the stunning shoreline and enjoy breathtaking views.

Hiking and Nature Trails

Kenosha offers a variety of hiking and nature trails that provide a peaceful outdoor escape for visitors of all skill levels. Petrifying Springs Park, known locally as “Pets,” features winding paths along the Pike River, making it a favorite for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing in winter. Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum is a quiet, privately operated nature preserve with wooded trails and an arboretum, perfect for birdwatching and learning about local plants.

Kenosha Dunes Trail takes hikers through a small dunes area along Lake Michigan, offering scenic waterfront views. Parkside Cross Country Trails stretch over 5 miles, making them ideal for longer hikes and outdoor adventures. Pleasant Prairie Park features open green spaces with trails perfect for a relaxing walk. These trails allow visitors a chance to experience diverse landscapes, from riverbanks to lakefronts areas.

Golfing Courses

Kenosha has several golf courses offering scenic landscapes and well-kept greens. Washington Park Municipal Golf Course, a historic 9-hole course dating back to 1922, provides an enjoyable golfing experience. Petrifying Springs Golf Course, known for its rolling terrain and excellent course conditions, is a top public golfing destination in the area. Brighton Da le Links offers two 18-hole championship courses, featuring challenging layouts and beautiful surroundings. Big Oaks Golf Course is an other well-loved spot, with three different 9-hole courses that allow players to mix and match their round.

Fishing Charters

Kenosha is a great place for fishing charters, offering exciting trips on Lake Michigan. Salmon Chaser Charters runs fishing trips from April through October, targeting species like King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Rainbow Trout. Memory Maker Sport Fishing Charters is another well-known service, offering guided fishing experiences with experienced captains. Stellar Sportfishing Charters has been operating since 2001, offering daily fishing trips with a focus on salmon and trout. Reel Nauti Sportfishing Charters also specializes in salmon and trout, providing premium charter services out of Kenosha.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Kenosha (Southport) Light Station

Since 1866, Kenosha (Southport) Light Station was the first navigational light seen by mariners entering Wisconsin from Chicago. The lighthouse stands 55 feet tall and is built with Milwaukee Cream City brick, giving it a distinct look. Originally, it had a fourth-order Fresnel lens that helped ships find their way, but it was deactivated in 1906 when taller lighthouses were built nearby. Over the years, the lantern room was removed, and tower was boarded up, but restoration efforts brought it back to life. In 1994, a replica of lantern room was placed on the tower, completing the first phase of restoration.

Kenosha Public Museum

Established in 1933, Kenosha Public Museum has grown to house over 80,000 artifacts, including mammoth bones, Native American exhibits, and fine art collections. One of its standout displays is The Wisconsin Story, which features the Schaefer mammoth remains and a replica of the Hebior mammoth, showcasing early human interaction with these ancient creatures. Families will appreciate the hands-on Field Station, where kids can engage with interactive learning experiences. The museum shares its campus with the Civil War Museum and Dinosaur Discovery Museum, making it an ideal spot.

Dinosaur Discovery Museum

The Dinosaur Discovery Museum houses the largest collection of theropod skeletal casts in North America, featuring species like Tyrannosaurus rex, Carnotaurus, and Archaeopteryx. One of the highlights is Little Clint, a three year old T. rex discovered by the Carthage Institute of Paleontology. Visitors can explore life-sized skeletons, interactive displays, and an on-site laboratory where researchers study fossils and preserve specimens. The museum offers insights into how dinosaurs evolved while families and kids will enjoy the engaging exhibits and educational events held throughout the year.

Anderson Arts Center

The Anderson Arts Center is a historic French Tudor mansion, offering a stunning setting for art exhibits and cultural events. Originally built as a private residence in 1931, the mansion was later transformed into an arts center, providing a place for artists to showcase their work and for the community to engage with the arts. The center features multiple galleries displaying local and regional artwork, along with a gift shop that offers handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and other unique items. The center also hosts art workshops, ballroom dance classes, and special holiday events throughout the year.

Russell Military Museum

The Russell Military Museum features a large collection of military vehicles, aircraft, and artifacts that showcases the history of U.S. military conflicts. It sits on 10 acres of land and features over 300 military vehicles, including tanks, jeeps, helicopters, and jets, giving visitors a close-up look at military machinery. The museum was created by Mark Sonday, who started collecting military equipment as a child and later expanded his collection to include tanks, aircraft, and other military artifacts. It offers guided tours, group visits, and special events, including tank rides and military vehicle demonstrations.

Kenosha Lighthouse

The Kenosha North Pier Lighthouse is a striking red lighthouse built in 1906, sits at the entrance of the harbor and still serves as an active navigational aid. While the North Pier Light is privately owned, visitors can walk up to it and take photos with this well-known landmark. The Lighthouse is open seasonally for tours, allowing guests to explore its history and the restored keeper’s house. It showcase Kenosha’s connection to Lake Michigan and the shipping industry that once thrived here. The surrounding areas offer stunning spots for photography, making them popular stops for locals and tourists.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Bristol Renaissance Faire

Held on weekends from July through Labor Day, Bristol Renaissance Faire is a lively festival that recreates the atmosphere of an English village during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in 16th century. The faire is packed with entertainment, including jousting tournaments, acrobats and musicians performing in the grounds. Guests can try axe-throwing, watch knights battle on horseback and enjoy interactive street performances. The marketplace features artisans selling handcrafted goods such as jewelry and leatherwork, while Food stalls serve classic Renaissance-style meals, including turkey legs and mead.

Simmons Island Beach

As part of Simmons Island Park, Simmons Island Beach is a relaxing spot along Lake Michigan, offering sandy shores, picnic areas, and scenic lake views. The beach provides open space for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games. A paved bike trail runs through the park, allowing easy access for walkers and cyclists. The nearby Kenosha North Pier Light, making it a popular location for photography. Close to downtown Kenosha, it’s easy to grab food or explore nearby attractions after a day at the beach. The beach hosts occasional events and festivals, bringing live music and activities to the shoreline.

Kenosha County Fairgrounds

Located in Wilmot, Kenosha County Fairgrounds is a lively event space that brings the community together for entertainment, races, and seasonal activities throughout the year. This event held five days starting from every August featuring carnival rides, farm animals, truck and tractor pulls, live music, and a variety of food options. Wilmot Raceway, a 3/8 mile clay oval, hosts motorsports events throughout the season, attracting racing fans from the region. The Wilmot Flea Market also runs from mid-April to mid-October on Sundays, offering a mix of antiques, handmade goods, and fresh produce.

Cinemark Tinseltown USA Kenosha

The Cinemark Tinseltown USA Kenosha is a popular movie theater that offers a great place to watch the latest films, providing a comfortable and modern movie-going experience. Guests can enjoy luxury loungers, making it easy to relax while watching a film. The theater offers a variety of ticketing options, including mobile, print, and kiosk purchases. Movie lovers can choose from a wide selection of films, including new releases and special screenings. Cinemark Tinseltown USA Kenosha hosts special events, guided tours allow guests to learn exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes content.

5. Natural Attractions

Fox River Park

Covering 150 acres, Fox River Park is located along the Fox River, making it a great spot for boating and canoeing with a designated launch area. Visitors can explore wooded trails, making it perfect for hiking and enjoying the fresh air. The park features Ray Berres Field, a little league baseball diamond that hosts local games. A 27-hole disc golf course provides a fun challenge for players of all skill levels. During winter, the park has a sledding hill with artificial lighting, allowing for nighttime use. Picnic areas with BBQ grills make it easy to enjoy a meal outdoors while taking in the natural surroundings.

Kenosha Sand Dunes

The Kenosha Sand Dunes are one of the few remaining dune systems in Wisconsin, featuring rolling sand dunes covered with grasses and vegetation near shoreline, while further inland, marshy ponds and mature trees create a diverse environment. These dunes were formed more than 10,000 years ago at the end of the last glacial period. Over the time, sand-binding grasses hardened the sand dunes, making it a perfect for shrubs and trees to grow in the region. Visitors can explore a 2 miles trail system that passing through the dunes, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Lake Michigan Beaches

Kenosha has several beaches along Lake Michigan, offering great spots for relaxation and outdoor activities. Simmons Island Beach is one of the most visited, featuring soft sand, picnic areas, and a paved bike trail running through the park, while mobility mats help improve accessibility for visitors with wheelchairs and walkers. Eichelman Park Beach offers a peaceful setting with shaded picnic areas and a scenic shoreline.

Southport Park Beach provides both grassy spaces and open sandy shorelines, making it a good spot for swimming. Pennoyer Park Beach is well-known among locals for its easy lake access and summer music events, creating a lively atmosphere. Alford Park Beach, located at the northernmost point, is unique due to the rock formations shaped by visitors over time. These beaches offer a mix of experiences, from calm nature walks to active summer gatherings.

Petrifying Springs Park

Covering 360 acres and known as “Pets” by the residents, Petrifying Springs Park is one of the oldest park in Kenosha County and providing a mix of urban nature and recreation, featuring wooded trails, picnic areas, and a landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons. The Pike River runs through the park, making it a great place for fishing and relaxing by the water. The park is home to an 18-hole golf course, providing a fun challenge for golfers while surrounded by nature. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing in winter, with lighted trails available for evening activities.

Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area

Covering 485 acres, Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area is one of the largest prairie complexes in the state and is home to more than 400 species of plants. The area features a mix of wetlands, sandy ridges, and oak openings, creating a diverse habit at for wildlife. It was designated a Wisconsin State Natural Area in 1967 and later recognized as a National Natural Landmark in 1973. The prairie is part of the Chiwaukee Illinois Beach Lake Plain, an internationally recognized wetland that stretches into Illinois. Today, it remains a peaceful place for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying natural beauty.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Located 30 minutes from Kenosha, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a 4,500 acres park offers hiking, biking, camping, and ATV trails. Originally planned as an Air Force base in the 1950s, the land was later turned into a recreation area. The Yellow Trail is an ideal spot for birdwatching, while the Red Trail is quite challenging and a longer hike through diverse landscapes. The park has horseback trails, a designated area for flying model airplanes, and a space for training dogs. The Visitor Center provides insights about the park’s history such as connection to Major Richard I. Bong, a World War II flying ace.

Lake Geneva

Located 50 minutes from Kenosha, Lake Geneva is known for its beautiful lake and historic mansions. One of the best ways to explore is by walking the Lake Geneva Shore Path, a 26 miles trail that takes you along the lake, passing by grand estates and gardens. Downtown Lake Geneva offers a mix of restaurants and boutique shops, making it a great place to grab lunch or browse unique finds. Adventure seekers can visit Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, which offers ziplining and hiking trails. For a relaxing afternoon, Riviera Beach provides a sandy shoreline with swimming areas and picnic spots.

Chicago, IL

From Kenosha, a day trip to Chicago in Illinois is a great way to explore a big city while staying close. Once in the city, visitors can start at Millennium Park, home to the Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as “The Bean.” A walk along the Chicago Riverwalk offers great views of the skyline and has restaurants and cafes. Art lovers can visit the Art Institute of Chicago, which houses world-famous paintings and sculptures. Food lovers can try Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at popular spots like Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s. Navy Pier is another great stop, featuring boat tours, a Ferris wheel, and lakefront views.

Rockford, IL

A day trip to Rockford takes about 2 hours from Kenosha, is a great way to explore a mix of nature and entertainment. One of the best places to start is Anderson Japanese Gardens, a peaceful spot with waterfalls, koi ponds, and walking paths. For those interested in science and history, the Burpee Museum of Natural History features dinosaur fossils, including a preserved juvenile T. rex named Jane. The Discovery Center Museum is a great stop for families, offering hands-on exhibits focused on science and technology. If you’re arts lover, visit Rockford Art Museum which showcase contemporary works.

Illinois Beach State Park

Planning a day trip to Illinois Beach State Park takes about 20 minutes from Kenosha, is a great way to enjoy nature along Lake Michigan. This 4,100 acres park stretches 6.5 miles along the lake, offering sandy beaches and picnic areas. The park is divided into North and South Units, each featuring different landscapes, including dunes, marshes, and oak forests. Visitors can explore the beach ridge shoreline, the last remaining one in Illinois, shaped by centuries of wind and waves. The Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center, located inside the park, offers lodging for those looking to extend their stay.

Grand Rapids, MI

From Kenosha, a day trip to Grand Rapids in Michigan, offers a mix of city attractions and outdoor spaces. Once in the city, visitors can start at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a large botanical garden with impressive art installations. Downtown has packed with restaurants, breweries, and cafes offering local flavors. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a great stop for history and science exhibits, while Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum provides insight into the life of the former U.S. president. Outdoor lovers can explore Millennium Park, which has walking trails, picnic areas, and water activities.

How to Reach Kenosha

For those flying in, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the closest major airport, located about 28-30 miles north, serving many cities across the U.S. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), 60 miles south, is another option for international travelers. Kenosha also has a harbor and marina, making it accessible for boaters traveling along Lake Michigan. Amtrak trains stop in nearby Sturtevant, offering an alternative scenic route for travelers using the Hiawatha service between Chicago and Milwaukee.

Conveniently located between Chicago and Milwaukee, Kenosha is easy to reach by air, road and water. Located along Interstate 94, the city is accessible for road travelers, with a drive taking about an hour from Chicago and 40 minutes from Milwaukee. The Metra Union Pacific North Line provides a direct train connection to Chicago, while bus services like Wisconsin Coach Lines offer transportation from nearby cities, including stops at Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee and O’Hare Airport in Chicago.

Local Transportation

Getting around Kenosha, is simple with several transport options available. Kenosha Area Transit operates public bus services, covering key areas like downtown, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods. The buses run Monday through Saturday, with schedules available online for easy trip planning. The city is also known for its historic electric streetcar, which runs through downtown and along the lakefront, offering a scenic way to explore.

For private transportation, Southport Transportation and Ktown Transportation provide shuttle and taxi services. Rideshare options like Uber and Lyft are available, making it easy to get around without a personal vehicle. Visitors traveling longer distances can use Greyhound and Wisconsin Coach Lines, which connect Kenosha to nearby cities. Amtrak trains stop in Sturtevant, just a short drive away, offering another way to reach Kenosha.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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