Let us introduce – or re-introduce – you to our corner of the world. Where water meets sand. Where two lighthouses stand tall, lighting the way. Where friends travel from the east coast and the west coast to meet in the middle – at our coast. In fact, Lake Michigan is often referred to as the “third coast”. Our coastline features parks, beaches, bike paths, marinas, and festival places with numerous on-the-water and on-the-waterfront activities to enjoy.
Kenosha is a Wisconsin Harbor Town in the southeast corner of the state along the Lake Michigan shore. Kenosha County is comprised of the City of Kenosha, Village of Bristol, Town of Wheatland, and nine more villages and towns. While Kenosha is the fourth largest city in the state, it also has that small town charm that is so familiar and comforting.
Foodies, craft beer fans, artists, musicians, college students, outdoor enthusiasts, and museum goers will all feel at home here. You’ll receive a personalized experience at locally owned, independent, and unique shops and restaurants … where no one size fits all. Many have been owned by multiple generations – with their businesses becoming landmarks and family legacies. New businesses continue to open their doors as entrepreneurs choose Kenosha “to set up shop”.
Considering a Midwest road trip this year? If you’re looking for an urban downtown and/or a rural countryside … blue water or green space … a Great Lake or an inland lake … look no further. Friendly. Affordable. Fun. That’s us!
Jump to:
Attractions | |
Outdoor Recreation | | | Winter Activities
Wellness
Things To Do In The Spring and Summer | Things To Do In The Fall
Top Things To Do | Things To Do With Kids
Attractions in Kenosha
Whether you appreciate the outdoors, history, theater, art, lighthouses, or farmers markets, there are fun things to do in Kenosha, Wisconsin. We have some recommendations!
Kenosha
Attractions
Shown: Electric Streetcar
Southport Lighthouse
North Pier Lighthouse
Explore
simmons island
on the Lake Michigan shore
Explore
harborpark
on the Lake Michigan shore
Explore
What's Next to Lake Michigan
Downtown Kenosha
Browse
FUN 101
History & Museums in Kenosha
Five museums within a one-mile radius (which explore the Civil War, dinosaurs, Great Lakes maritime history, Kenosha’s auto manufacturing past, and local mammoths), four historic districts, historical sites, transportation methods that give you the nostalgic feels, and a living history attraction are among the historical experiences you can have while visiting the Kenosha Area.
Explore
History & Museums
Shown: Civil War Museum
Arts & Entertainment
With many options for performing arts, art galleries, outdoor public art, interactive studios, live performance spaces, a comedy club, and nightlife – you’ll find plenty of things to keep you entertained when in the Kenosha Area. Let out your inner artist while visiting Kenosha!
Options for
Arts & Entertainment
Shown: Sesquicentennial Bandshell
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor rec means adventure in the Kenosha Area with zipline/ropes courses, hiking, birding, biking, golfing, fishing, boating, lounging on a beach, skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and snowmobiling. We have disc golf courses and dog parks, too. We also share with you many 10,000 Steps routes – which are great spots to enjoy walks and get in your steps for the day. We’ve already done the “leg work” for you!
Parks
The Kenosha County Parks system offers more than 1,500 acres of managed recreational land at eight parks. Meanwhile, the City of Kenosha has 70 park and conservation sites...
Dog Parks
Traveling with your pooch? You’ll love our off-leash dog parks!
Golf
With three public courses offering pristine conditions in park settings, it is no surprise that golf is so popular in the Kenosha Area.
Disc Golf
With similar rules to traditional golf played with clubs, disc golf is played with a Frisbee and raised baskets. The goal? Toss your disc down the course and try to make a...
come and
Bike Kenosha
Biking
It is impossible to ignore the natural beauty that awaits bike riders and cyclists in the Kenosha Area. From paved...
Hiking Trails In Kenosha
Hiking
Nature lovers will enjoy hiking in our nature areas and parks. Pringle Nature Center at Bristol Woods Park, Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Hawthorn Hollow Nature...
10,000 Steps
Lake Michigan is one of Kenosha’s most popular attractions! We have many inland lakes for endless hours of recreation fun as well!
Lake Michigan is one of Kenosha’s most popular attractions! Nearly 90 percent of our Lake Michigan shoreline is publicly accessible, with beaches, parks, biking and...
There is good reason for Kenosha being known as the trout and salmon capital of Wisconsin. The waters of Lake Michigan offer some of the best sport fishing in the Midwest...
#KenoshaSnowDay
Wisconsin winters are a great time to get outdoors and embrace the fresh, crisp air. What’s your winter pleasure? We have it all!
outdoor fun during
Winter
Shown: Wilmot Mountain
Wellness
Personal and physical wellness are part of relaxation when on vacation. We have recommendations for spas, salons, fitness, and yoga.
spas and salons, fitness and yoga
Wellness
Shown: Santosha Yoga
Things To Do In The
Spring & Summer
Kenosha harbor
Things To Do In The Fall
Add pumpkin farms, farmers markets, a haunted house, and more fall events to your itinerary.
More #KenoshaFun
In The Fall
Things To Do In The Fall
Top Things To Do
In Kenosha
Sunrise at North Pier Lighthouse
bring the family
Things To Do With Kids
Shown: Boundless Adventures
There are many things to do with kids in Kenosha: ride an authentic Electric Streetcar, see mammoths at the Kenosha Public Museum and dinos at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, create art at DIY studios, go to a Kenosha Kingfish baseball game, and much more! Check out our Things To Do With Kids page HERE>
- Lake Michigan
- Bristol Renaissance Faire
- Electric Streetcars
- Civil War Museum
- Kenosha Public Museum
- Kenosha History Center
- Kemper Center
- Southport Light Station Museum- with the Southport Lighthouse
- Dinosaur Discovery Museum
- Wilmot Raceway
- Boundless Adventures
- Wilmot Mountain
- and more!
Live theatre productions and standup comedy acts to live music performances and create-your-own art studios, there is much to enjoy by way of nightlife. Bingo, open mic, karaoke, and trivia nights can be found at various restaurants and bars. Also watch for artist receptions, classes, and workshops at museums and art galleries, wine pairing dinners, craft beer release parties, and shopping events.
Learn more in the Nightlife section of our website.
- Tenuta’s Delicatessen and Liquors
- Mars Cheese Castle
- Brat Stop’s Cheese Mart
- Farmers Markets
- Numerous small, locally owned shops in Downtown Kenosha and beyond
- Art Galleries
- Gift Shops inside museums
- Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets
- Watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan
- Explore the Sculpture Walk along the harbor
- Lounge on a beach along Lake Michigan
- Visit a museum
- Play at The Dream Playground at Petzke Park, Kenosha’s inclusive, 100% accessible playground
- Visit an art gallery
- Explore historic districts
- Play at a disc golf course
- Go biking; we havemore than 150 miles of dedicated bike lanes and signed routes in Kenosha County, including the Kenosha County Bike Trail, the Pike Bike Trail, and mountain bike trails at Silver Lake Park
- Watch the bike races at the Washington Park Velodrome, the nation’s oldest operating velodrome
- Enjoy a summer concert in a park
Find more ideas on our FUN 101 list: 101 Things to See & Do in the Kenosha Area for $10 & Under (Many are FREE!).
Our signature annual events include:
- Kenosha Restaurant Week
- Bristol Renaissance Faire
- Wisconsin Marathon
- Kenosha Classic Cruise-In
- Numerous free summertime concert series
View a list of Annual Events HERE>
View Events This Weekend HERE>
View the entire Visit Kenosha Events Calendar HERE>
Frequently Asked Questions
