The Kenosha Public Market has found an incredible new home at Kemper Center, transforming a Saturday shopping trip into a full-day destination experience. With expanded grounds, lakefront views, historic architecture, arts programming, and dozens of local vendors, there's never been a better time to visit. In no particular order, here are a bunch of reasons to check it out!
1. Shop in One of Kenosha's Most Beautiful Settings
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Kemper Center offers breathtaking lake views, mature trees, gardens, and historic buildings that create a market atmosphere unlike any other in Southeast Wisconsin. It’s actually a Kenosha County Park – so enjoy the day at the park!
2. Explore Kenosha's Historic Landmark Campus
Kemper Center is more than a venue—it's one of Kenosha's most treasured historic properties. Visitors can stroll the 17.5-acre campus, admire the Civil War-era Durkee Mansion, historic chapel, and beautifully preserved architecture while enjoying the market.
3. Visit the Anderson Arts Center
Make your market trip a cultural outing by stopping inside the Anderson Arts Center. The gallery hosts rotating exhibits featuring local, regional, and national artists, adding an artistic experience to your Saturday adventure.
4. Discover More Than 100 Local Vendors
From farm-fresh produce and artisan baked goods to handcrafted gifts, flowers, specialty foods, meats, cheeses, and unique local products, the market is a showcase of the region's best small businesses.
5. Enjoy Expanded Food and Beverage Options
Come hungry. The market features food vendors, prepared meals, outdoor dining spaces, and LakeSide Tap, making it easy to grab breakfast, lunch, or a refreshing beverage while enjoying the lakefront atmosphere.
6. Relax with Live Music by the Lake
Many market days include live entertainment, creating the perfect soundtrack as you browse vendors, enjoy lunch, and spend time with family and friends.
7. More Room to Roam
The spacious Kemper Center grounds provide room for additional vendors, wider walkways, gathering spaces, and future growth, making the shopping experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Community feedback has praised the open layout and ease of navigation. Bring your picnic blanket and grab food to enjoy grass spaces with the family.
8. It's Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly
That’s right, bring the whole family—including your well-behaved four-legged friends. The market welcomes dogs and offers plenty of open space for visitors to enjoy the outdoors together. Vendors offering pet treats and supplies can be found, too, so be sure to get your pal a little something at the market!
9. A Year-Round Community Gathering Place
With outdoor market days from May through October and indoor markets held inside historic Kemper Center spaces during the winter months, the Kenosha Public Market is now truly a year-round destination. It’s a great place to meet people, connect with community organizations, and catch up with friends. Never underestimate the power of a cup of coffee and a fresh pastry on a Saturday morning!
10. Experience Fellowship, Food, Fun, Art, and History in One Place
Where else can you shop local, enjoy live music, visit an art gallery, explore historic buildings, grab lunch, and relax by Lake Michigan—all in a single visit? The move to Kemper Center has elevated the Kenosha Public Market from a weekly shopping trip to one of Kenosha's most unique community experiences.
Whether you're searching for fresh food, unique gifts, local art, or simply a beautiful place to spend your Saturday, the Kenosha Public Market at Kemper Center offers something for everyone.
