Fun West of the Interstate

While Lake Michigan and Downtown Kenosha are located east of Interstate 94/41, many fun adventures await you when you head west this summer, as well.

Six parks (plus two dog parks) that fall under the Kenosha County Division of Parks are located west of the Interstate. Have fun at Brighton Dale Park and its 45-hole golf course Brighton Dale Links. Play disc golf at Fox River Park or bring your kayak to take it on the Fox River Water Trail.

Go fishing, hiking, or birdwatching at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park, visit the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park Honor Plaza, or bring your dog to the nearby Warren Close Bark Park.

Old Settlers Park is home to the Rhythm on the Lake Concert Series on Thursday evenings, June 12 to August 21 (with the exception of July 3). It’s also the location of the Harris Family Dog Park. Both Old Settlers Park and Silver Lake Park are known for their beaches. Also go biking and play disc golf at Silver Lake Park. Any park is a great place for a picnic!

Bristol Woods Park has an array of activities: nature programs and events at the Pringle Nature Center, an outdoor aerial adventure park called Boundless Adventures, and Bristol Woodstock on Wednesday evenings, June 11 to August 13. Go hiking at the park. Celebrate International Mud Day there on June 28.

Also in Bristol: Watch for the Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Season to happen at Thompson Farm in June. The dates are dependent on the availability of the strawberries!

Travel back to the 16^th century at Bristol Renaissance Faire. The living history attraction is open every Saturday and Sunday, as well as Labor Day, July 5 through September 1. Also, a new attraction has opened in Bristol: the Hansen Park Beer Garden off of Highway 45.

Head to Twin Lakes for the free Aquanut Water Shows on Lake Mary. The shows are at 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Wednesdays, starting May 24. Also see the group perform as part of the Libertyfest Parade and Fireworks celebration on July 5.

Twin Lakes is also known for the Country Thunder Music Festival. The headliners this year include Cole Swindell, Hardy, Jelly Roll, and Dierks Bentley. They will be joined by many more country artists, July 17-20.

The Kenosha County Fairgrounds in Wilmot is busy with events this summer: numerous race nights at the on-site Wilmot Raceway, the Monster Truck Throwdown on June 1, a rodeo on June 22, PROST! Das Fest Wisconsin (July 18-20), and the Kenosha County Fair (August 13-17).

Wilmot Flea Market is at the fairgrounds each Sunday through October 12 (except for August 10, 17). Did you know there’s even a campground on the fairgrounds?

Here’s another fun fact: you can take a guided tour at Paris Deer Park on weekends in June. You can feed the animals on this 30-to-45-minute tour that’s for all ages! Meet reindeer, mule deer, sika deer, and some other familiar animals. Make your reservation!

Enjoy fishing and boating on one of the many inland lakes. Go exploring at New Munster Wildlife Area or Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Eat breakfast on a farm when the Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast takes place June 14 at Mighty Grand Dairy.

There are many places to dine and shop in western Kenosha County as well – go to VisitKenosha.com/West to learn more.

Wherever your adventures may lead you in Kenosha County this summer, be sure to take photos and submit your favorite ones to our Picture Your Kenosha Photo Contest!

Previously published in Smart Reader (a Kenosha publication produced by Happenings Magazine) – May 22, 2025 issue