About Kenosha, Wisconsin

Welcome to Kenosha, a Wisconsin Harbor Town. 

Kenosha County is located in the far southeast corner of the state and is comprised of the City of Kenosha, plus 11 villages and towns that together create a welcoming sense of place for those who live, work, and visit here.

The county stretches from the scenic Lake Michigan shore to the rural countryside. Kenosha is conveniently accessible via Interstate 94/41 and the Metra Union Pacific North Line — which is the train line out of Chicago, Illinois — as well as by boat and by air.

Kenosha is a friendly and affordable destination. You’ll find a variety of indoor and outdoor events, a plethora of locally owned shops and restaurants, and numerous year-round and seasonal attractions. Lodging options include traditional hotels, lakeside rooms, a retro-chic three-bedroom upper flat, historic boutiques with rooftop bars, and a state recreation area for camping.

Among our most attractive features, nearly 90 percent of our Lake Michigan shoreline is publicly accessible, with beaches, parks, biking and walking paths, a sculpture walk, lighthouses and festival places welcoming you. Located just seven miles from the Interstate is Lake Michigan and Downtown Kenosha — with five museums, authentic Electric Streetcars, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and more.

Whether looking for a lakefront travel destination, a weekend getaway, a place between Milwaukee and Chicago to meet friends, or a Great Lake on which to go charter fishing, we invite you to explore Kenosha.

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • Mammoths, electric streetcars, a cheese castle, automotive history including the AMC Gremlin, The Garbage Plate, Orson Welles, Mark Ruffalo, and being the 50 yard line of the Packers and Bears rivalry. More famous people from Kenosha are listed HERE>

  • Yes. Highway 32 in Kenosha is part of The Yellowstone Trail and the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Kenosha is also a Wisconsin Harbor Town, and part of two multi-state water trails: Lake Michigan Water Trail and Fox River Water Trail.

  • Yes. The Metra Commuter Rail system services Chicago to Kenosha and back along its Union Pacific North Line.

  • Kenosha Regional Airport (Kenosha), Mitchell International Airport (Milwaukee), O’Hare International Airport (Chicago), and Midway International Airport (Chicago) are the closest airports. Learn more about how to get to Kenosha HERE>

  • Yes. Wisconsin Coach Lines operates daily shuttles between Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee, as well as Airport Express service to and from Mitchell International Airport (Milwaukee) and O’Hare International Airport (Chicago). There currently are no stops in Kenosha County for train service to Milwaukee.

  • Kenosha is 38 miles south of Milwaukee (approximately 45-minute drive time) and 58 miles north of Chicago (approximately 80-minute drive time).

  • Exit I-94/41 from either the north or south at Highway 158 (Exit 342) and drive east approximately 7 miles.  Highway 158 (also known as 52nd Street) will end at Kenosha’s Lake Michigan Harbor as it intersects with 6th Avenue. This is the central point of Downtown Kenosha.

  • Kenosha has two lighthouses, the North Pier Lighthouse (home to the Kenosha Lighthouse Studio) and the Southport Lighthouse. From May through October, you can climb the Southport Lighthouse and tour its adjacent maritime museum: the Southport Light Station Museum.

  • Yes! For a list, go to THIS PAGE>

  • No pets are allowed on the five City of Kenosha beaches along Lake Michigan.

  • Yes. Grills must be 2 feet off the grass/ground. You must bring your own supplies and any charcoal must be disposed of in the properly labeled can - not trash cans. No grilling is allowed on city beaches.

  • We recommend Brat StopTenuta’s Delicatessen, and Mars Cheese Castle for great selections of Wisconsin cheese and other specialties.

  • A website called Life Balanced Kenosha County captures the essence of living in Kenosha County and serves as an online resource for anyone considering making Kenosha their home. Details about local housing, jobs, schools, and more combine to help residents find a successful balance as they live, work, play, and learn here.

Weather

The Kenosha Area enjoys four distinct and beautiful seasons.

History

An early group of Native Americans originally named Kenosha, Wisconsin...

Our Communities

Kenosha County encompasses the City of Kenosha along with 11 villages...

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